A new national survey from Mortgage Professionals Canada suggests most recent homebuyers could not have entered the housing market without outside financial help.
According to the organization’s 2025 State of the Housing Market survey, conducted by Bond Brand Loyalty, 70% of Canadians who purchased a home in the past two years say they would not have been able to buy without assistance with their down payment. The findings highlight the growing role of family gifts, loans and other financial support in helping buyers enter an increasingly expensive housing market.
The survey, based on responses from 2,000 Canadians, points to mounting affordability pressure and growing anxiety among mortgage holders. Nearly three-quarters (74%) of borrowers are expected to renew their mortgages within the next three years, and one in five say they feel anxious about their upcoming renewal.
Despite recent interest rate volatility, fixed-rate mortgages remain the most popular option, preferred by 68% of borrowers. Variable-rate mortgage holders, however, were almost twice as likely to make additional payments, and younger borrowers were more likely to increase their payment frequency to manage costs.
The research also found stronger satisfaction among Canadians who worked with mortgage brokers, with broker clients reporting higher confidence in their mortgage decisions and greater satisfaction with the advice they received compared with borrowers who went directly to a bank.
Housing costs are also influencing how Canadians approach homeownership. More than 70% of homeowners say they have recently completed renovations or plan to renovate, while a growing number report that rental income is necessary to help offset mortgage expenses.
At the same time, concern about mortgage fraud is rising. Thirty-four percent of Canadians say they are highly concerned about mortgage fraud, up from 29% last year, and 85% believe stronger safeguards are needed. Support is also increasing for allowing mortgage professionals to verify borrower income directly with the Canada Revenue Agency, with 57% of respondents now in favour of the measure.
Industry leaders say the findings reflect the increasing complexity of the mortgage market and the growing need for professional guidance as Canadians navigate affordability challenges and upcoming renewals.
The full 2025 State of the Housing Market report is available here.
Source: Mortgage Professionals Canada (https://mortgageproscan.ca/news-publications/overview/all-news/2025/08/29/canadians-say-down-payment-help-is-no-longer-a-nice-to-have-but-essential-for-many-new-mpc-survey-shows)