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March 2025

5 Roadblocks To Affordable Homeownership (And Ways To Move Past Them)

By GeneralNo Comments

Dreaming of a new home but feeling priced out? You’re not alone! A 2024 survey by Royal LePage found that 46% of Gen-Z and millennial Canadians who don’t already own a home have doubts as to whether they’ll ever be able to afford one.1

According to data from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and Equifax, average monthly payments for new mortgage loans have risen 47% since the second quarter of 2020.2

Nevertheless, homeownership remains a significant value for Canadians, with 84% of 18 to 34-year-olds agreeing that buying a home is a worthwhile investment.1 And if you’re among that number, there are plenty of ways to make your homeownership dreams a reality. 

In this guide, we’ll explore five common roadblocks to affordable homeownership and actionable solutions to help you overcome them. Let’s break down those barriers so you can finally get the home of your dreams!

 

ROADBLOCK #1: I Don’t Have Enough Saved For A Down Payment

Many prospective buyers believe they need a 20% down payment to buy a home. But in reality, there are ways to purchase a home in Canada with as little as 5% down.3 For buyers who qualify, there are a number of programs that can help make a home purchase more accessible

Government-Backed Mortgage Insurance
CMHC mortgage insurance is a great option for buyers who are short on cash. This insurance allows for down payments as low as 5% for homes that cost $500,000 or less. If the home costs between $500,000 and $1.5 million, you’ll need a minimum of 5% down on the first $500,000 and 10% on the remainder.3 This can make homeownership more affordable for those who haven’t saved up enough for a large down payment.

Utilize a Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
If you open an FHSA, you can reduce your taxable income while you save for a down payment. This type of account, which is only available to first-time homebuyers, allows you to save up to $8,000 tax-free the first year, with contribution limits in subsequent years depending on your individual situation. You can save up to $40,000 in an FHSA in total.4 

Maximize the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)
The HBP is a government program that allows first-time homebuyers to withdraw up to $60,000 from their registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs) to buy or build a qualifying home.5 This can be a significant boost to your down payment savings. Be sure you understand the repayment rules and deadlines to avoid any tax penalties.

Explore Provincial Programs
In addition to the HBP, some areas offer programs to assist with down payments, ranging from cash assistance to interest-free loans.6 We can help you research the programs available to see if you qualify.

Family Gifts
Parental support has become increasingly common in Canada. A recent study found that 31% of first-time buyers receive financial help from a family member.7 If you’re fortunate to have family support, be sure to follow the proper procedures to document the gift and ensure it complies with Canada Revenue Agency guidelines.

Existing Home Equity
If you already own a home, you may have more equity than you realize. This equity (or difference between your home’s current value and what you owe on your mortgage) could go toward a down payment on a new property. Wondering how much equity you have in your current home? Reach out for a free home value assessment.

 

ROADBLOCK #2: I Can’t Afford the Monthly Payment

Worried about those monthly mortgage payments? High interest rates and rising costs can make mortgage payments feel daunting. But there are strategies to reduce your monthly burden.

Choose an Extended Amortization Period
The traditional 25-year amortization period for a mortgage isn’t your only option. First-time homebuyers and buyers of new builds qualify for 30-year mortgage amortization, which can help lower your monthly payments, though it also means you’ll be paying off your home longer and will pay more in interest.8

Co-Buy with Family or Friends
A growing number of homebuyers are returning to multigenerational living or are even buying a home with friends.9 This arrangement enables you to cut costs significantly while sharing both the time and financial responsibilities of homeownership. We can help you search for homes that are well suited for your group.

Purchase a Home with Income Potential
You can generate extra income to offset your mortgage payments by purchasing a duplex, renting out a room or an accessory dwelling unit (like a garage apartment), or even listing your property on Airbnb. We work with investors and can help you find a property to meet your goals.

 

ROADBLOCK #3: I Can’t Qualify for a Mortgage

Qualifying for a mortgage can be a stressful process, especially if you have previously faced financial challenges. But you might be pleasantly surprised—there’s a lot you can do to improve your chances of success. 

Boost Your Credit Score
Your credit score is foundational when it comes to getting a mortgage. A higher score typically means a lower interest rate and more options. Take steps to improve your credit by paying bills on time, reducing debt, and checking your credit report for errors.10 Even a small improvement in your score can make a big difference. Pro tip: Avoid opening or closing credit cards or taking out other loans (like car or personal loans) if you plan to start home shopping in the near future. 

Lower Your Debt Service Ratios
Lenders want to be sure that you can afford your monthly mortgage payment alongside any other debts. That’s why they calculate both your gross debt service ratio, or GDS (the percentage of your income that will go towards the cost of a particular property), as well as your total debt service ratio, or TDS (the percentage of your income that goes to all loan payments, including mortgage, car loans, credit cards, etc.)11 Paying down other types of debt, like your car loan, will leave more space in your budget for a monthly mortgage payment. 

Consider Getting a Co-Signer
Having a co-signer with a stronger credit history or more income can strengthen your application, but make sure you (and they) understand the risks and responsibilities involved.12

 

ROADBLOCK #4: I Can’t Find a Home in My Price Range

Feeling frustrated by the lack of affordable homes on the market? Unfortunately, this is a common problem. But with a little flexibility and guidance, it’s possible to find a great property to fit most budgets.

Expand Your Home Search
You may need to search outside your target area. In many markets, home prices vary drastically within the span of miles. Being open to exploring alternative neighbourhoods or those farther from the city centre can open up surprising possibilities. As local market experts, we can help you discover hidden gems and up-and-coming neighbourhoods. Reach out for a complimentary consultation.

Revisit Your Must-Haves
Take a close look at your “must-have” list. Are there any features you can compromise on to expand your options and find a more affordable property? For example, do you really need two bathrooms, or could you settle for a single bathroom with space to add a second one in the future? These types of compromises can sometimes shave tens of thousands off your purchase price. We’re happy to offer our thoughts on the features that you’re likely to find within your budget.

Consider Fixer-Uppers
Looking to cut purchase costs? Don’t shy away from homes that need a little TLC. Fixer-uppers usually come with a lower price tag, and you can personalize the renovations to your taste.13 Just be sure to factor in the cost of repairs and renovations when determining your budget—and to be realistic about your own home repair skills! If you’re interested in exploring fixer-upper opportunities, we can help you identify properties with potential and connect you with reliable contractors.

 

ROADBLOCK #5: I’m Overwhelmed by the Process

Buying a home can feel like navigating a maze. Between searching for properties, securing financing, negotiating contracts, and handling paperwork, the process can quickly become overwhelming. But you don’t have to do it alone! We can simplify every step, helping you stay organized, informed, and confident in your decisions.

Find the Right Home Faster

The sheer number of listings on the market can be daunting, and homes that meet your criteria may not always be easy to find. Our team can:

  • Save you time by narrowing down homes that fit your budget, needs, and lifestyle.
  • Get you access to off-market and pre-listing properties that aren’t widely advertised.
  • Provide insights on local market trends to help you make a competitive offer.


Navigate Financing & Paperwork With Ease
Real estate transactions involve complex contracts, legal documents, and lender requirements. One misstep could delay your purchase—or even cost you your dream home. We will:

  • Help you find down payment assistance that you may not be aware of.
  • Explain mortgage options and connect you with reputable lenders.
  • Ensure all purchase documents are accurate and deadlines are met.

Score the Best Deal
Many buyers worry about overpaying for a home or getting stuck with costly repairs, but we know how to:

  • Use expert negotiation tactics to secure the best possible price.
  • Identify hidden costs so you aren’t caught off guard at closing.
  • Negotiate repairs or seller concessions to save you money.

Streamline Inspections & Closing
The home inspection and closing process can bring last-minute surprises. We avoid these by:

  • Helping you interpret inspection reports and advising on necessary repairs.
  • Coordinating with your lender and other parties to keep everything on track.
  • Preparing you for closing day so you know exactly what to expect.

Benefit From Ongoing Support
Our relationship doesn’t end once you get the keys. We always go the extra mile to:

  • Recommend trusted contractors for renovations and repairs.
  • Help you make strategic upgrades through complimentary real estate consultations.
  • Provide market updates in case you want to refinance or sell later.

The bottom line? You don’t have to navigate this process alone. When you work with us, you’ll have a trusted partner to handle the complexities, answer your questions, and ensure everything goes smoothly from start to finish.

 

LET’S TURN ROADBLOCKS INTO STEPPING STONES TOWARD YOUR DREAM HOME

Buying a home may come with challenges, but none of them are impossible to overcome. With the right strategies, resources, and expert guidance, you can navigate these obstacles with ease.

Whether you’re worried about saving for a down payment, qualifying for a mortgage, or finding the right home in your price range, there are solutions available to help you move forward. The key is to stay informed, explore all your options, and work with professionals who can guide you every step of the way.

Our team is here to help you find the right home, secure the best financing, and negotiate the best deal—without the stress and uncertainty of doing it all yourself. Let’s turn your homeownership dreams into reality. Contact us today to get started!

 


The above references an opinion and is for informational purposes only.  It is not intended to be financial, legal, or tax advice. Consult the appropriate professionals for advice regarding your individual needs.

 

SOURCES:

  1. Royal LePage –
    https://blog.royallepage.ca/gen-zs-and-young-millennials-still-believe-in-home-ownership-and-theyre-willing-to-make-sacrifices-to-achieve-it/ 
  2. CMHC –
    https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/professionals/housing-markets-data-and-research/housing-data/data-tables/mortgage-and-debt/mortgage-consumer-credit-trends-cmas
  3. Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation –
    https://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/consumers/home-buying/mortgage-loan-insurance-for-consumers/what-is-mortgage-loan-insurance 
  4. Government of Canada –
    https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/first-home-savings-account.html 
  5. Government of Canada –
    https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/rrsps-related-plans/what-home-buyers-plan.html 
  6. Loas Canada –
    https://loanscanada.ca/mortgage/down-payment-assistance-programs-in-canada/
  7. Fidelity –
    https://www.fidelity.ca/en/insights/articles/guide-to-home-down-payment/ 
  8. Government of Canada –
    https://www.canada.ca/en/financial-consumer-agency/services/mortgages/mortgage-terms-amortization.html 
  9. CBC –
    https://www.cbc.ca/news/canada/british-columbia/canada-bc-multi-generational-housing-affordable-1.7134448 
  10. Equifax –
    https://www.equifax.ca/personal/education/credit-score/articles/-/learn/how-to-improve-your-credit-scores/ 
  11. Ratehub –
    https://www.ratehub.ca/debt-service-ratios 
  12. Rocket Mortgage –
    https://rocketmortgage.ca/learning-centre/mortgage-basics/cosign-mortgage/
  13. Zoocasa –
    https://www.zoocasa.com/blog/is-a-fixer-upper-right-for-you/

Home-Related Tax Deductions

By GeneralNo Comments

Owning a home is a significant milestone — and one bonus is that it can come with significant tax savings! However, making the most of offerings like the Principal Residence Exemption can be tricky,  and you may not be aware of all available tax-saving strategies. This guide rounds up the information you need about common Canadian home-related tax savings options and requirements for eligibility. 

Buying a Home: Tax Benefits and Programs

The Canadian government offers several programs to make a home purchase more affordable. These include:

Home Buyers’ Amount (HBA)

The HBA is a non-refundable tax credit for first-time home buyers and individuals with disabilities purchasing a home. You can claim up to $10,000 in expenses to get a federal tax credit of up to $1,500 (15% of $10,000).1 This credit can help offset some costs associated with buying a home, such as legal fees and land transfer taxes. To be eligible, you must be considered a first-time home buyer (generally, someone who hasn’t owned a home in the past four years) or meet specific criteria related to disabilities.2 The home must be your primary residence. If you purchase a home with a spouse or partner, only one of you may claim the credit. 

GST/HST New Housing Rebate

If you purchase a newly built home or substantially renovate your existing home, you might be eligible for a GST/HST new housing rebate.3 The maximum federal rebate is $6,300, and the amount you qualify for varies depending on the home’s purchase price or fair market value (for substantial renovations) and other factors.4 Eligibility criteria and rebate amounts vary by province/territory, and some provinces offer substantial additional rebates. For example, Ontario offers rebates of up to $24,000, and does not require the home’s value to be under $425,000 (as is the case for federal rebates). 

Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)

The HBP isn’t a tax deduction or credit, but it allows you to withdraw up to $60,000 (increased significantly in recent years) from your Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) to buy or build a qualifying home without immediate tax penalties.5 If you are buying a home as a couple, you can each withdraw up to $60,000 for a total of $120,000. However, you must repay the withdrawn amount to your RRSP over a 15-year period.
Note that this program is only available to first-time homebuyers or homebuyers with disabilities, and you must already have a written agreement to buy or build a qualifying home at the time of withdrawal.

Homeownership and Taxes

Once you own your home, you may be eligible for specific deductions and credits based on your personal situation. These include:

Home Accessibility Expenses

If you make renovations to your home to improve accessibility for a resident family member who is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit or is over the age of 65, you may be able to claim the Home Accessibility Tax Credit.6 This is a non-refundable tax credit on eligible expenses up to $20,000. The maximum credit you can claim is 15% of eligible expenses, up to a maximum of $20,000. Qualifying expenses can include wheelchair ramps, stair lifts, grab bars, and other modifications that improve mobility or reduce the risk of injury. 

Rental-Related Expenses

If you rent out a portion of your home, you must report the rental income on your tax return.7 However, you can also deduct eligible expenses related to the rental property. While you can’t generally deduct mortgage interest payments from your taxes in Canada for your primary residence, if you rent out part of your home, you can deduct a proportional part of your mortgage interest related to the rental portion.8 You can also deduct a proportionate amount of other eligible expenses, such as repairs, utilities, property taxes, and home insurance, again, only related to the rental portion. It’s critical to keep accurate records of rental income and expenses. 

Deductible expenses can include: 

  • Mortgage Interest: Proportionate mortgage interest for the rented area
  • Property Taxes: Proportionate property taxes for the rented area
  • Home Insurance: Proportionate home insurance premiums for the rented area
  • Utilities: Proportionate costs for electricity, heating fuel, and water used by the tenant
  • Repairs: Cost of repairs to the rented area (e.g., fixing a leaky faucet, repairing a broken window)
  • Maintenance: Regular maintenance costs for the rented area (e.g., cleaning, snow removal)

Non-deductible expenses can include:

  • Mortgage Principal: Mortgage principal payments are not deductible
  • Personal Expenses: Expenses not directly related to the rental activity (e.g., personal use of utilities)
  • Capital Improvements: Expenses that improve or add value to the property (e.g., adding a new deck, renovating the kitchen)
  • Land Transfer Tax: Land transfer tax paid when you purchased the property
  • Depreciation (CCA):While you can claim Capital Cost Allowance (CCA) to deduct a portion of the cost of the building over time, it is not a direct deduction from rental income and and requires complex calculations 

Home Office Expenses

If you work from home, you may deduct the proportion of eligible expenses that relate to your workspace, such as electricity, heating, maintenance, and repairs.9 Note that you can deduct repairs to your home office (and a portion of other eligible home expenses), but you cannot deduct improvements to your home office that increase the value of your property (those would be capital expenses and impact your cost base). 

You must meet specific criteria for your workspace to be considered a home office, such as being required to work from home by your employer (which can include voluntarily entering into a formal telework arrangement with your employer), working more than 50% of the time from the work space for at least 4 consecutive weeks, among other requirements.10  

Selling Your Home and the Principal Residence Exemption (PRE)

In Canada, capital gains from the sale of your principal residence are generally protected thanks to the principal residence exemption (PRE).11 If you buy a home for $300,000 and sell it for $500,000, the $200,000 gain is generally tax-free. However, the gains are only fully tax-free if the home was your primary residence for every year that you owned it. If you rented it out for some years, or if you have designated a different property as your principal residence for certain years, you will likely owe some capital gains tax on the portion of time it was not your principal residence. Designating a property as your principal residence can have complex implications, especially if you have owned multiple properties. It’s crucial to understand the rules and seek professional advice if needed.

Provincial/Territorial Tax Credits and Grants

Many provinces and territories offer their own tax credits and grants for homeowners. These can include incentives for energy-efficient renovations, property tax rebates, or assistance for first-time home buyers. Check your province or territory’s government website for specific programs.

Record-Keeping Tips for Homeowners

Organized records are essential. Keep documents like mortgage statements, property tax bills, and receipts for home improvements readily accessible. Keep both physical and digital copies (scan and save!). Keep all home-related records for as long as you own the home — and it’s always safest to keep digital copies indefinitely. This is especially important for capital improvements as these records are essential for calculating your adjusted cost base when you sell.

Conclusion

Understanding the tax aspects of homeownership is crucial. This guide provides a starting point, but consulting with a tax professional is strongly recommended for personalized advice to ensure you are maximizing your benefits and complying with all tax requirements.

Call to Action: Have questions about real estate or need a referral to a trusted tax advisor? Contact us today!


Note: This information is intended for general guidance only. Tax regulations are subject to change.

 

Source:

  1. TurboTax:
    https://turbotax.intuit.ca/tips/who-can-benefit-from-the-home-buyers-tax-credit-5203?srsltid=AfmBOoreUf0PSqttaeI9rIDlWY2qr9S0RDvqg01VZLDKEfpl6YlME1Yk
  2. Canada Revenue Agency –
    https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/news/newsroom/tax-tips/tax-tips-2025/keys-unlocking-housing-related-tax-savings-filing-season.html
  3. Canada Revenue Agency –
    https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/businesses/topics/gst-hst-businesses/gst-hst-rebates/new-housing-rebate.html
  4. Canada Life –
    https://www.canadalife.com/investing-saving/mortgages/buying-your-first-home/first-time-home-buyer-programs/what-is-the-gst-hst-new-housing-rebate.html
  5. Canada Revenue Agency –
    https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/rrsps-related-plans/what-home-buyers-plan/participate-home-buyers-plan.html
  6. Canada Revenue Agency –
    https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/line-31285-home-accessibility-expenses.html
  7. Canada Revenue Agency –
    https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/forms-publications/publications/t4036/rental-income.html
  8. TurboTax –
    https://turbotax.intuit.ca/tips/tips-for-renting-out-your-house-6375
  9. Canada Revenue Agency –
    https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-taxes/tax-credits-deductions-expenses/work-from-home-expenses.html
  10. Canada Revenue Agency –
    https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/deductions-credits-expenses/line-22900-other-employment-expenses/work-space-home-expenses/who-claim/detailed-method.html
  11. Canada Revenue Agency –
    https://www.canada.ca/en/revenue-agency/services/tax/individuals/topics/about-your-tax-return/tax-return/completing-a-tax-return/personal-income/line-12700-capital-gains/principal-residence-other-real-estate/sale-your-principal-residence.html