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Newcomers to Canada steadily shift from renting to owning homes, typically reaching majority homeownership by their sixth year in the country, according to a recent study by Statistics Canada.
The analysis, based on 2021 census data, highlights how immigrants transition through key housing stages after landing in Canada.
Renting dominates early years
In the first five years after arrival, most immigrants rent their homes.
During this period, housing use—counting both rented and owned homes—stands at around 300 units per 1,000 people.
In the first year alone, only 70 out of 1,000 immigrants live in owned homes, compared to 236 in rented ones. This early phase often focuses on financial stability, building, and savings.
By the sixth year, the number of immigrants living in owned homes overtakes those in rented ones.
The study shows a continuous rise in homeownership between years 5 and 10, with owned housing use increasing from 147 to 218 units per 1,000 people.
This phase reflects growing financial strength and a stronger foothold in the Canadian economy
From year 11 onwards, the pattern remains consistent.
Immigrants continue to move into owned housing, with rental use gradually decreasing.
By the 15th year, 267 per 1,000 immigrants own homes, and this number rises to 321 by the 20th year.
At that point, overall housing use among immigrants surpasses that of the Canadian-born population, reaching 454 units per 1,000 people compared to 397.
Cultural and economic factors at play
The shift in housing patterns is influenced by changes in household structure and financial stability.
Immigrants often begin their journey in shared or extended households.
Over time, as their economic position improves and household sizes reduce, they tend to adopt more individual living arrangements, contributing to higher homeownership rates.
The report notes that economic immigrants, those selected based on job market skills, drive much of this transition due to their higher chances of employment and income growth.
