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TORONTO — A new survey reveals how Canadians feel about the housing crisis and indicates homeowners and renters are reaching a breaking point when it comes to juggling the increased cost of living including housing.

According to the 2023 Affordable Housing Survey findings by Habitat for Humanity Canada, for the second year in a row, lack of housing affordability ranks as a top concern for Canadians alongside inflation and access to health care. 

The survey also shows:

• Half of Canadians (49 per cent) are spending 50 per cent or more of their household income on housing costs. For Canadians aged 18 to 34, those spending 50 per cent or more of their household income on housing costs jumps to 64 per cent.
• Over half of Canadians (58 per cent) worry about sacrificing basic needs like food, living essentials, clothing and education to afford their rent or mortgage payments.
• The overwhelming majority (92 per cent) believe there is a shortage of affordable housing in Canada, and 94 per cent feel the goal of owning a home is becoming more difficult to reach.
• Over half (58 per cent) worry about their children being able to afford a home in the future.

• Half of Canadians (48 per cent) aged 18 to 24 worry about getting evicted because they can’t afford their rent or mortgage, and half (50 per cent) are worried about getting “renovicted.”
• Nine in 10 Canadians believe the cost of housing will only continue to rise.
• Two-thirds of Canadians (69 per cent) disagree with the statement that there isn’t much that can be done to deal with Canada’s housing problems.

• Two-thirds (64 per cent) of Canadians agree immigration is essential to getting the trades and labour we need to build more housing.
• Two-thirds (67 per cent) also believe the private sector has a role to play in the creation of more affordable housing.

“Despite the increasing challenges facing Canadians, the survey results indicate that Canadians believe action can be taken to tackle our housing issues,” said Julia Deans, president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada, in a statement. “At Habitat for Humanity Canada, we share this belief. The housing crisis can be solved. And everyone has a role to play – governments, financial institutions and investors, home builders, and citizens. We must work together to build more, build faster, and invest in all parts of the housing continuum to ensure affordability for all. Strong, healthy communities start with safe and affordable housing.”