Survey: 70% of Buyers Now Rely on Help with Down Payments

Canada — July 21, 2025. A new national survey by Mortgage Professionals Canada (MPC) reveals a growing affordability gap for aspiring homeowners. According to the data, 7 in 10 first-time buyers now rely on financial assistance—typically from parents, relatives, or secondary sources—to afford their down payment.
This trend marks a significant shift in the homebuying landscape, with many younger Canadians saying that homeownership is “virtually impossible” without outside help.

Key Survey Findings:

• 70% of first-time homebuyers needed down payment help in 2025
• This figure is up from 52% in 2020 and just 37% in 2016
• Millennials and Gen Z buyers were most likely to rely on parents
• 1 in 4 buyers co-purchased a property with a friend or sibling
• More than half of respondents say they would delay buying if no help was available

What Industry Experts Say

“We’ve gone from down payment help being nice-to-have to absolutely essential,”
says Lauren van den Berg, President & CEO of Mortgage Professionals Canada.

She notes that skyrocketing prices, slow wage growth, and inflation have made it nearly impossible for young Canadians to save up 5% or 10% on their own—especially in markets like Toronto, Vancouver, and Victoria.

Rising Dependence on Co-Buying & Gifts

The survey also highlights:

• Increased co-buying arrangements among friends or cousins
• A rise in gifted down payments from parents
• Use of RRSP withdrawals through the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)

Despite rising home prices, many buyers are stretching their budgets with help—not necessarily changing their housing expectations.

What It Means for Buyers

If you’re planning to buy a home in 2025 or 2026:

• Expect more competition for starter homes
• Secure down payment funds early
• Explore programs like HBP, FHSA, or shared equity loans

Down payment assistance is no longer a luxury—it’s part of the new normal.

The Bank of Canada now warning that mortgage payments could surge by up to 10% in 2025, it’s no surprise that more buyers are turning to family or financial support to cover down payments.”