The Harris Poll Canada study commissioned by Scotiabank says more than half of Canadians planning to buy their first home in the next five years feel that doing so is currently out of reach.
Around 62% of potential first-time buyers cite the current economic environment as a factor negatively impacting their finances and delaying buying plans.
Other top concerns include affordability at 56%, followed by uncertainty about the future at 47% and fear of making the wrong decision at 43%.
Meanwhile, nearly half of potential first-time buyers say their mortgage decisions are being influenced by worries about job stability, compared with 28% of other Canadians.
Around 92% of first-time buyers surveyed say they find the homebuying process confusing, compared with 68% of Canadians overall.
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Last modified: December 5, 2025