Due to lack of income, many Quebec tenants are not planning to become homeowners in the short term

Although the desire to become a homeowner remains strong for many Quebec renters, their intentions to buy are hampered by a number of factors. For the province’s renters, rising property prices, the increase in interest rates over the past two years, and the lack of available properties that makes the market highly competitive for buyers – especially those preparing to acquire their first property – are all obstacles that make getting a foot on the property ladder a challenge. These are the findings of a new Royal LePage survey of 742 Quebec renters.¹

The desire to become a homeowner held back by finances

Only 22% of Quebec renters plan to buy a property in the next two years. Of these, less than half (40%) believe that when the time comes to buy, they will be able to afford housing in their current city of residence. Meanwhile, 34% of Montreal respondents who wish to become homeowners within the next two years believe they will be able to afford to buy in their city.

The survey also shows that 45 % of Quebec renters surveyed say that rent payments represent more than 30% of their net income, limiting their ability to save for a down payment.

“The results of this survey highlight the challenges faced by Quebec renters in the current context of a housing supply shortage,” said Geneviève Langevin, residential and commercial real estate broker, Royal LePage Altitude, in Montreal. “However, the desire to become a homeowner persists for many, despite the financial obstacles, which is encouraging since this trend will continue to put pressure on public policy-makers to create housing that meets demand and population growth.”

The prospect of buying elsewhere

Among Quebec respondents who don’t believe they will be able to buy a home in their current location, a third (33%) say they will have to look for a property within 31 to 50 kilometers, and 21% believe they will have to travel more than 50 kilometers from their current home to buy within their budget. This trend shows that renters are willing to compromise on location to realize their dream of home ownership.

Among nearly six in ten (58%) Quebec renters who don’t plan to buy a property in the next two years, half (51%) don’t believe their incomes would allow them to buy a property in their coveted neighbourhood.

“This data highlights the economic challenges and financial pressures facing Quebec tenants. The situation is prompting some of them to consider alternative solutions, such as moving to another neighbourhood or city to gain access to home ownership,” said Langevin.

Solutions and recommendations

Langevin stresses the importance of being well-prepared to succeed in buying a property in this competitive market where the supply of housing is limited.

“The process of buying your first property can seem daunting, especially in such a competitive market where the limited number of properties causes constant upward pressure on prices,” said Langevin. “The best way to succeed in entering the real estate market is to be well prepared.”

She recommends clients surround themselves with professionals, such as a real estate broker, a mortgage representative or broker, and a financial advisor, to guide potential buyers through the various stages of property purchase. Mortgage pre-qualification is also essential to demonstrate a buyer’s seriousness.