Mom and Dad to the Rescue

Marci • September 5, 2017

With housing affordability  declining  across Canada, one trend is on the rise: parents are increasingly helping their adult children when it comes to housing.

That assistance is coming in the form of cash gifts/loans for today’s growing down payments, and also from parents providing shelter to their adult children under their own roof.

New data released from the  2016 census  shows that more than one-third (34.7%) of young adults aged 20 to 34 are now living with their parents, having either left at some point and returned, or never left at all.

That number has been increasing steadily since 2001 when 30.6% of young adults were living with at least one parent.

Among those aged 30-34, the percentage co-residing with a parent rose from 11.2% in 2011 to 13.5% in 2016.

Unsurprisingly, areas that have seen rapid home price increases report higher instances of young adults living at home.

Ontario saw the highest percentage of all the provinces, with 42.1% of those aged 20-34 living at home—up from 35% in 2001. That means more than two in five young adults in the province now live with their parents.

And of the 35 census metropolitan areas, Toronto and Oshawa reported nearly half (47.4% and 47.2%, respectively) of young adults living at home.

While it may be tempting to link this increase strictly to rising home prices, the census offers no concrete explanation.

In an interview with Global News, senior Statistics Canada analyst Jonathan Chagnon said it can be due to a combination of factors. “…for British Columbia and Ontario, these are regions where we see a lot of immigrants, so that could be part of cultural differences,” he told Global. “(But) these are also regions where the price of housing is really high.”

The “Bank of Mom and Dad”

For those who aren’t providing shelter, many parents are contributing financially towards the down payments of their children.

A recent  CIBC poll  indicated that a full 76% of parents would offer financial support to help their child move out, marry or live with a partner. And despite a significant percentage of adult children currently living at home, a majority of parents (65%) said they would prefer to give a financial gift rather than have their child and spouse/partner live with them.

The poll found that the national average gift size was $24,125. For those with household incomes over $100,000, that figure nearly doubled to $40,558, with as many as 25% giving their kids more than $50,000.

In Mortgage Professionals Canada’s annual  fall survey , author Will Dunning noted that down payment assistance for first-time buyers from their parents has trended above its historical average in recent years.

For many years, “funds from parents and other family members (in the form of loans and gifts) have been a small part of down payments, averaging 14% for all first-time buyers,” he wrote. “This share was stable until recently, rising to 18% for recent buyers (2014 to 2016).”

However, he cautioned against drawing the conclusion that this source of funds from the “Bank of Mom and Dad” has become an important driver of home-buying.

“The suggestion is that, in a more expensive housing market, parents are increasingly helping their children with down payments, via gifts and loans: the children need larger down payments; because the value of the parental home has increased rapidly during the past decade and a half, the parents are in a better position to assist the children,” he noted. “The data indicates that there is truth to the suggestion that parents are providing more help, but it also shows that this help is less significant than may be imagined (in terms of driving house sales).”

Additional Tidbits

Some other key findings from the census included:

  • From 2001 to 2016, when the share of young adults living at home increased, the share of young adults living with their own family decreased from 49.1% to 41.9%.
  • The proportion of young adults with other living arrangements (without their parents or their own family) also rose, from 20.3% in 2001 to 23.4% in 2016. These arrangements include living alone, with other relatives or with roommates.
  • More men than women aged 20 to 34 lived with their parents: five men for every four women, even though the proportion of young women living with their parents rose twice as quickly as that of men over the preceding 15 years.
  • How Canada compares to other countries in the proportion of young adults living at home:
    • United States (ages 18 to 34): 34.1% in 2016
    • Australia (ages 18 to 34): 30% in 2011
    • European Union (ages 18 to 29): 48% in 2012

 

This article was written by Steve Huebl and was originally published on Canadian Mortgage Trends on Aug 9, 2017 under the title Sky-high House Prices? Parents to the Rescue!

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Why a Mortgage Pre-Approval Protects Both Your Head and Your Heart

By Marci Deane • November 19, 2025
Why a Mortgage Pre-Approval Protects Both Your Head and Your Heart There’s no denying it—buying a home is an emotional journey. In a competitive market, it can feel like you need to stretch beyond your comfort zone or bid above asking just to have a chance. That pressure can make it hard to separate what you want from what you can realistically afford. One of the biggest pitfalls buyers face is falling in love with a home that’s outside their price range. Once that happens, every other property seems like a compromise—even the ones that might have been a perfect fit otherwise. The best way to avoid this heartache? Get pre-approved before you start shopping. What a Pre-Approval Does for You A mortgage pre-approval gives you more than just a number—it provides clarity, confidence, and protection: Know your buying power : Shop within your true price range and avoid disappointment. Spot potential roadblocks : Uncover issues like credit bureau errors before you make an offer. Get organized : Learn exactly what documentation you’ll need so there are no surprises. Lock in a rate : Many lenders hold your rate for 30–120 days, giving you peace of mind if rates rise. Save yourself heartache : Protect yourself from falling for a home you can’t afford. Head vs. Heart Buying a home is about balance. Your head tells you what’s financially sound, your heart tells you what feels right—and both matter. A pre-approval helps bring those two sides together, so you can make confident choices without emotional stress clouding your judgment. The Bottom Line Looking at properties for fun is one thing—but if you’re serious about buying, a pre-approval is the smartest first step you can take. It sets realistic expectations, saves time, and protects your emotions along the way. If you’d like to explore your options and get pre-approved, I’d be happy to walk through the process with you. Let’s make sure you’re ready to shop with confidence.

Co-Signing a Mortgage in Canada: Pros, Cons & What to Expect

By Marci Deane • November 12, 2025
Co-Signing a Mortgage in Canada: Pros, Cons & What to Expect Thinking about co-signing a mortgage? On the surface, it might seem like a simple way to help someone you care about achieve homeownership. But before you sign on the dotted line, it’s important to understand exactly what co-signing means—for them and for you. You’re Fully Responsible When you co-sign, your name is on the mortgage—and that makes you just as responsible as the primary borrower. If payments are missed, the lender won’t only go after them; they’ll come after you too. Missed payments or default can damage your credit score and put your financial health at risk. That’s why trust is key. If you’re going to co-sign, make sure you have a clear picture of the borrower’s ability to manage payments—and consider monitoring the account to protect yourself. You’re Committed Until They Can Stand Alone Co-signing isn’t temporary by default. Even once the initial mortgage term ends, you won’t automatically be removed. The borrower has to re-qualify on their own, and only then can your name be taken off. If they don’t qualify, you stay on the mortgage for another term. Before agreeing, talk openly about expectations: How long might you be on the mortgage? What’s the plan for eventually removing you? Having these conversations upfront prevents surprises later. It Affects Your Own Borrowing Power When lenders calculate your debt service ratios, the co-signed mortgage counts as your debt—even if you never make a payment on it. This could reduce how much you’re able to borrow in the future, whether it’s for your own home, an investment property, or even refinancing. If you see another mortgage in your future, you’ll want to consider how co-signing could limit your options. The Upside: Helping Someone Get Ahead On the positive side, co-signing can be life-changing for the borrower. You could be helping a family member or friend buy their first home, start building equity, or take an important step forward financially. If handled with clear expectations and trust, it can be a meaningful way to support someone you care about. The Bottom Line Co-signing a mortgage comes with both risks and rewards. It’s not a decision to take lightly, but with careful planning, transparency, and professional advice, it can be done responsibly. If you’re considering co-signing—or want to explore safer alternatives—let’s connect. I’d be happy to walk you through what to expect and help you decide if it’s the right move for you.

Everything You Need to Know About Mortgage Financing in Canada

By Marci Deane • November 5, 2025
For most Canadians, buying a home isn’t possible without a mortgage. And while getting a mortgage may seem straightforward—borrow money, buy a home, pay it back—it’s the details that make the difference. Understanding how mortgages work (and what to watch out for) is key to keeping your borrowing costs as low as possible. The Basics: How a Mortgage Works A mortgage is a loan secured against your property. You agree to pay it back over an amortization period (often 25 years), divided into shorter terms (ranging from 6 months to 10 years). Each term comes with its own interest rate and rules. While the interest rate is important, it’s not the only thing that determines the true cost of your mortgage. Features, penalties, and flexibility all play a role—and sometimes a slightly higher rate can save you thousands in the long run. Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Mortgage How long will you stay in the property? Your timeframe helps determine the right term length and product. Do you need flexibility to move? If a work transfer or lifestyle change is possible, portability may be important. What are the penalties for breaking the mortgage early? This is one of the biggest factors in the real cost of borrowing. A low rate won’t save you if breaking costs you tens of thousands. How are penalties calculated? Some lenders use more borrower-friendly formulas than others. It’s not easy to calculate yourself—get professional help. Can you make extra payments? Prepayment privileges allow you to pay off your mortgage faster, potentially saving years of interest. How is the mortgage registered on title? Some registrations (like collateral charges) can limit your ability to switch lenders at renewal without extra costs. Which type of mortgage fits best? Fixed, variable, HELOCs, or even reverse mortgages each have their place depending on your financial and life situation. What’s your down payment? A larger down payment could reduce or eliminate mortgage insurance premiums, saving thousands upfront. Why the Lowest Rate Isn’t Always the Best Choice It’s tempting to chase the lowest rate, but mortgages with rock-bottom pricing often come with restrictive terms. For example, saving 0.10% on your rate may put a few extra dollars in your pocket each month, but if the mortgage has harsh penalties, you could end up paying thousands more if you break it early. The goal isn’t just the lowest rate—it’s the lowest overall cost of borrowing . That’s why it’s so important to look beyond the headline number and consider the whole picture. The Bottom Line Mortgage financing in Canada is about more than rate shopping. It’s about aligning your mortgage with your financial goals, lifestyle, and future plans. The best way to do that is to work with an independent mortgage professional who can walk you through the fine print and help you secure the product that truly keeps your costs low. If you’d like to explore your options—or review your current mortgage to see if it’s really working in your favour—let’s connect. I’d be happy to help.