A new survey shows that most Canadians want single-detached homes and prioritize having a backyard as a priority when considering buying a new house.
A new survey by Wahi, a team of real estate experts, found that having a backyard is the single most important home feature for the majority of Canadians. The survey ranked 27 different housing attributes and amenities.
“More than three-quarters (81 per cent) of Canadians say that if they were in the market for a new home to rent or own, a backyard is important,” reads the survey.
Additionally, a majority of respondents said they wanted a single-family home at 61 per cent, compared to the 24 per cent who said they preferred living in a condo or apartment.
However, Carney’s housing strategy focuses heavily on multi-unit housing and pre-fabricated homes, as well as creating a new government agency called Build Canada Homes, which will be a public-private partnership.
Multi-unit developments typically mean that a backyard either isn’t included, is limited in size or must be shared among residents.
Another cohort of 11 per cent said they weren’t sure, while 4 per cent were considering other options.
Another highly desired feature among Canadians is a separate entrance.
“The results of Wahi’s 2025 What Homeseekers Want Survey don’t just tell us about what kind of homes Canadians prefer, they also speak to underlying demographic trends and, in some cases, affordability issues,” said Wahi CEO Benjy Katchen.
One of Canada’s largest real estate developers, Rob Rennie, recently said that he’s been working with Carney to allow foreign buyers to access a taxpayer-subsidized rental property development fund via the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
“But I’m working with Carney, surprise, and I’m trying to get a rental program in where people buy, put it into a 25-year pool,” said Rennie.
“Get a preferred rate from CMHC and let’s allow foreign buyers to buy it. They have to rent it out for 25 years and it’ll show the world that we’re open for business. Because right now, all our levels of government are showing that we’re not open for business.”
Another important feature for Canadians was to have a “finished basement” which they “strongly preferred” at 42 per cent.
This may in part be due to their desire to rent out a portion of their home to alleviate mortgage costs.
Thirty-nine per cent said that having a parking garage was a desired attribute.
“For those who prefer a condo or apartment, a renovated kitchen and/or bathroom in their unit is the top priority, (68 per cent), followed by a parking garage (53 per cent), and visitor parking (36 per cent),” reads the survey.
“Many condo-seeking Canadians also favoured high-end appliances (33 per cent) and a scenic view (30 per cent), neither of which were high priorities for those interested in a single-family home.”