Canadians love where they live; liveability important to Canadian homebuyers according to report

• 89 per cent of Canadians would recommend their neighbourhoods to others
• Major Canadian cities are a beacon for liveability

TORONTO and KELOWNA, BC, May 2, 2019 /CNW/ - Canadians love where they live. They genuinely celebrate the liveability factors — the qualities that give each homeowner the true satisfaction of his/her home within the context of a neighbourhood — when it comes to choosing a property to buy and live in. In fact, 89 per cent of Canadians would recommend their neighbourhood to others according to a recent RE/MAX survey conducted by Leger.

The latest RE/MAX report examined a variety of quality of life factors and how they impact Canadians' home-buying decisions.

Canadians love where they live; liveability important to Canadian homebuyers according to report (CNW Group/RE/MAX Canada)

"Housing is often a contentious topic in Canada, with affordability and inventory being persistent problems from coast to coast," says Christopher Alexander, Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Ontario-Atlantic Canada. "However, when buyers are looking for a home, the search begins at the neighbourhood level. And the good news is that Canadians have lots of choice when it comes to 'liveable' cities and neighbourhoods."

Six-in-10 Canadians put easy access to shopping, dining and green spaces at the top of their liveability criteria. Proximity to public transit (36 per cent), work (30 per cent) and to preferred schools (18 per cent), as well as cultural and community centres (18 per cent) fall out of the top five neighbourhood wants and expectations.

The proximity and availability of these liveability factors is so important that Canadians spend more than two-thirds of their time in their own neighbourhood. This rate is higher among Baby Boomers compared to Gen Z, Millennial and Gen X Canadians.

"While price and value are always top of mind for buyers, there are some aspects about a home that you can't change," says Alexander. "These liveability factors are what make your home more than just the place you live. They are at the heart of the Canadian experience, especially when you consider the survey results."

A separate survey of RE/MAX brokers based in major city centres revealed that all cities ranked high in at least one of the following liveability factors:

• Availability of work/access to employment opportunities
• Availability of public transit
• Access to green spaces and parks
• Availability of big and small retail stores
• Economic development
• Population growth
• Number of top rated/preferred schools
• Housing supply
• Housing affordability
• Access to healthcare facilities
• Easy access to bike lanes and/or walking paths

RE/MAX brokers were asked to tap into their neighbourhood expertise and rate their city on each liveability factor. Brokers in 10 out of 15 markets ranked access to green space as high, including Ottawa, London, Winnipeg, Saskatoon, Edmonton, Calgary, Victoria and Nanaimo. While housing affordability ranked as low in Toronto and Vancouver, it is either medium or high in every other market, with Ottawa, Hamilton, London, Winnipeg, Edmonton and Calgary offering high levels of affordability.

In the west, Calgary ranked high in seven out of 11 categories, including offering good access to employment opportunities, population growth, housing supply, housing affordability and easy access to bike lanes and/or walking paths. Confederation and Nose Hill Park are two of the most popular parks in the city and the Rotary Mattamy Greenway is the cycling equivalent to the ring road. Inglewood, Hillhurst and Charleswood rank as the top three all-around liveable neighbourhoods. Edmonton also ranked high in access to employment opportunities, number of top rated/preferred schools and easy access to bike lanes and/or walking paths.

"Despite reports of slowing economic conditions and a relatively flat real estate market in Alberta, Calgary and Edmonton shine as beacons of liveability," says Elton Ash, Regional Executive Vice President, RE/MAX of Western Canada. "This is a promising sign for any buyers considering a purchase in either city as they continue to develop as liveable cities in their own right."

Toronto ranked medium for access to green spaces and parks but high for availability of big and small retail stores, population growth and access to healthcare facilities. The neighbourhoods that rated highest for access to green space and parks – Rosedale, Leaside and The Beaches – are also the most expensive. Conversely, Toronto's most affordable neighbourhoods include parts of Scarborough and East York.

Vancouver ranked medium for availability of big and small retail stores, population growth and housing supply. However, it ranked high in availability of public transit, where the Skytrain and bus system prove exceptional; and walkability, especially in Yaletown. Main, West End and Kerrisdale are the top three all-around liveable neighbourhoods in Vancouver while Mount Pleasant, Downtown-Vancouver West, and Renfrew-Collingwood are the most affordable.

Other regions include Ottawa, where The Glebe neighbourhood is the best for walkability and public transit; Halifax, where Clayton park boasted high inventory; Hamilton, where Beasley was best for affordability; Winnipeg, where Transcona is a hidden gem neighbourhood; Saskatoon, where Nutana is the all-around best neighbourhood for liveability; and Nanaimo, where Central Nanaimo is best for affordability.

"Liveability encompasses the many intangibles when buying and selling a home than an algorithm will never sufficiently capture. You need word of mouth and the on-the-ground expertise of a REALTOR® who has genuine locale knowledge like few others," adds Ash.

Key findings from the 2019 RE/MAX Liveability Report Survey

• Canadians value the neighbourhoods they live in - in fact, a whopping 89 per cent would recommend their neighbourhoods to others
• Six-in-10 Canadians enjoy proximity to shopping, dining and green spaces where they live
• Shopping/Dining
• Proximity to big and small retail stores: 42 per cent
• Proximity to shops: 37 per cent
• Proximity to restaurants: 31 per cent
• Green Space/Paths
• Access to green spaces and parks: 40 per cent
• Proximity to green spaces: 31 per cent
• Easy access to bike lanes and/or walking paths: 23 per cent
• Proximity to public transit: 36 per cent
• Proximity to work: 30 per cent
• Proximity to preferred schools: 18 per cent
• Proximity to cultural and community centres: 18 per cent
• Canadians spend more than two-thirds of their time in their own neighbourhood
• This is higher for boomers than Gen Z, Millennials and Gen X

Regional Summaries

Halifax

Downtown Dartmouth, North End Halifax and Clayton Park rank as the top three neighbourhoods in Halifax for access to green spaces and parks, walkability, retail and restaurants and the ease of getting around/public transit. Downtown Dartmouth ranks as the top hidden gem neighbourhood for its unique amenities like access to ferry transportation and a multisport stadium.

Ottawa

Mooney's Bay, Downtown Ottawa and The Glebe rank as the top three neighbourhoods in Ottawa for access to green spaces and parks, walkability, retail and restaurants and the ease of getting around/public transit. Crystal Beach ranks as the top hidden gem neighbourhood, while Orleans, Barrhaven and Blackburn Hamlet rank as the top three neighbourhoods for affordability and good supply of housing inventory.

Toronto

In Toronto, the downtown core (south of Bloor Street) reigns supreme for proximity to public transit and walkability. When it comes to access to green spaces, Midtown has a variety of options to choose from, specifically North Riverdale and Leaside. For walkability, Davisville, Yonge and Eglington and Leslieville top the list. The Western Region of Scarborough is the hidden gem in the city offering great liveability and affordable housing.

Brampton 

The neighbourhoods of Heartlake, Sandringham and Fletchers Meadow rank as the top three for access to green spaces, walkability, access to retail shops/restaurants as well as public transit. Of the three, Sandringham also has a high housing supply. Vales of Castlemore ranks as a hidden gem neighbourhood due to housing affordability of its larger size property supply.

Mississauga

Port Credit, Streetsville and Cooksville rank as the top three neighbourhoods in Mississauga for access to green spaces and parks, walkability, access to retail stores and restaurants, and public transit. Mineola, Lakeview ranks as the top hidden gem neighbourhood. Lakeview also ranks high in affordability. When it comes to affordability and housing supply, the City Centre, Erin Mills and Cooksville top the list.

Hamilton

Meadowlands, Beasley and Sydenham rank as the top three neighbourhoods in Hamilton for access to green spaces and parks, walkability, retail and restaurants and the ease of getting around by car and public transit. Sydenham ranks as the top hidden gem neighbourhood in Hamilton for its supply of both high rises and detached homes, attracting both retirees and growing families.

Kitchener-Waterloo

Doon, Stanley Park and Beachwood rank as the top three neighbourhoods in Kitchener-Waterloo for access to green spaces and parks, walkability, retail and restaurants and the ease of getting around/public transit. The downtown areas for both Kitchener and Waterloo boast affordable options and good supply of inventory.

London

London's neighbourhoods of Byron, Lambeth and Old South London rank as the top three for access to green spaces and parks, walkability, retail and restaurants and the ease of getting around/public transit. Lambeth ranks as the top hidden gem neighbourhood, while Carling Heights, White Oaks and Southcrest rank as the top three neighbourhoods for affordability and good supply of housing inventory.

Winnipeg

Winnipeg's neighbourhoods of Bridgwater Lakes, River Heights and West Kildonan rank as the top three for access to green spaces and parks, walkability, retail and restaurants and the ease of getting around/public transit. Transcona ranks as the top hidden gem neighbourhood, while River Park South, Sargent Park and Saint James rank as the top three neighbourhoods for affordability and good supply of housing inventory.

Saskatoon

Nutana, Stonebridge and City Park rank as the top three neighbourhoods in Saskatoon for access to green spaces and parks, walkability, retail and restaurants and the ease of getting around/public transit. Caswell ranks as the top hidden gem neighbourhood, while it, Riversdale and Exhibition rank as the top three neighbourhoods for affordability and good supply of housing inventory.

Edmonton

Old Strathcona, Oliver and Westmount rank as the top three neighbourhoods in Edmonton for access to green spaces and parks, walkability, retail and restaurants and the ease of getting around/public transit. Summerside ranks as the top hidden gem neighbourhood, while Oliver, Clareview and Hudson rank as the top three neighbourhoods for affordability and good supply of housing inventory.

Calgary

Calgary's Inglewood, Hillhurst and Charleswood areas rank as the top three all-around liveable neighbourhoods for access to green spaces and parks, walkability, access to retail stores and restaurants and ease of getting around/public transit. North Haven Upper, Renfrew, Chinook and Meadowgate Park rank as the top hidden gem neighbourhoods to housing supply, affordability and liveability factors.

Vancouver

Main, West End and Kerrisdale rank as the top three neighbourhoods in Vancouver for access to green spaces and parks, walkability, retail and restaurants and the ease of getting around/public transit. Main ranks as the top hidden gem neighbourhood, while Mount Pleasant, Downtown-Vancouver West, and Renfrew-Collingwood rank as the top three neighbourhoods for affordability and good supply of housing inventory.

Victoria

Victoria Core, Saanich and Westshore rank as the top three neighbourhoods in Victoria for access to green spaces and parks, walkability, retail and restaurants and the ease of getting around/public transit. Estevan Village in Oak Bay ranks as the top hidden gem neighbourhood, while Langford, Colwood and Saanich are the top neighbourhoods for affordability and good supply of housing inventory.

Nanaimo

Lower Lantzville, North Nanaimo and Departure Bay rank as the top three neighbourhoods for access to green spaces and parks, walkability, retail and restaurants and the ease of getting around/public transit. Lower Lantzville ranks as the top hidden gem neighbourhood, while Central Nanaimo, Uplands and Diver Lake rank as the top three neighbourhoods for affordability and good supply of housing inventory.

About Leger
Leger is the largest Canadian-owned full-service market research firm. An online survey of 2003 Canadians (excluding Quebecers) was completed between February 4-10, 2019, using Leger's online panel. LegerWeb. Leger's online panel has approximately 400,000 members nationally and has a retention rate of 90%. A probability sample of the same size would yield a margin of error of +/- 2.2%, 19 times out of 20.

About the 2019 RE/MAX Liveability Report
The 2019 RE/MAX LIVEABILITY Report includes data from RE/MAX brokerages. RE/MAX brokers and agents are surveyed on insights and local developments. Brokers were asked to rate their city on each liveability criteria. A ranking of 1-5 was deemed low, 6-8 was deemed medium and 9-10 was deemed high.

About the RE/MAX Network
RE/MAX was founded in 1973 by Dave and Gail Liniger, with an innovative, entrepreneurial culture affording its agents and franchisees the flexibility to operate their businesses with great independence. Over 125,000 agents provide RE/MAX a global reach of more than 110 countries and territories. RE/MAX is Canada's leading real estate organization with more than 20,000 Sales Associates and over 900 independently-owned and operated offices nationwide. RE/MAX, LLC, one of the world's leading franchisors of real estate brokerage services, is a subsidiary of RE/MAX Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: RMAX). With a passion for the communities in which its agents live and work, RE/MAX is proud to have raised millions of dollars for Children's Miracle Network Hospitals® and other charities. For more information about RE/MAX, to search home listings or find an agent in your community, please visit www.remax.ca.

Forward looking statements
This report includes "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as "believe," "intend," "expect," "estimate," "plan," "outlook," "project" and other similar words and expressions that predict or indicate future events or trends that are not statements of historical matters. These forward-looking statements include statements regarding housing market conditions and the Company's results of operations, performance and growth. Forward-looking statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time those statements are made and/or management's good faith belief as of that time with respect to future events and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual performance or results to differ materially from those expressed in or suggested by the forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, (1) changes in business and economic activity in general, (2) changes in the real estate market, including changes due to interest rates and availability of financing, (3) the Company's ability to attract and retain quality franchisees, (4) the Company's franchisees' ability to recruit and retain real estate agents and mortgage loan originators, (5) changes in laws and regulations that may affect the Company's business or the real estate market, (6) failure to maintain, protect and enhance the RE/MAX and Motto Mortgage brands, (7) fluctuations in foreign currency exchange rates, as well as those risks and uncertainties described in the sections entitled "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") and similar disclosures in subsequent SEC filings. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date on which they are made. Except as required by law, the Company does not intend, and undertakes no duty, to update this information to reflect future events or circumstances.

SOURCE RE/MAX Canada

For further information: and to coordinate interviews, please contact: Danielle Scott, O: 416-934-2127, E: [e-mail]; Lydia McNutt, O: 905-301-5980, E: [e-mail]; Lesley Buick, O: 250-860-3628, E: [e-mail]