When is the Perfect Time to Buy a Home? 64% of Canadians Say It Doesn't Exist: RBC Home Ownership Poll
- Economic uncertainty making it harder to navigate the market
- Financial trade-offs intensify as buyers adjust to higher living costs
- RBC provides tailored advice to navigate homebuying and renewal uncertainty
TORONTO, June 23, 2026 /CNW/ - For homebuyers and homeowners, 2026 has become a year of trade-offs, mounting uncertainty and a nagging question: is now the right time to buy? RBC's latest Home Ownership Poll reveals how Canadians are thinking about the market, where confidence is breaking down and where some prospective buyers are seeing opportunity.
"Rising costs and shifting economic conditions have made every step of the homebuying journey feel higher-stakes, and the pressure of whether to act is weighing on Canadians," said Janet Boyle, Senior Vice President of Home Equity Finance, RBC. "While the barriers to home ownership have always existed, how they look has shifted. What hasn't changed is the importance of knowing what's right for you, and it starts with having an honest conversation with an expert who knows your full financial picture."
Four trends emerged from the data and together they help illustrate where Canadians and prospective buyers stand heading into the second half of 2026:
Trend #1: Canadians are divided on the market and whether to act
The housing market looks different depending on where you live, who you ask and how soon they plan to buy. For prospective buyers, uncertainty hasn't disappeared: it just isn't enough to keep them all on the sidelines. The data shows many are interpreting current conditions as a moment to purchase.
- Canadians are divided on market type: Nationally, 27% of respondents see a buyer's market and 36% see a seller's market. Quebec (57%) and Atlantic Canada (52%) are outliers, with majorities in both regions saying it's a seller's market, while B.C. (39%) and Ontario (38%) respondents are most likely to call it a buyer's market.
- Prospective buyers are far more likely to see a window of opportunity: Among those who intend to purchase a home within two years, 45% say now is the right time, versus just 27% for all Canadians polled. The majority also say lower home prices (58%) and interest rates (54%) will finally allow them to buy their first or next home. More than half (53%) also believe there will only be a small window before prices rise again, while 49% expect interest rates to climb this year -- a combination that helps explain why prospective buyers are feeling the pressure to move before conditions shift.
- First-time home buyers see an opening: Almost two-thirds (63%) say the First-Time Home Buyer GST/HST Rebate will help them buy a home sooner, while 52% believe current market conditions are giving first-time home buyers a chance to finally get into the market.
Trend #2: Prospective buyers see the window, but economic uncertainty is weighing on their decision to buy
Economic uncertainty isn't stopping prospective buyers from recognizing the opportunity, but it is clouding their confidence, making an already complex decision harder to navigate.
Among those who intend to buy within two years:
- 75% say economic uncertainty is making them more cautious about buying a home
- 72% believe it's the biggest challenge to buying a home
- 67% are worried it will affect their homebuying plans
"Many of my clients want to buy a home, but economic uncertainty is making it harder to feel confident about timing," said Brad Evjen, Senior Mortgage Specialist, RBC. "Our focus is to help people understand their options and what they can control, to put a plan into place and to feel as confident as possible when the right opportunity presents itself."
Trend #3: Trade-offs surge as cost of living limits savings among buyers
Rising costs are cutting into savings before prospective buyers even reach the trade-off stage, with almost three-quarters (71%) of respondents who intend to buy within two years saying inflation is causing them to save less for a home.
Financial trade-offs to reach home ownership have also risen sharply for this group since the start of the year, including the need to:
- Delay major purchases (69%, up from 54% in January)
- Postpone/scale back vacations (62%, up from 55% in January)
- Completely overhaul their spending and saving habits (60%, up from 55% in January)
- Put some of their retirement savings towards buying a home (53%, up from 49% in January)
Among all respondents, 78% believe home ownership requires more sacrifices today than for previous generations and three-quarters (74%) say most buyers will experience some level of financial shock when they purchase their first home.
Trend #4: Uncertainty is part of the journey. The right advisor helps you move through it.
Prospective buyers and Canadians approaching mortgage renewal are facing a complex market, and the confidence gap reflects that.
Among those intending to purchase a home within the next two years, fewer than half (49%) feel confident making homebuying decisions in today's market, and only a slim majority (56%) say they have the information they need.
The same gap exists for homeowners who will be renewing their mortgage within the next two years with just 44% saying they feel confident making decisions about their mortgage. At the same time, while 65% believe their household could absorb any rate increase, nearly one-in-five (18%) admit they have not considered what they could afford if rates rise.
Against this backdrop, the appetite for guidance is clear: four-in-five (82%) prospective buyers and homeowners approaching mortgage renewal say expert advice is essential when navigating major home ownership decisions.
"Today, Canadians are being asked to make one of the largest financial decisions of their lives with a lot of unknowns, and it's normal to feel overwhelmed by it," adds Boyle. "But no one should have to navigate that alone. The right information, the right tools and a plan built around your goals can take a lot of that uncertainty off the table."
For buyers navigating today's market, Boyle adds that there are three questions that can help cut through the uncertainty.
- How do I know when it is the right time to buy a home in today's market?
The right time to buy is when it makes sense for your financial situation. Start by understanding what you can afford, creating a savings plan and thinking about how home ownership fits into your long-term goals. A mortgage pre-approval can clarify your borrowing power and help you act quickly when the right home comes along. An RBC Mortgage Specialist can also help you assess your readiness and build a plan tailored to your situation. - How do rising interest rates and home prices affect my decision to buy?
Rising rates increase borrowing costs, which can affect how much you qualify for and what you'll pay each month. Higher home prices mean a larger down payment and mortgage. But market conditions are just one part of the equation. Your income, savings and long-term goals matter just as much. Getting expert advice can help you understand how today's environment affects your options and what makes the most sense for your situation. - How do I find the right homebuying and mortgage advice for my situation?
Start with a conversation with a trusted financial partner. RBC Mortgage Specialists work with you one-on-one to understand your goals and your finances, build a plan and recommend mortgage solutions that work for you. Whether you are buying a home or approaching renewal, personalized advice from a trusted expert is a great way to move forward with confidence.
RBC resources to help with your homebuying and mortgage renewal journey:
- A new partnership between REALTOR.ca and RBC brings together trusted homebuying advice and financial education to help Canadians make more confident home ownership decisions
- Explore your options and connect with an RBC Mortgage Specialist at RBC Mortgages
- Find out if you are pre-approved for a mortgage or estimate the value of your home quickly with RBC's Digital Pre-Approval Calculator and Home Value Estimator
- Find helpful resources, tools and advice on mortgages, renewals and homebuying at RBC My Money Matters
Fast Facts: RBC Home Ownership Poll (Selected Findings)
"AGREE" RESPONSE | INTEND TO | CAN | BC | AB | MB/ SK | ON | QC | ATL |
You can never really know when the right time is to buy a home | 67 % | 64 % | 70 % | 63 % | 67 % | 64 % | 61 % | 64 % |
Now is the right time to buy | 45 % | 27 % | 30 % | 28 % | 18 % | 29 % | 26 % | 21 % |
Now is a great time to buy | 42 % | 26 % | 31 % | 25 % | 17 % | 32 % | 19 % | 18 % |
We only have a small window of time to take advantage of lower house prices | 53 % | 39 % | 41 % | 41 % | 43 % | 44 % | 29 % | 39 % |
Lower home prices will allow me to buy my first or next home | 58 % | 34 % | 42 % | 37 % | 33 % | 34 % | 28 % | 36 % |
Lower interest rates will allow me to buy my first or next home | 54 % | 30 % | 33 % | 32 % | 31 % | 33 % | 23 % | 31 % |
Current market conditions are giving first-time buyers a chance to get into the market | 46 % | 30 % | 30 % | 26 % | 29 % | 37 % | 19 % | 25 % |
Rising costs have made it harder for me to save money | 79 % | 76 % | 78 % | 77 % | 78 % | 77 % | 68 % | 85 % |
Inflation causing me to save less for a home | 71 % | 56 % | 64 % | 53 % | 60 % | 59 % | 47 % | 53 % |
Home ownership requires more sacrifices today than for previous generations | 83 % | 78 % | 79 % | 77 % | 75 % | 78 % | 78 % | 77 % |
Most buyers experience some level of financial shock when they purchase their first home | 74 % | 74 % | 73 % | 75 % | 68 % | 74 % | 76 % | 72 % |
I have the information I need to make smart homebuying decisions | 56 % | 40 % | 39 % | 44 % | 46 % | 42 % | 36 % | 35 % |
I'm confident making homebuying decisions in today's market | 49 % | 28 % | 34 % | 33 % | 33 % | 29 % | 32 % | 25 % |
Getting expert advice is important when buying a home | 82 % | 79 % | 82 % | 81 % | 80 % | 77 % | 78 % | 80 % |
"TYPE OF MARKET" RESPONSE | INTEND TO PURCHASE WITHIN 2 YEARS | CAN | BC | AB | MB/ SK | ON | QC | ATL |
Buyer's market | 35 % | 27 % | 39 % | 19 % | 16 % | 38 % | 12 % | 9 % |
Seller's market | 32 % | 36 % | 26 % | 37 % | 43 % | 24 % | 57 % | 52 % |
"HIGHER" RESPONSE | INTEND TO PURCHASE WITHIN 2 YEARS | CAN | BC | AB | MB/ SK | ON | QC | ATL |
Home prices will rise this year | 56 % | 58 % | 46 % | 71 % | 72 % | 49 % | 70 % | 67 % |
Interest rates will rise this year | 49 % | 50 % | 47 % | 56 % | 53 % | 53 % | 44 % | 52 % |
ECONOMIC UNCERTAINTY | INTEND TO PURCHASE WITHIN 2 YEARS | CAN | BC | AB | MB/ SK | ON | QC | ATL |
Biggest challenge to buying a home | 72 % | 66 % | 69 % | 67 % | 72 % | 64 % | 65 % | 65 % |
Making me more cautious about buying a home | 75 % | 57 % | 64 % | 54 % | 52 % | 58 % | 52 % | 62 % |
Worried it will impact my homebuying plans | 67 % | 51 % | 57 % | 49 % | 51 % | 53 % | 45 % | 54 % |
TRADE-OFFS REQUIRED TO BUY | INTEND TO PURCHASE WITHIN 2 YEARS | CAN | BC | AB | MB/ SK | ON | QC | ATL |
Delay major purchases (car, renovations) | 69 % | 56 % | 65 % | 63 % | 56 % | 61 % | 39 % | 56 % |
Postpone/scale back vacations | 62 % | 51 % | 53 % | 56 % | 52 % | 54 % | 41 % | 44 % |
Completely overhaul spending & saving habits | 60 % | 52 % | 61 % | 53 % | 50 % | 51 % | 47 % | 49 % |
Need a side hustle or second job | 57 % | 53 % | 64 % | 52 % | 47 % | 57 % | 43 % | 52 % |
Retirement savings redirected to home purchase | 53 % | 40 % | 47 % | 46 % | 43 % | 41 % | 32 % | 40 % |
Disclaimer
This news release is intended as general information only and is not to be relied upon as constituting legal, financial or other professional advice. A professional advisor should be consulted regarding your specific situation. The information presented is believed to be factual and up-to-date but we do not guarantee its accuracy and it should not be regarded as a complete analysis of the subjects discussed. All expressions of opinion reflect the judgment of the authors as of the date of publication and are subject to change. No endorsement of any third parties or their advice, opinions, information, products or services is expressly given or implied by Royal Bank of Canada or any of its affiliates.
About the RBC 2026 Home Ownership Poll
An online survey of 1,753 Canadians aged 18 to 64 was completed between April 23 and May 3, 2026, using Leger's online panel. Leger's online panel has approximately 400,000 members nationally and has a retention rate of 90 per cent. No margin of error can be associated with a non-probability sample (i.e. a web panel in this case). For comparative purposes, though, a probability sample of 1753 respondents would have a margin of error of ±2.3%, 19 times out of 20.
About RBC
Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 101,000+ employees who leverage their imaginations and insights to bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank and one of the largest in the world, based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our more than 19 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 27 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.
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Media contact:
Matt Trocchi, RBC
SOURCE RBC Royal Bank
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