Montrealers worry about housing affordability more than other Canadians: survey

Montrealers – more than other Canadians – feel they are not able to afford a home or pay their rent in their neighbourhood.

That’s according to a new survey by Habitat for Humanity about housing affordability and the growing barriers to homeownership.

It found Montrealers feel their areas are becoming increasingly unaffordable.

“People are very worried next year about whether they’re going to be able to pay their rent,” said Julia Deans, the president and CEO of Habitat for Humanity Canada.

More than 1,500 Canadians were surveyed nationally between Sept. 7-17 this year.

The survey found 86 per cent of Montrealers feel that homes in their area are unaffordable – the highest percentage compared to the Canadian average at 74%

“They’re feeling it’s more and more inaccessible. So it’s definitely a concern for families,” added Sophie Dalbec, the director of family services and volunteering at Habitat for Humanity Quebec.

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The survey also found 93 per cent of Montrealers find there’s a shortage of affordable housing in the city, with 80 per cent saying more affordable housing could help solve some of the country’s social issues.

“In Montreal, 75 per cent are looking at paying less for food and transportation, paying down debt savings, all so that they can keep their housing going,” added Deans.

The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Montreal is close to $1,500 – an increase of 11 per cent from 2021.

“It’s a concern for future generations,” said Dalbec. “Even people who own homes, we know that. We wonder how anyone’s going to be able to buy a home in the next five, 10, 15 years.”

Dalbec works with families to ensure they are able to own a home. She says with increased prices, it’s becoming harder and harder to provide affordable housing.

“It’s a difficulty considering the market, the cost of materials, the cost of the workers,” she said. “Everything’s gone up so much. So it’s harder and harder to build affordable homes.”

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The survey found 65 per cent of Montrealers would not relocate to find housing, compared to the rest of Canada with 40 per cent saying they would move.

“They’re really wanting to have housing solutions in Montreal,” said Deans. “They believe that government has to have a bigger role in creating those housing solutions.”

The organization says it is hoping to build 22 affordable homes over the next four years in Quebec.