Housing Affordability

How has the ability to buy a home changed over time? Explore inflation-adjusted prices, incomes, and mortgage costs across OECD countries. Click on the floating flag to view other countries

Snapshot for Canada in 2023

Based on available data from 1985 to 2023.

Est. Real House Price

CA$633,006

In local currency, inflation-adjusted.
The inflation-adjusted price of a typical home. This shows the real cost of housing, removing the effects of general price inflation.

Real Price-to-Income

13.9

Years of income to buy a home.
A ratio of 13.9 means it takes that many years of gross household income to buy a home. A higher number is less affordable.

Mortgage Burden

58.8%

% of real income for mortgage.
The percentage of gross income needed for mortgage payments at current rates. The 30% level is a common affordability benchmark.

Years to Down Payment

11.1

For an average homebuyer profile.
The estimated time to save a 20% down payment, assuming a household saves 25% of its gross annual income.

Insight Summary

  • The calculated Real Price-to-Income ratio has worsened from 4.9 in 1985 to 13.9 in 2023.
  • This indicates that, in inflation-adjusted terms, housing has become 184% less affordable for the average household.

Real Household Income

Price-to-Income Ratio

Mortgage Burden

Price-to-Rent Index

Total Households

Country Comparison

Sorted by Price-to-Income (Ascending)

Asset Performance: Homeowner vs. Renter

Compares which choice—buying or renting—could grow more wealth over time.

Personal Outcome Simulation

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