Non-Permanent Residents Represent Less Than One Percent of Canadian Homeowners

A new Statistics Canada analysis released on December 11, 2025, provides detailed insight into the role non-permanent residents play in Canada’s housing market. Despite significant population growth driven by temporary residents in recent years, the report confirms that non-permanent residents accounted for less than one percent of homeowners across all Canadian provinces at the start of 2022.

Provincial data shows particularly low ownership rates among this population. The share of homeowners who were non-permanent residents ranged from 0.10% in Alberta to 0.39% in Prince Edward Island, with both Ontario and British Columbia reporting 0.13%. These figures were substantially lower than the share of non-permanent residents in the overall population.

Rapid Population Growth, Minimal Ownership Impact

Canada’s recent population surge has been driven largely by temporary migration. The number of non-permanent residents increased from 1.4 million in early 2022 to over 3 million by early 2025, according to quarterly population estimates.

Despite this growth, homeownership among non-permanent residents remained rare. Only 1.64 percent of non-permanent residents in Ontario and 1.41 percent in British Columbia owned property at the start of 2022. These rates contrast sharply with ownership levels among permanent residents and Canadian-born individuals.

The findings challenge widespread assumptions that temporary residents are significantly contributing to housing demand in the ownership market.

Urban Concentration Reflects Settlement Patterns

Where non-permanent resident homeowners were present, they were concentrated in major urban centres. Cities such as Toronto, Vancouver, Winnipeg, Halifax, and Moncton recorded slightly higher proportions than provincial averages, though ownership levels remained well below one percent.

Researchers note that this pattern mirrors broader settlement trends among temporary residents, who tend to gravitate toward large cities with education institutions, employment opportunities, and established immigrant communities.

Why Homeownership Is Rare Among Temporary Residents

Statistics Canada identified several structural factors limiting homeownership among non-permanent residents. Temporary legal status introduces uncertainty, making long-term financial commitments risky. Many international students and temporary workers also face income limitations, shorter credit histories, and stricter mortgage qualification requirements.

Age also plays a role. Non-permanent residents tend to be younger than permanent residents and Canadian-born individuals, reducing accumulated savings for down payments. Renting offers flexibility that aligns better with temporary or transitional immigration status.

Rental Market Implications

The report concludes that population growth among non-permanent residents primarily affects rental housing demand, rather than homeownership. Increased demand for rental units may, however, indirectly influence housing markets by attracting investor interest in residential properties.

The study establishes a baseline for future research into housing trajectories among newcomers who initially arrive with temporary status and later transition to permanent residency. For evidence-based reporting on immigration, housing, and population trends, follow Canada Immigration News for ongoing analysis and official data updates.