in World News Majority of Canadians desire single-detached homes with backyards
by Quinn Patrick, True North
A new survey shows that most Canadians want single-detached homes and prioritize having a backyard as a priority when considering buying a new house.
A new survey shows that most Canadians want single-detached homes and prioritize having a backyard as a priority when considering buying a new house.
A new survey by Wahi, a team of real estate experts, found that having a backyard is the single most important home feature for the majority of Canadians. The survey ranked 27 different housing attributes and amenities.
“More than three-quarters (81 per cent) of Canadians say that if they were in the market for a new home to rent or own, a backyard is important,” reads the survey.
Additionally, a majority of respondents said they wanted a single-family home at 61 per cent, compared to the 24 per cent who said they preferred living in a condo or apartment.
However, Carney’s housing strategy focuses heavily on multi-unit housing and pre-fabricated homes, as well as creating a new government agency called Build Canada Homes, which will be a public-private partnership.
Multi-unit developments typically mean that a backyard either isn’t included, is limited in size or must be shared among residents.
Another cohort of 11 per cent said they weren’t sure, while 4 per cent were considering other options.
Another highly desired feature among Canadians is a separate entrance.
“The results of Wahi’s 2025 What Homeseekers Want Survey don’t just tell us about what kind of homes Canadians prefer, they also speak to underlying demographic trends and, in some cases, affordability issues,” said Wahi CEO Benjy Katchen.