TORONTO: Home ownership has been viewed as out of reach for many Canadians, for quite some time. In June 2022, the bi-annual Debt Survey reveals with interest rates, inflation and housing prices increasing, many who are already homeowners say if interest rates were to increase further, they would be forced to sell their home.
Among those surveyed, fewer than half feel prepared for rising interest rates (46%), inflation (42%), or housing prices (40%), which underscores how further increases in inflation, interest rates, and/or housing prices could be damaging for many Canadians.
The survey responses also reveal four in five Canadians think there is an affordability crisis in Canada, a figure which suggests this is a major issue that might become worse if inflation continues its upward trajectory.
In addition, over one in five Canadians expect rising interest rates to have a significant impact on their overall financial situation. Around one in five of those who are in debt expect rising interest rates to have a significant impact on their debt situation. And around one in five of those who have a mortgage expect rising interest rates to have a significant impact on their mortgage situation.
“The survey revealed nearly one third of Canadians admit they don’t understand how inflation or interest rates work, close to three in four do not have a written financial plan and almost half do not have a household budget, and that’s particularly telling when reviewing the results of this season’s Manulife Bank Debt Survey results,” said Lysa Fitzgerald, Vice President of Sales, Manulife Bank. “However, Canadians can gain confidence and control of their financial lives by acquiring a better understanding of the impact interest rates and inflation have on their personal finances, and taking that into account when creating their personal financial plans – whether that’s independently or through the support of a certified financial advisor”.
The affordable housing crisis has been well-documented for some time, and the renewed data from this year’s Debt Survey highlights the impact interest rates, inflation and housing prices continue to have on Canadians’ standard of living and livelihoods.
“In the past few years, we’ve seen a huge shift in the housing market, and in parallel we’re witnessing interest rates and inflation rising – all contributing to concerns around Canadian home ownership, affordability and Canadians’ mental health,” said Fitzgerald. “As we move forward, it’s imperative Canadians use resources available to them to talk to certified professionals and find ways to try and become more financially flexible and ensure they’re taking a detailed look at their personal financial plans before making major financial decisions.”
BOX
The survey takes a closer look at the impact of interest rates, inflation and housing prices on affordability in Canada
- Over one in five Canadians expect rising interest rates to have a significantly negative impact on their overall mortgage, debt and financial situation.
- As many as eighteen per cent of homeowners believe they can no longer afford the house they own.
- Indebted Canadians are more likely to report that debt is causing them stress with close to half saying it is negatively impacting their mental health.
- The housing market is out of reach for most – two-thirds do not view home ownership as being affordable, in their local community.
- Nearly half of Canadians said they would struggle to handle unexpected expenses or are reconsidering summer vacation plans due to affordability concerns.
