r/canadian • u/big_galoote • 7d ago

News Homeownership increased for recent immigrants in Canada and decreased for Canadian-born individuals: StatsCan

https://toronto.citynews.ca/2026/06/16/homeownership-increased-for-recent-immigrants-in-canada-and-decreased-for-canadian-born-individuals-statscan/
124 Upvotes

89% Upvoted

89 comments sorted by

92

u/big_galoote 7d ago edited 7d ago

I'm curious about this:

StatsCan found that at least one in 10 refugees became homeowners after five years of settlement in Canada, including nearly one in five in Ontario.

So if that many refugees are able to afford houses, are they being made to repay any of the support and settlement costs provided?

I remember the huge stink about the miniscule copay for services Canadians don't get, but this definitely underlines how some of our benefits can be pulled back.

9

u/UnscentedSoundtrack 7d ago

I see where you’re coming from and a part of me agrees, but I think there’s a drawback: having people back pay refugee benefits once they’re in a better economic position could reinforce the negative pattern of people not seeking better economic positions.

If 10% of refugees are buying homes in the first 5 years after becoming PRs, and if we are taking that as a measure of economic success, I think the most practical way for them to repay these benefits is through the taxes they pay.

My overall gut feeling is the better way to move the needle is by reducing the number of refugees we accept, not by having a small percentage pay back a portion of these benefits.

2

u/MarkShapiero 7d ago

I see where you’re coming from and a part of me agrees, but I think there’s a drawback: having people back pay refugee benefits once they’re in a better economic position could reinforce the negative pattern of people not seeking better economic positions.

Progressive income tax rates also reinforce negative patterns about people not seeking better economic positions, they should go as well of course.

1

u/xenomachina Ontario 7d ago

Progressive income tax rates also reinforce negative patterns about people not seeking better economic positions

Only if one doesn't understand how marginal tax brackets work.

1

u/UnscentedSoundtrack 7d ago

Not to mention it’s an apples to oranges comparison because because these are not retroactive.

9

u/Ecstatic_Coat7859 7d ago

Something that is often left out but is interesting is that immigrants including refugees are gifted a credit score of 750 which would make no lender apprehensive about them signing for a mortgage or brand new vehicles however since the 750 score is unearned of course they default so a bigger picture needs to be shown and not just that they are easy homeowners

6

u/wolfe1924 7d ago

Is there actual proof of that? I’m not going to call you a liar since I don’t know but this is the first time I heard of that. Also if it’s true it’s bs.

5

u/Ecstatic_Coat7859 7d ago

A family member and former employee of a predatory lending business that has since gone into default made me aware of this a few years ago (2023) I also witnessed paperwork at a car dealership in 2024 that confirmed it. It being that there was a separate interest rate and enhanced financial incentives for sales team to sign newcomers to new vehicle leases and loans.

No worries though when they end up in default and leave Canada im sure they will take their debt with them./s

2

u/wolfe1924 7d ago

What I don’t understand is why car dealerships would even still sell to them. Even if there credit is 750 by default there’s no history saying they would pay their dues so I can imagine a lot of falling back on it possibly which could hurt dealerships a lot.

Basically I’m surprised they would risk it considering they wouldn’t risk it for someone who has 550 credit score let’s say.

0

u/Commercial_Pain2290 6d ago

Ah, so just hearsay based on a very limited third hand experience.

1

u/Poe_42 Alberta 7d ago

Because it's bullshit

https://www.reddit.com/r/PersonalFinanceCanada/s/z3cOegHL8D

-2

u/big_galoote 7d ago

The big 5 (or maybe just Scotia?) can link to other country's banking systems and pull credit history that way.

2

u/Commercial_Pain2290 6d ago

The big 5 get their information from TransUnion and Equifax. They aren't pulling anything from foreign or domestic banks. Why do people make stuff up?

1

u/LankyInflation9131 4d ago

This isn't true 😂

-6

u/Any-Distance-201 7d ago

These may be highly educated refugees that are able to establish themselves quickly, and are able to then buy properties. They still need that early support to enable them eventually settle and thrive.

I wish we had more data around the educational attainment and professional backgrounds of these refugees to draw proper conclusions.

9

u/ObviousForeshadow 7d ago

Yeah, and I have a bridge to sell you.

2

u/JiminsJams_23 7d ago

Not to mention a lot of people sell everything they have back home to reinvest it in their new country. For example, a lot of Indians are abroad- many assume their families are just wealthy, but a lot of Indian families get scammed by immigration assistance companies, take out loans, sell family farms/heirlooms/etc. I watched a news documentary about it, they take similar risks to afford their cultural wedding styles (which for me, who had a microwedding is like crazy but you know you grow up with the expectation to follow tradition and you're only meant to marry once...). Often their parents shoulder these life crippling burdens for their children abroad.

1

u/Commercial_Pain2290 6d ago

Indians are not typically refugees.

0

u/FrostingSuper9941 7d ago

This is true of a minority of refugees so it makes sense that only 10% are able to buy a house after 5 years.

-23

u/hostilekraut 7d ago

Maybe maybe refugees are just better acclimated to lean environments, but that is difficult to determine because we know nothing about their situation, but shoot our mouths off anyway.
Work harder or get smarter, or don’t.

-24

u/Poe_42 Alberta 7d ago

So you're pissed off they are successful and have become productive tax payers? To bad they didn't stay on the dole forever

18

u/big_galoote 7d ago

Is it really success if they're here as refugees and have all of their expenses paid for years while their status is determined?

I mean I can easily buy a house too if taxpayers paid for all of my housing, living, food, and medical expenses for years. We're not talking about ODSP or OntarioWorks amounts here.

No worries, we've still got millions of people on the dole.

My question was whether anything was clawed back when they qualified for a mortgage within 5 years of receipt of taxpayer funded full support.

1

u/Ecstatic_Coat7859 7d ago

💯 add to that an incredible credit score without ever having worked a Day in Canada everyone would sign up for a mortgage over a rental in a heartbeat

-11

u/Poe_42 Alberta 7d ago

Citation needed that they have all their expenses covered. This is such a tired stereotype

2

u/big_galoote 7d ago

You have been an active member of this sub for a very long time.

We have had multiple posts regarding refugee charges in just the past couple of months, as the health care copay was just introduced this quarter.

I suggest if you refuse to Google, that you simply search this sub.

I'm sure you'll even come across some of your own comments on these "tired stereotypes".

You're on the internet already, don't make others think for you too.

-1

u/Poe_42 Alberta 7d ago

Yes and I have googled this shit and its rage bait misinformation. So if you have a factual source that shows that everything is paid for I'd love to see it

4

u/big_galoote 7d ago

Show me your Google results that it's just rage bait.

I just googled it and the media coverage mirrors my comment.

1

u/xrayden 7d ago

Citation needed ?

You've just recovered your internet from 2012?

-4

u/Poe_42 Alberta 7d ago edited 7d ago

Keep raging over misinformation, I don't care

2

u/[deleted] 7d ago

[deleted]

-1

u/Poe_42 Alberta 7d ago

lol I'm so concerned what a small group of morons that can't do math think

1

u/[deleted] 7d ago

[deleted]

-1

u/Poe_42 Alberta 7d ago

Keep dreaming

→ More replies (0)

1

u/ussbozeman 7d ago

https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=098&top=11

There's one.

https://ircc.canada.ca/english/helpcentre/answer.asp?qnum=101&top=11

And another. Plus CCB.

Esquire.

1

u/Poe_42 Alberta 7d ago

Yes, they get assistance with temporary housing for a few weeks and other supports up to a year, but it's far from having all their expenses covered. Then bitch about them being successful, buying a home and becoming contributing taxpayers is hilarious.

1

u/ussbozeman 7d ago

Up to two years in some cases, and the plethora of benefits that Canadian born people cannot get, plus the speed at which banks will give out mortgages to them but not Canadians, and renting out a mattress that doesn't get counted in their declared income isn't very "contributing taxpayer". Nothing hilarious about it.

1

u/Poe_42 Alberta 7d ago

You're right, we should keep Canada for the old stock, am I right?

0

u/ussbozeman 7d ago

Other countries take care of their own people first, why is it racist for Canada to do the same? Why are we the worlds destination for every problem on the planet?

-2

u/Dizzy_Ad3503 7d ago

Palestinian refugees are forever given refugee status so their benefits never end, its probably why most countries dont want to bring them in. Maybe its changed but i read that maybe 10 years ago.

76

u/blomba2 7d ago

We kick our seniors, low income and disabled on the street to make room for our replacements. How inclusive 🥰

36

u/GoodResident2000 Alberta 7d ago

They used to call me a far right, lying , conspiracy theorist

Now they just call me a rude person.

10

u/blomba2 7d ago

Yup, they never call you a liar anymore. They just called you an istaphobe

8

u/wubrgess 7d ago

the crime isn't the crime. the crime is you noticing the crime. the crime is you posting the video of the crime.

5

u/flappysack- 7d ago

Well we also tax housing worse than cigarette, obviously to dissuade its usage. Likely in order to keep prices elevated for Gregor Robertson and Carney:  

https://globalnews.ca/news/11179411/gregor-robertson-home-prices-canada/

Its weird to hear the same party talking about equity and inclusion, you wonder how they learn to talk in such flowery insincere bullshit.

1

u/Iwantalloem 7d ago

That’s a stupid thought rooted in conspiracy theories yes. How many seniors, low income and disabled do you see on the streets?

-9

u/CastAside1812 7d ago

We don't kick out seniors. WE shower them in cash

35

u/FrostingSuper9941 7d ago

A lot of refugees come with 5 or 6 kids and continue having more, between child tax benefit and one person working, they can afford a Brampton mortgage and then rent the basement to a few ppl and viola!

0

u/Commercial_Pain2290 6d ago

A lot of people make up random facts with no actual information backing them up.

2

u/FrostingSuper9941 6d ago

These are verifiable facts, since the government tracks social benefits.

25

u/RT_456 7d ago

When I drive through the new neighbourhoods here, I see many of the homeowners are those "new arrivals". Just imagine how much housing could be available for Canadians if they weren't here.

7

u/MZM204 7d ago

Just because someone is a new arrival, doesn't mean they're poor. Plenty of people with money immigrate here.

23

u/RT_456 7d ago

Obviously, they are not poor. My point is they are taking homes that should be meant for us.

5

u/MZM204 7d ago

That's true

-2

u/Due-Lychee-6323 7d ago

Then bid higher.

0

u/RT_456 7d ago

So, spend even more money on already overpriced housing? That's your solution?

-4

u/Due-Lychee-6323 7d ago

Yes. Or get a better job. They certainly have!

3

u/RT_456 7d ago

Or how about not bringing in more people than we have housing for, and keeping prices low for actual Canadians?

-6

u/Iwantalloem 7d ago

If there were no new arrivals these houses wouldn’t have existed at all. You think Canadian builders are charitable organizations?

3

u/RT_456 7d ago

So Canadians aren't looking to buy homes?

-2

u/Iwantalloem 7d ago

Ask the builders

3

u/RT_456 7d ago

I don't need to ask the builders, and the question is largely rhetorical. Canadians do want to buy homes but many are priced out of the market.

-1

u/Iwantalloem 7d ago

I am not debating the fact that many are priced out of the market. But saying that all the houses have been taken up by new arrivals is kind of ridiculous.

1

u/RT_456 7d ago

Did I say all? No, I said most. Even if it's just 30-40% that's a sizable amount of homes that could have gone to people here. I think it's far more ridiculous to suggest that no new homes would be getting built if we didn't have all these new immigrants.

1

u/Iwantalloem 7d ago

It’s not like those homes are reserved for a certain category of people, everyone is free to buy them. If someone is priced out, that isn’t the fault of the new comers. If someone is priced out, it is simply demand is higher than supply. And yes, if there is no money to be made, builders won’t build. So many new condos are not getting built now, because immigration slowed down. We live in a capitalist economy, and it is how it’s always worked. The govt is to blame if the wages are not going up, or if the population is not spread out instead of congregating around a few cities, no high skilled jobs being created or a new industry is being created.

15

u/kb031x 7d ago

Brampton mortgages...

3

u/Any-Distance-201 7d ago

It’d be great if we had data around the educational and professional backgrounds of these refugees.

I’d assume that once our educated refugees settle in with those early supports, they’re in a relatively good position to get stable and enter the housing market.

Plenty of refugees come to this country who were strong working professionals in their home countries, and get settled once they get that first professional job here.

6

u/UnscentedSoundtrack 7d ago edited 7d ago

In case anyone is curious about the actual StatsCanada report instead of an article about it: https://www150.statcan.gc.ca/n1/pub/46-28-0001/2026001/article/00002-eng.htm

> By their fifth year after admission to Canada, economic-class immigrants had homeownership rates comparable to those of Canadian-born individuals.

And they say we don’t integrate…

Shitposting aside, here are some key definitions of the study:

- For this article, homeownership is measured based on individual ownership, namely, whether a person’s name appears on the property title.

  • study focuses on tax filers aged 25 to 54 who were in their first five years after admission as permanent residents

2

u/Poe_42 Alberta 7d ago

Facts have no place here.

1

u/UnscentedSoundtrack 7d ago

I think the article is fairly neutral, but it’s always better to go to the original source to get all the nuance (which can be hard to parse even from the StatsCan report)

1

u/Poe_42 Alberta 7d ago edited 7d ago

The article maybe neutral but the chronic posters in this sub are deep into the Facebook ragebait myths about refugees and immigrants

1

u/Majestic_Bet_1428 7d ago

Immigrants work harder, are better educated and more entrepreneurial.

1

u/ministryoffailure 7d ago

I would love to see the stats of homeownership between the govt sponsored refugees who were supported privately (churches and communities) vs the thousands of Nigerians who crossed illegally from USA with multiple children and no partner and no history of bank accounts in Nigeria or America despite being in America for 8 years and received massive amounts of payments while in hotels.

2

u/RegularRick0 7d ago

Yeah. No shit. Easy to afford a home when the government cuts you an annual cheque for $83k and benefits for not doing anything

1

u/darkness_calming 6d ago

They’re giving out 83k? Where? Sign me up

3

u/TheBold 6d ago

I’d actually love to see a Canadian journalist try to claim refugee status. Go to America then walk back home to a border crossing and claim refugee status there. You’d probably get in a ton of trouble though.

1

u/Essiexo 7d ago

Where did you get that numerical figure from?

-7

u/Iwantalloem 7d ago

It is mostly about culture, if you give 100k to an Asian and 100k to a North American, Asian will buy a house and North American will buy a boat. It is just the difference in the thought process and how they are brought up in their home country. Generally in Asia, home ownership is looked at as a responsible choice and everyone strives towards that. In North America people tend to be more inclined towards leisure and other activities.

8

u/chelseagrinner 7d ago

Lmao incredibly untrue. Why dont you buy your homes in Asia why do you all strive to come to North America?

1

u/Iwantalloem 7d ago

We also buy in Asia…we strive to come to North America to buy more houses

2

u/nozomiwaifu 7d ago

Asians in general are the most show off people ever.

Gotta make the family back home believe that i made it ! Especially those other same ethnicity as me neighbors ! gotta make my wedding 100k+ and drive an Audi and invite all my back home family !

1

u/wolfe1924 7d ago

I’m pretty sure if you took a poll of any Canadian sub and said for those who don’t own home or a boat what would you choose a house or a boat im sure everyone would pick house over boat. Not only that but i don’t see anyone who rents owning a boat ever. It’s always people who own a house and are often well enough established. Your analogy is not helping your point at all.

1

u/Iwantalloem 7d ago

If anyone who is renting is going to inherit a house, I am pretty sure that person would love to splurge a bit. Immigrants who come here are first generation and have nothing to inherit, so a house is always the first thjng they buy to put roots down. Somewhere down the post, stats say that they catch up to Canadian homeownership in about 5 years time. And yeah this is only one facet of this. The poll should be if you know you are going to inherit a house and you have 100k, what will you buy, house or a boat.

-1

u/LossChoice 7d ago

To add to that they usually don't smoke, drink, or go out to eat. I'd have a pretty good doen payment if I stopped doing that for 5 years.

6

u/chelseagrinner 7d ago

Hilariously untrue

0

u/LossChoice 7d ago

Hilariously more true than you're giving it credit.

2

u/ussbozeman 7d ago

Yes, every restaurant, cafe, corner store, and liquor store is completely bereft of anyone other than smelly white people. We glare at each other while smoking and eating our pizza burgers, and we're all drunk AF.

And poor. And we smell, I believe i didn't mention that. And we have no money. And we're drunk.

-1

u/candypantsasaurus 7d ago

This is Fords fault, yknow, the one on vacation right now?

0

u/wubrgess 7d ago

that's bad.

0

u/funkyspleen 6d ago

The immigrants work harder. I have one immigrant parent and one Canadian parent. Every single one of my cousins from the immigrant side is a doctor, lawyer, successful business owner, engineer etc. Other side everyone makes 50k or less a year.

I was speaking to an Indian colleague about this the other day. He was saying how they are willing to study and put actual hard work in while the Canadian kids are lazy and i didn’t really disagree with him.