55% of Renters Want to Buy — But Is It the Right Time?
A new report just dropped, and it confirms what many of us already knew: Over 50% of Ontario renters want to buy a home in the next two years. But what’s holding them back? Affordability, fear, and the belief that prices—or interest rates—are about to drop even further.
The big question everyone’s asking is: “Is this the bottom of the market?” Let’s break it down.
What the Data Says
According to the latest survey:
55% of renters in Ontario plan to buy in the next 2 years
21% are looking at a 2–5 year horizon
28% are even considering buying before their current lease is up
That’s huge pent-up demand that is just sitting on the sidelines. And yet, the market is sluggish and sales are hitting record lows—because fear and uncertainty are keeping people frozen.
Why People Are Waiting
1) Waiting for Prices to Drop Further
43% of renters say they’re holding off because they’re hoping prices will fall more and the media’s daily doom-and-gloom headlines aren’t helping. What most people don’t realize is that the more buyers sit back, the more it feeds the market slowdown—which leads to more uncertainty, not necessarily better deals. Once confident returns to the market, prices are going to jump quickly and the days of being able to lowball listings will be over-it will be bidding war time again with 30 offers on a property within 48 hours. Now is the time you can freely shop and take your time to make a decision.
2) Waiting for More Rate Cuts
About 1/3 of renters are waiting for additional interest rate drops from the Bank of Canada and yes—there’s a strong chance we’ll see more cuts later this year. But here’s the risk: when rates do drop, buyer activity will pick up—and today’s “deals” may be gone.
Are We at the Bottom?
Here’s the honest truth: no one knows. If someone tells you with certainty that we’ve hit the bottom—they’re guessing.
What I do know with 100% confidence is: We are no longer at the top. Prices have corrected. Motivated sellers are out there. And inventory is sitting longer than it should. These are all signs that buyers—especially smart, patient ones—have leverage.
The Investor Angle
If you’re an investor, this is where opportunity lives. You may not time the bottom perfectly, but that’s not the point. You win by buying:
When competition is low
When sellers are negotiating
And when carrying costs can still cash flow (especially in Alberta markets)
Use the Cash Flow Calculator to analyze real scenarios—don’t buy based on vibes.
Final Thoughts
You can wait for the “perfect moment”... or you can realize that market timing is less important than deal quality and time in the market.
Whether you’re a first-time buyer or investor, the smartest thing you can do right now is get clear on your buying power, strategy, and target product. Because when the masses jump back in—it’ll be too late.
📞Book a 1-on-1 consultation with me and let’s talk strategy. Whether it’s a townhome in Calgary or a condo in Ontario, I’ll show you how to make your next move smartly, not emotional.
Real Talk. Honest Advice.
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