Most newcomer Canadians want to own a home but can’t save fast enough
Where Canadian credit history is limited or absent, CMHC may accept an international credit report or a financial reference from the borrower’s country of origin as an alternative basis for establishing creditworthiness.
Rent-to-own programs offer a further pathway for clients who need more time to qualify.
One in five newcomer homeowners surveyed said they purchased their first Canadian property through such an arrangement, allowing participants to build savings and establish local credit while already living in the home they intend to buy.
“Many newcomers arrive in Canada with strong incomes, decent savings and a clear goal of becoming homeowners, but they may not yet meet every requirement of the traditional mortgage system,” said Amy Ding, founder and CEO of Requity Homes in Canada.
Daren King of National Bank highlighted that while several major markets posted monthly declines in August, cities such as Quebec City, Montreal, and Toronto recorded gains, reflecting varied conditions across the country.https://t.co/rm5EMleWQd
— Canadian Mortgage Professional Magazine (@CMPmagazine) September 21, 2026
Where newcomers settle — and why geography matters to brokers
Ontario attracted 47% of newcomers on initial arrival, followed by Quebec (16%), British Columbia (13%), and Alberta (12%).
