A new survey from NerdWallet Canada and Angus Reid reveals a sobering reality for the housing market: affordability, not economic uncertainty, is the primary barrier keeping potential buyers on the sidelines. While interest rates have begun to ease, a staggering 55% of non-homeowners have no plans to purchase a property in the next 12 months. The data highlights that high living costs (23%) and down payment hurdles (18%) are far more influential than fears regarding job security or trade disputes. Even with a 4.1% year-over-year dip in the CREA benchmark price index as of May 2026, the average sale price remains stubbornly high, leaving many, particularly those aged 18-34, feeling that homeownership is out of reach. For a deeper dive into these market sentiments and the latest trends impacting the Canadian landscape, we encourage you to read the full report at [MPA Mag](https://www.mpamag.com/ca/mortgage-industry/industry-trends/canadian-homebuyers-cite-affordability-not-uncertainty-as-chief-barrier/581361).
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