There are ten million households in Canada owning residential real estate (according to the latest census). Together they owe just under $2 trillion in mortgage debt – which is about 3% higher than last year (sixty billion). Trillions in mortgage debt is terrifying in a country where incomes have only been pacing inflation and real estate values are now in decline. And, as stated, only 35.5% of those folks with real estate have any financing at all. Proportionately fewer Canadians now own residential real estate.

Source: National Post February 24, 2026 18:34 UTC