A recent survey shows that nearly nine in ten Canadians (87%) are concerned about the state of housing today. That's not just a number. It's a shared worry cutting through families, regions, and even political views. At Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty, we've seen this play out in real conversations with clients here in British Columbia and beyond. People aren't just talking about prices. They're stressing over whether they can hold onto what they have or ever step into ownership.

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Think about it. Housing isn't some abstract policy debate. It's the roof over your head, the place where life happens. The survey, done by Abacus Data with the Canadian Real Estate Association, polled 3,900 adults from September 5 to 16, 2025, and it paints a clear picture. Almost four in ten people list housing as a top issue in their community, right behind the cost of living at 59%. Healthcare trails at 30%. These aren't isolated gripes. They're tied together, making everyday stability feel shaky.

Younger folks feel this hardest. If you're 18 to 29, 41% of you rank housing as a key local concern. For those 30 to 44, it's 39%. Here in BC, where we've got some of the tightest markets, that number hits 42%. Quebec and Atlantic Canada aren't far behind at 45% and 44%. I've talked to clients in Kelowna or Vernon who echo this. They're not dreaming of luxury upgrades. They're just trying to figure out if they can afford to stay put as rents climb or mortgages stretch thin.

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But this isn't dividing us along usual lines. Conservatives, Liberals, NDP supporters – they're all concerned at similar rates, around 86% to 93%. And only 40% of Canadians think the dream of homeownership is still realistic. For people 30 to 59, that drops to a third. It's tough to hear, especially when you're guiding someone through their first buy or a downsize. That dream used to feel solid. Now, it's fading for too many.

What's fueling all this? Canadians point to a mix of things. 35% say we're not building enough affordable homes, and 32% blame high construction costs. Population growth outpacing supply worries 29%, same as the influx of new Canadians. Politics colors it a bit – some blame immigration or foreign buyers, others high costs or mismatched housing types. Younger people often call out government inaction. In our work at Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty, we see these factors firsthand. Supply is low in places like the Okanagan, pushing prices up and leaving buyers frustrated.

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The insecurity runs deep. Over half of renters and owners – 51% – worry about making their next payment. That's even higher for young adults (57% to 59%), lower-income households under $50,000 (53%), and families with kids (59%). Then there's the fear of losing your home if finances shift suddenly, which 55% feel. Again, it's worse for the young (up to 68%), low earners (62%), and parents of little ones (67%). I've had clients share stories like this. A job loss or unexpected bill, and suddenly everything's on the line. It's not just about affording a place. It's about feeling secure in it.

Still, hope lingers. Among non-owners, 65% want to buy someday, jumping to 86% for 18- to 29-year-olds and 75% for 30- to 44-year-olds. Optimism about buying in your preferred spot? 41% feel hopeful, especially the young and those earning over $100,000 (57%). But 34% are pessimistic. It's a split that makes sense. If you're starting out with a decent income, you might see a way in. Otherwise, it feels blocked.

This all adds up to a precarious spot for the country. Housing isn't just bricks and mortgages. It's tied to how we see our futures, our communities. For governments, it's a test. People want real changes they can feel – more supply, better affordability, stability. Until then, this anxiety hangs over everything.

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If you're navigating this in BC, whether buying, selling, or just figuring out your options, we're here at Coldwell Banker Horizon Realty to talk it through. No pressure, just straight advice based on what's happening on the ground. The market's tough, but understanding it helps. Let's connect if you need a hand.