Majority Of Renters 'Seriously' Consider Leaving GTA: Housing Affordability Worsening [POLL]

housing (Photo courtesy of fumigene via Flickr.com)

The rent is just too damn high. And so is the cost of owning a home in the Greater Toronto Area. In fact, the affordable housing situation in the GTA is worsening according to renters and homeowners.

READ: Will Justin Trudeau Include A Housing Strategy For Renters In His Campaign?

A new Angus Reid Institute poll finds about 59 per cent of renters are “seriously” considering leaving the GTA given the high cost of owning a home.

Renters aren't alone. Of the 831 GTA residents surveyed, a total of 47 per cent are “seriously thinking of leaving the GTA” due to housing prices.

One-third of non-homeowners say they would like to buy a home right now — but just can't afford it.

And more than two-thirds of GTA residents think the government needs to further intervene in the housing market in order to improve housing affordability.

READ: Toronto Vs. The Top Rental Real Estate Markets In The World

Respondents “overwhelmingly” support of a foreign buyers’ tax in Ontario and a tax on vacant homes to help with the affordable housing crisis.

The survey's analysis states that “Among residents under age 35, fully six-in-ten are hoping the market cools off at least slightly, though it’s notable that nearly a quarter of those ages 55-plus – perhaps reflecting concern for children or grandchildren who are currently priced out of the market – say the same.”

READ: Toronto’s 35 Neighbourhoods: Where Is It Cheaper To Rent Or Own A Condo?

Ultimately, the poll finds that both homeowners and renters agree that the price of real estate in the Greater Toronto Area is “unreasonably high,” and that it may be too late for government intervention to burst the bubble they say is hurting the region.

both homeowners and renters agree that the price of real estate in the Greater Toronto Area is unreasonably high Source: AngusReid.org

READ: Doug Ford Promised Ontario This Housing ‘Plan’ Pre-Election: What Will Become Of It?

Renting

Majority Of Renters 'Seriously' Consider Leaving GTA: Housing Affordability Worsening [POLL]

READ: Will Justin Trudeau Include A Housing Strategy For Renters In His Campaign?

READ: Toronto Vs. The Top Rental Real Estate Markets In The World

READ: Toronto’s 35 Neighbourhoods: Where Is It Cheaper To Rent Or Own A Condo?

READ: Doug Ford Promised Ontario This Housing ‘Plan’ Pre-Election: What Will Become Of It?

Trending

You may also like

New data from TRREB shows that while resale transactions declined year-over-year in February, new listings fell at a much sharper pace — a dynamic that could increase competition if demand begins to reassert itself.

"Ontario now stands at a crossroads. It can allow a battered residential sector to sink deeper, shedding jobs and shrinking GDP, or it can intervene decisively."

​The sale of 34-70 Montgomery Avenue was completed last year, and Graywood has since submitted a new application for the site.

Known for finding fresh solutions to city-building challenges, Elysium has recognized an unmet need in the student housing sphere: affordable, high-quality accommodations located close to major post-secondary institutions.

Construction is expected to continue through 2029, adding a significant number of affordable homes to Toronto’s downtown east.

For your information, reference, and networking needs, here are the moves, hires, and promotions the real estate and development industry saw in February 2026.

H&R REIT announced the sale of 145 Wellington Street West in November as part of $1.5 billion in dispositions, but did not disclose individual sale prices.

​"This is not about architectural indulgence. It is about aligning policy incentives with outcomes the city already claims to want: stable communities with affordable quality housing that supports residents through multiple life stages."

Two refusals, three revisions, and an Ontario Land Tribunal hearing later, the project finally has the approvals sought back in November 2023.

BILD warns that without improved market certainty and stronger consumer confidence, the slowdown could have broader economic consequences.

​The proposal would see Onni Group redevelop the Regency Gardens apartment complex near Whalley Athletic Park into five mid-rise buildings and seven high-rise buildings.

​LJM Developments completed the LJM Tower at 2782 Barton St E last year, but many buyers did not close on their presales. LJM has also defaulted on several other loans.

In a court ruling on February 9, Justice Jessica Kimmel blocked Fairweather-owned brand Les Ailes de la Mode from moving into Yorkdale’s former Hudson’s Bay Company real estate. And from a brand perspective, the decision tracks.

​The partnership between the federal and provincial governments will see Build Canada Homes contribute $170 million, and BC Housing contribute $640 million.

​The venue’s parent company was placed under receivership in 2023, with almost $10.5 million owing to TD.

“The monthly decline in national home sales was driven primarily by less activity in the Greater Golden Horseshoe and Southwestern Ontario, suggesting that the story was probably more about a historic winter storm than a downshift in demand,” said Shaun Cathcart, CREA’s Senior Economist.

All rights reserved SiteMedia © 2026.

The sale of 34-70 Montgomery Avenue was completed last year, and Graywood has since submitted a new application for the site.

"This is not about architectural indulgence. It is about aligning policy incentives with outcomes the city already claims to want: stable communities with affordable quality housing that supports residents through multiple life stages."

The proposal would see Onni Group redevelop the Regency Gardens apartment complex near Whalley Athletic Park into five mid-rise buildings and seven high-rise buildings.

LJM Developments completed the LJM Tower at 2782 Barton St E last year, but many buyers did not close on their presales. LJM has also defaulted on several other loans.

The partnership between the federal and provincial governments will see Build Canada Homes contribute $170 million, and BC Housing contribute $640 million.

The venue’s parent company was placed under receivership in 2023, with almost $10.5 million owing to TD.