Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) released today its annual Mortgage Consumer Survey. The largest survey of its kind, the Mortgage Consumer Survey provides insights into the behaviours, attitudes and expectations of Canadians when acquiring, renewing or refinancing a mortgage.

“Relationships and referrals are a very important part of the mortgage lending industry” said Nathalie Fredette, Vice-President, Client Relationship Management. “The Survey findings can be used by mortgage professionals to manage their businesses by improving the overall customer experience.”

Mortgage insurance parameter changes

• Just over half of buyers were aware of the latest mortgage qualification changes.
• About one-in-five noted that the latest mortgage qualification changes impacted their purchase decision. 

First time buyers receiving down payment support

• 18% of first time buyers received a gift from a family member as part of their down payment.
• First time buyers who received a gift from family as part of their down payment were less comfortable with their current level of mortgage debt, were less likely to have other assets to supplement their needs, and were less confident about knowing where to turn in the event that they run into financial trouble.

Emerging use of technology

• Almost half of mortgage consumers agree they would feel comfortable using more technology to arrange their next mortgage transaction.
• Four in ten mortgage consumers noted they would be comfortable arranging their entire mortgage transaction using secure online tools and apps, without having to meet their mortgage professional in person. That being said, the majority of mortgage consumers agree that it is still important to meet face to face with their mortgage professional when negotiating (69%) and finalizing (70%) their mortgage.

Additional survey findings are available here.

CMHC helps Canadians meet their housing needs. As Canada’s authority on housing, we contribute to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provide support for Canadians in housing need, and offer objective housing research and advice to Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry. Prudent risk management, strong corporate governance and transparency are cornerstones of our operations.