Youth Lived Experiences: Navigating Housing in Canada

The State of Housing for Young People in Canada – Episode 3

When we talk about housing, it’s easy to get lost in the numbers. But behind every statistic, there’s a story. Stories of first apartments, challenging searches, unexpected moves, and moments of triumph and struggle. These stories, captured through the voices of young people across Canada as part of our national survey and the “State of Housing for Young People in Canada” blog series, reveal the lived experiences that define the housing landscape today. Conducted in collaboration with six key partners—CMHC, Canadian Urban Institute, Generation Squeeze, Smart Prosperity Institute, Student Housing Initiative, and University of Toronto School of Cities—this series sheds light on a growing crisis that demands urgent action. From affordability concerns to the impact of housing instability on mental health, these insights are essential for shaping equitable policies and meaningful solutions.

Moving Out: The First Step into Independence

For many young people in Canada, the first step out of their childhood home happens between the ages of 18-21. Half of the youth surveyed made this transition during those years, but for 53%, it wasn’t permanent—they returned home later, often due to affordability challenges or life transitions like post-secondary education. However, Indigenous youth report moving out earlier than their peers, with 38% leaving their childhood home before turning 18.

One respondent captured the challenge of this journey:

“I was very lucky that my roommate’s parents purchased a condo for us to rent. It’s very cheap, but it has increased multiple times over the past two years. I can’t afford to live on my own, but I don’t make enough money to save for a down payment on a home. I feel stuck, as if I’m not moving forward. This feeling is common with people my age I speak with.”

Their experience underscores the intricate dynamics between independence, affordability, and the support systems young people rely on.

The Housing Journey: Diverse Experiences

Young people in Canada navigate diverse housing situations throughout their lives. Nearly half (44%) have lived with friends, while 37% have experienced living alone, and a third (33%) have lived in dorms or residence halls. Less than 10% have experienced government-funded or subsidized housing, underscoring the limited reach of affordable housing options.

“There are subsidized housing options for low-income families, but you have to apply and can get accepted by draw, and so many people apply for these options, so it’s not likely you’ll get in. In saying that, even the subsidized rent amounts are quite a lot.”

Despite these varied experiences, affordability is a persistent barrier. Finding a place within budget is the most significant challenge for 50% of youth, with Black youth (61%) and those in the Maritimes and Quebec (62%) feeling this strain most acutely. About 20% of respondents cited interacting with landlords and providing financial security, such as guarantors, as significant hurdles faced during rental searches.

“Landlords are leeches… They should be forced to do the things they claim we need landlords for. Rent has skyrocketed in the years since I moved here, effectively trapping me in my current apartment [because] I cannot afford to rent a new place.”

“If you’re a first-time renter, trying to find housing is hell. I grew up in an unsafe living situation and had no one I could use as a guarantor. That severely limited my housing options despite having months worth of rent saved in advance.”

Accommodation Affordability and Anxiety

The struggle to find affordable housing affects more than just the wallet; it impacts mental health. Three quarters of young people reported feeling “on edge” while searching for housing, and 50% expressed anxiety over the stability or cost of their current housing situation. Alberta youth experience this anxiety at a higher rate (55%) than the national average.

“Anyone working full time minimum wage and above should be able to afford a modest 1 bedroom apartment. This is not even close to being a reality. Landlords get away with too much BS. Seeing older generations have big houses on beautiful properties while I have to live with parents at 26 and no end in sight is destroying my mental health.”

While youth report other, compounding pressures like concerns about global events (41%), national issues in Canada (38%), and local occurrences in their cities (26%), the rates of incidence are much lower nationally than the rate of worry about housing. Despite these challenges, there is a spark of hope: 29% of youth find the idea of building their own home exciting, showing resilience and creativity in imagining their housing futures.

What Matters Most in the Housing Search

When searching for a place to live, young people’s priorities reflect practical needs. Over half (51%) cite monthly costs as their top concern, followed by safety (14%), proximity to work (11%), and access to nearby services (10%). Interestingly, public transit emerges as a critical component of youth housing needs, with 62% of respondents regularly using transit, highlighting the connection between housing and mobility.

“Zoning laws and car-dependent infrastructure are ruining our cities/suburbs. We need a push for more “missing middle” housing options and starter homes instead of detached single family million dollar developments. We also need to push for better transit options and pedestrian safety, which are key factors (along with affordability) in my housing search. I do not want to own a car, I want to commute safely to amenities close to me and get to know my community and neighbours in Third Places (which are also missing where I live) and because this is missing in many areas I am looking elsewhere for more walkable neighbourhoods.”

Moving Forward: Insights for Action

The lived experiences of youth offer a powerful roadmap for housing action in Canada. Addressing affordability isn’t just about lowering rent—it’s about creating systems where housing feels secure, accessible, and supportive of young people’s broader aspirations. This includes designing innovative housing solutions, such as affordable housing along transit lines to enhance mobility and accessibility, and ensuring that mental health support is considered along with housing policies to support youth holistically.

To make a real difference, we need to listen to these stories and act on them. Youthful Cities’ Youth Cite tool provides an opportunity to dive deeper into these insights, offering a chance to uncover trends and advocate for meaningful change.

At the same time, we’re inviting everyone to join the call for equitable housing policies by signing our petition. Together, we can push for a future where every young person has a place to call home.