Are You Waiting to Buy? You Aren't Alone.
- LowRatesCanada.com
- Dec 7, 2025
- 2 min read
If you have hit "pause" on your house hunt recently, you are part of a growing majority. A new poll released this week confirms that for Canadian first-time buyers, the barrier to entry isn't just high prices, it’s uncertainty.
The study, conducted by Harris Poll Canada for Scotiabank, reveals a staggering level of hesitation in the market. It paints a picture of a generation that is ready to buy but terrified of making the wrong financial move in a shaky economy.
Here is the breakdown of why buyers are waiting, and why "confusion" might be your biggest enemy.
The Stats: Economy Over Interest Rates
For the last two years, the conversation has been dominated by interest rates. But as rates begin to stabilize, a new fear has taken over: The broader economy.
According to the poll findings:
62% of potential first-time buyers say the current economic environment is negatively impacting their finances and delaying their plans.
56% cite general affordability as their top concern.
47% are paralyzed by uncertainty about the future.
Most notably, job stability has become a primary dealbreaker. Nearly half of all first-time buyers surveyed admitted that fear of job loss is influencing their mortgage decisions, compared to only 28% of established homeowners.
The "Confusion" Crisis
Perhaps the most shocking stat from the report is not about money, but about knowledge. 92% of first-time buyers find the homebuying process confusing.
Compare that to the general population (68%), and it becomes clear that new buyers are navigating a minefield without a map. Between stress tests, variable vs. fixed rate debates, and shifting government incentives, the path to ownership has never been more complex.
How to Move from "Confused" to "Approved"
Uncertainty is expensive. Waiting on the sidelines while trying to time the economy often leads to missed opportunities. The best antidote to the "fear of making the wrong decision" (which 43% of you are feeling) is unbiased advice.
At LowRatesCanada, we strip away the confusion.
Worried about job stability? We can structure a mortgage with flexible prepayment options or lower monthly obligations to keep your cash flow safe.
Confused by the process? We handle the paperwork and negotiations, explaining every step in plain English, not bank jargon.
The Bottom Line
The economy might be uncertain, but your mortgage doesn't have to be. If you are part of the 92% who feel lost in the process, it’s time to get a guide who works for you, not the bank.
Stop guessing and start planning. Check your buying power instantly with our tools, or book a free strategy call to see what you can afford today.