Are you obsessed with real estate? An online poll suggests that most Canadians think about real estate on a regular basis, and a good number of them are obsessed with it. In fact, the recent poll taken during the Stanley Cup playoffs revealed that just as many Canadians reported talking about real estate on a regular basis as they did about hockey. Perhaps real estate is our new national sport.
The poll reported that 84 per cent of Canadians across the country think about real estate on a regular basis, and 85 per cent have gone as far as shopping online for a new home in the past year. 28 per cent of the people polled said they have gone to an open house at some point in the past 12 months. Nationally, more than a third of respondents described either themselves or a loved one as obsessed with real estate. The Greater Toronto Area has the second-highest average home price of any city in Canada after Vancouver and the number of GTA residents who think of themselves as being obsessed with real estate is 47 per cent, the highest in the country.
Nearly 70% of Canadians are home owners which is surprising when you consider how pricey it has become to buy in Canada’s most popular cities. While home ownership hovers at 70% in Canada, that’s not the case in many other countries. Home ownership in the UK has actually been decreasing, dropping to 63% in 2016. Switzerland has only 43% home owners.
Fortunately there is treatment available for those afflicted with a real estate obsession. Being obsessed with real estate may indicate that you’ll be moving in the near future. Call your Realtor immediately for a complete diagnosis.
Dean Manton is Guelph and area’s real estate expert. Put Dean’s experience and market knowledge to work for you!
