Nearly one million homes in Canada need major repairs: Why maintaining them matters

OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 22, 2026 /CNW/ — The push to build more housing in Canada needs to be matched by efforts to maintain the homes already built, according to new research from Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC).

Nearly one million homes in Canada required major repairs as of 2021, representing 6.1% of the country’s housing stock, with the percentage much higher in Indigenous communities (36%), the North (26% in Nunavut), and for residents of subsidized housing (9.4%). Many of these homes are among the most affordable and are inhabited by populations facing the greatest housing challenges. If these homes deteriorate beyond repair, their loss could deepen the country’s existing affordability challenge even as new housing is built.

Quote:

“Every home lost to deterioration is a home that needs to be replaced. Building more housing is essential, but so is preventing existing affordable homes from disappearing and both need to be done to address Canada’s housing supply and affordability challenges. Beyond the risk of losing affordable housing supply, homes in disrepair also contribute to poorer housing conditions, affecting residents’ health and well-being.”

– Mathieu Laberge, Chief Economist, CMHC

Read the full article on CMHC’s website.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is a federal Crown corporation and the foundation of Canada’s housing system. For over 80 years, CMHC has supported the functioning of housing markets across the country through housing finance solutions — including mortgage loan insurance and securitization — while providing trusted, unbiased data, research and market intelligence to inform policy and decision making. Through its national presence, deep expertise in housing economics and finance, and a system-wide perspective, CMHC helps foster a more stable, well-functioning housing market that supports households, communities and the broader economy.

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Information on this release:

To request an interview with Mathieu Laberge, Chief Economist, CMHC, please contact CMHC Media Relations: [email protected] 

SOURCE Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)