What Canadians Really Want in a Home in 2025: Essential Features for Today’s Homebuyers
In today’s ever-evolving real estate market, understanding what homebuyers truly want is crucial for both sellers preparing their properties and buyers prioritizing their must-have features. Recent comprehensive surveys have revealed fascinating insights into what Canadians are looking for in their homes in 2025, highlighting shifting preferences that reflect broader lifestyle changes, economic realities, and evolving housing needs across the country.
The Backyard Revolution: Outdoor Space Tops the Priority List
According to Wahi’s 2025 What Homeseekers Want survey, conducted with Angus Reid, an overwhelming 81% of Canadians say having a backyard is “important” or “very important” when looking for a new home today. This preference for outdoor space isn’t just a passing trend—it represents a fundamental shift in how we value our homes.
For those interested specifically in single-family homes, the importance of a backyard is even more pronounced, with 76% of respondents including it among their top priorities. This clear preference shows that despite technological advancements and modern amenities, Canadians still place tremendous value on having their own private outdoor sanctuary.
Here in Vaughan and the Greater Toronto Area, this trend is particularly relevant. Our region offers numerous neighborhoods with generously sized lots that accommodate the backyard spaces that today’s buyers desire. Properties with well-maintained, thoughtfully landscaped outdoor areas are typically commanding premium prices and generating stronger interest from prospective buyers.
Separate Entrances: Income Potential Drives Design Preferences
One of the standout trends identified in recent surveys is the increasing demand for homes with separate entrances, particularly in Canada’s most expensive real estate markets. Separate entrances are notably important to 27% of respondents in British Columbia and 20% in Ontario.
This preference isn’t just about privacy or convenience—it’s directly connected to financial considerations. As Wahi CEO Benjy Katchen notes, “This suggests that Canadians in pricier housing markets are looking for homes with potential rental income to help offset the cost of ownership.”
For homeowners in Vaughan and York Region, where property values remain high, the ability to generate rental income from a portion of your home can make a significant difference in affordability. Properties with basement apartments, in-law suites, or other rental-ready spaces with separate entrances are increasingly sought after by forward-thinking buyers who view their home not just as a place to live, but as a potential investment opportunity.
Single-Family Homes: Still the Gold Standard
Despite ongoing affordability challenges and the proliferation of condominium developments throughout the GTA, the traditional single-family home remains the preferred housing type for a majority of Canadians.
Nationwide, 64% of potential homebuyers prefer single-family homes, which includes both detached and semi-detached properties. This preference is even stronger among younger buyers, with 67% of those aged 18-34 favoring single-family homes.
In Vaughan and York Region, we continue to see strong demand for single-family homes, particularly in established neighborhoods with good schools, convenient amenities, and transportation options. However, as affordability remains a concern, many buyers are becoming more flexible in their housing choices, considering townhomes and even well-appointed condominiums as viable alternatives.
Space and Comfort: What Matters Most to Today’s Buyers
Beyond the desire for backyards and separate entrances, Canadians have clear preferences when it comes to the interior features that matter most:
For Single-Family Home Buyers:
- Renovated kitchens and bathrooms (59%)
- Finished basements (42%)
- Parking garages (39%)
- Bungalow (one-story) layouts (30%)
For Condo and Apartment Buyers:
- Renovated kitchens and bathrooms (68%)
- Parking garages (53%)
- Visitor parking (36%)
- High-end appliances and scenic views
These preferences reflect the practical needs of modern homeowners who value functional, comfortable living spaces. The high priority placed on renovated kitchens and bathrooms across all housing types indicates that buyers are willing to pay a premium for move-in ready properties that don’t require immediate upgrades to these critical spaces.
The Generational Divide: Age-Specific Housing Preferences
Interestingly, housing preferences vary significantly across different age groups:
Older Canadians highly value scenic views and bungalow-style homes, with 68% of baby boomers and 52% of Gen X respondents citing bungalows as an important feature. In contrast, just 28% of millennials and 13% of Gen Z expressed the same interest.
This demographic divide creates unique opportunities in our local market. With Vaughan’s diverse housing stock ranging from new-build developments to established neighborhoods with older bungalows, there are options available to suit buyers at every stage of life.
Beyond Features: What’s Driving Canadian Housing Choices?
While specific home features are important, broader factors are also influencing housing decisions:
According to the survey, affordability topped the list—40% cited rising home prices or rental costs—but the desire for quiet and more outdoor space are also notable motivators.
These findings align closely with what I’m seeing with my clients here in Vaughan and York Region. Many buyers are carefully balancing their desire for specific features against their budget constraints, often making thoughtful compromises to find homes that meet their most essential needs while remaining financially sustainable.
What This Means for Vaughan and York Region Homeowners
If you’re considering selling your home in Vaughan or York Region, understanding these buyer preferences can help you effectively position your property in the market:
- Highlight outdoor spaces: Even modest backyards can be showcased as valuable assets with proper staging and landscaping.
- Consider rental potential: If your home has a separate entrance or potential for creating an income suite, make sure to emphasize this feature in your listing.
- Focus on key upgrades: Investments in kitchen and bathroom renovations often provide the best return when preparing to sell.
- Target the right buyers: Understanding which demographic is most likely to be interested in your specific property type can help market it more effectively.
Looking Forward: The Future of Housing in the GTA
As we move through 2025, these preferences are likely to continue evolving in response to economic conditions, lifestyle changes, and broader housing market trends. However, the fundamental desire for comfortable, functional, and financially sustainable housing remains constant.
For buyers, understanding your own priorities—what features you truly need versus those you simply want—is essential to making informed decisions in today’s competitive market. For sellers, adapting to meet the evolving preferences of today’s buyers can help you maximize the value of your property and reduce time on market.
How I Can Help
With over 30 years of experience serving homebuyers and sellers in Vaughan and York Region, I bring deep market knowledge and unwavering commitment to helping my clients achieve their real estate goals. Whether you’re looking to buy a home that aligns with your specific needs or preparing to sell and want to position your property to appeal to today’s buyers, I’m here to provide expert guidance every step of the way.
If you’d like to discuss current market conditions or your specific real estate needs, I invite you to reach out. Together, we can navigate the 2025 housing market with confidence and clarity.
