Skip to content
site logo Canada Mortgage
and Housing Corporation
  • Sign In or Register
  • FRANÇAIS
  • Hamburger Icon MENU
Hamburger Icon MENU
× FRANÇAIS
  • Home
  • Buying
    • Homebuying Step by Step
      • Decide if Homeownership is Right for You
      • Check if You are Financially Ready to Own a Home
      • Finance Your Home
      • Find the Right Home
      • Make an Offer and Close the Deal
      • Maintain Your Home and Protect Your Investment
    • Condominium Buyer's Guide
      • Chapter 1: Condominium Basics
      • Chapter 2: Condominium Governance
      • Chapter 3: The Pros and Cons of Condominium Ownership
      • Chapter 4: Buying a Condominium
      • Chapter 5: Checklists, Tips and FAQ's
      • Tips for Buying a New Condominium
      • Tips for Buying a Resale Condominium
      • Checklist for Buying a New Condominium
      • Checklist for Buying a Resale Condominium
      • Condominium Purchase and Recurring Costs
      • Physical Evaluation Checklist (For Resale Units)
      • Questions to Ask Advisors and Condominium Experts
      • Frequently Asked Questions
      • Glossary
      • Provincial and Territorial Fact Sheets
        • Alberta Fact Sheet
        • British Columbia Fact Sheet
        • Manitoba Fact Sheet
        • New Brunswick Fact Sheet
        • Newfoundland and Labrador Fact Sheet
        • Northwest Territories Fact Sheet
        • Nova Scotia Fact Sheet
        • Nunavut Fact Sheet
        • Ontario Fact Sheet
        • Prince Edward Island Fact Sheet
        • Quebec Fact Sheet
        • Saskatchewan Fact Sheet
        • Yukon Fact Sheet
    • Financial Information and Calculators
      • Mortgage Fraud
      • Mortgage Planning Tips
      • Plan and Manage Your Mortgage
      • Your Credit Report
      • Government of Canada Programs to Support Homebuyers
      • Your Home Value
    • Seniors Housing
      • Housing options for Seniors
      • Housing and Finance Tips
      • Mortgage Financing Options for People 55+
      • Preventing Fraud and Financial Abuse
    • Newcomers
    • Mortgage Loan Insurance for Consumers
      • COVID-19: Understanding Mortgage Payment Deferral
      • What is CMHC Mortgage Loan Insurance?
      • What are the General Requirements to Qualify for Homeowner Mortgage Loan Insurance?
      • FAQs — Mortgage Loan Insurance
      • CMHC Mortgage Loan Insurance Costs
      • CMHC Green Home
      • CMHC — Home Renovation Financing Options
  • National Housing Strategy
    • What is the strategy?
      • About the initiatives
      • How to apply
      • Help & Resources
      • Priority areas for action
      • Glossary
    • The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive
    • Shared Equity Mortgage Provider Fund
      • Preconstruction Loans
        Stream 1
      • Shared Equity Mortgages (SEM)
        Stream 2
    • Federal/Provincial/Territorial Housing Agreements
    • Federal Community Housing Initiative
    • Federal Lands Initiative
    • National Housing Co-Investment Fund
    • Rental Construction Financing
    • Affordable Housing Innovation Fund
    • Other funding and financing opportunities
    • The Community Housing Transformation Centre
    • Community-Based Tenant Initiative
    • NHS Demonstrations Initiative
    • Solutions Labs
      • Social Innovation Labs Resources
      • Solution Lab Consultant Information
    • Collaborative Housing Research Network
    • NHS Research and Planning Fund
    • CMHC Housing Research Scholarship Program
    • CMHC Housing Research Awards
    • Housing Supply Challenge
      • Round 1: Housing Supply Challenge
    • Rapid Housing Initiative
      • Rapid Housing Initiative Webinar
    • National Housing Conference
    • NHS Housing Needs Data
    • College of Reviewers
  • Renting
    • COVID-19: Eviction Bans and Suspensions to Support Renters
    • COVID-19: CECRA for small businesses
    • I Want to Rent
      • Things to Consider Before Renting
      • Types of Housing for Rent in Canada
      • Finding or Advertising a Rental Property
      • Visiting the Rental Property
      • Lease and Rental Agreements
      • Signing the Lease
      • Credit Checks and Bad Credit
      • Rental Payments and Deposits
      • Roommates and Pets
    • I Am Renting
      • Moving Day
      • Landlord/Tenant Responsibilities
      • Inspections
      • Maintenance & repairs
      • Complaints & evictions
      • Rent Increase
      • When you can't pay Rent
      • Renewing or terminating the lease
      • Moving Out
  • Developing and Renovating
    • Funding Opportunities
      • First Nations Development Funding
        • Direct Lending Program for First Nation Communities
        • Funding Opportunities Tool for Indigenous Housing
        • Insured Loans for On-Reserve First Nation Housing
        • On-Reserve Non Profit Housing Program (Section 95)
        • Proposal Development Funding (PDF) for First Nation Communities
      • On-Reserve Renovation Programs
        • Emergency Repair Program (ERP)
        • Home Adaptations for Seniors' Independence (HASI)
        • Residential Rehabilitation Assistance Program (RRAP) – Regular
        • Shelter Enhancement Program (SEP)
      • Seed Funding
      • Preservation Funding for Community Housing
      • COVID-19: Loan Payment Deferrals for Indigenous Clients
    • Testimonials
    • Develop New Affordable Housing
      • Manufactured Housing: Affordable Quality Homes
      • Programs and Information
        • About Affordable Housing in Canada
        • Affordable Housing in Canada's North
        • Affordable Housing Programs Across Canada
        • Reno/Retro 2016: Funding for Existing Social Housing
        • Housing Action Plans: A Guide for Municipalities
        • Development Checklist for Affordable Housing
        • Housing Development Resources
    • Indigenous Housing
      • Housing Internship Initiative for First Nation and Inuit Youth (HIIFNIY)
      • Indigenous Advisory Council
      • Our Work With First Nation Communities
      • Shelters Initiative for Indigenous Women and Children
        • Funding Available for Shelters On-Reserve
        • Shelters in the Territories
      • Keeper of My Home Learning Resource
    • Developing Sustainable Housing
      • Maintenance and Resource Efficiency for Buildings
      • Webcast: Advancing Sustainable and Affordable Housing in Canada
      • Energy and Water Savings Case Studies
    • Accessible and Adaptable Housing
      • Universal Design for New Housing Units
      • Secondary Suites
      • Accessible Housing by Design
      • Aging in Place
        • Aging in Place Success Stories
        • Housing a Senior Population: The Economic and Social Benefits
        • Hiring a Contractor
      • Universal Design and Adaptable Housing Models
    • Provincial/Territorial Agreements
      • Bilateral IAH Agreements and Public Reporting
      • National IAH Funding Table
      • Investment in Affordable Housing (IAH)
    • External Links
  • CMHC Library
  • Managing and Maintaining
    • Managing Affordable Housing
      • Connect with a Housing Solutions Specialist – Multi-Unit
      • Affordable Housing Project Profiles
      • Housing Management Hub
        • Contractors and Suppliers
        • Evictions and Expulsions
        • Capital Replacement Planning
        • Governance for Housing Organizations
        • Steps for Managing Vacancies
          • Repair and clean the unit
          • Identify or Advertise for Applicants
          • Welcome new residents
        • Policy Information
          • Why are policies important
          • Policy Enforcement
          • Policies Your Housing Organization Needs
          • Developing Effective Policies
        • Tendering Contracts
    • Manage First Nation Properties
      • First Nation Housing Policies Development Guide
        • Decide if You Need a Written Policy
        • Research the Housing Policy
        • Write and Review the Housing Policy
        • Develop the Housing Policy Implementation Plan
        • Get Approval for the Housing Policy
        • Implement and Monitor the Housing Policy
        • Revise or Cancel the Policy as Required
      • Tenant Records
      • Building Code Compliance for First Nation Housing
      • Finances
        • Differences Between the On-Reserve Non-Profit Housing Program Pre-1997 and Post-1996
        • Understanding Operating Agreement Terms
      • Maintenance Solutions
        • How to Maintain a Heat Recovery Ventilator
        • Maintenance Planning Guide for First Nation Communities
        • Mould in Housing
          • Information for Occupants
          • Information for Housing Managers
          • Information for Builders and Renovators
          • Flood Cleanup and Mould Prevention
          • Mould Cleanup at a Glance: Infographic
          • Mould in Housing at Glance
      • Role of a First Nation Housing Manager
    • Maintenance Funding and Information
      • Governance and Finance Information Series
      • Loans Administration and Direct Lending
      • Off-Reserve Aboriginal Social Housing
      • Renovation Programs for On-Reserve Housing
      • Tendering Contracts Information Series
    • Co-operative Housing Guide
  • Data and Research
    • CMHC Reports Calendar
    • Publications and Reports
    • Housing Market Information Portal
    • Data Tables
      • Household Characteristics
      • Housing Market Data
      • Housing Market Indicators
      • Mortgage and Debt Data
      • Rental Market Data
    • Housing in Canada Online (HiCO)
    • Core Housing Need
    • Survey Notices
    • CMHC Library
    • Consumer Surveys
      • 2019 Mortgage Consumer Survey Results
      • 2018 Mortgage Consumer Survey Results
        • Homebuyers insights
        • Renewers insights
        • Refinancers insights
        • Financial Literacy
        • Affordability
        • Home financing choices
        • MCS blog
    • Survey Methods
    • CMHC Licence Agreement for the Use of Data
  • Finance and Investing
    • Insured Mortgage Purchase Program (IMPP)
    • COVID-19: CECRA for small businesses
    • Mortgage Loan Insurance
      • Mortgage Loan Insurance Homeownership Programs
        • CMHC Mortgage Loan Insurance Costs
      • Rental Housing Solutions
      • Contact Mortgage Loan Insurance
      • Homebuying Calculators
        • Mortgage Calculator
        • Affordability Calculator
        • Debt Service Calculator
      • The Resource
        • I Can’t Pay my Mortgage, What are my Options?
        • Home Buying Step by Step
      • Default, Claims and Properties for Sale
      • Mortgage Fraud
      • Underwriting Centre
      • Consumer Survey Results
      • NHA Approved Lenders
      • Calculating GDS / TDS
      • emili
        • emiliTRACKER
      • Client e-Update
      • Multi-Unit e-Update
      • Regional CMHC Industry Sessions
    • Canada Mortgage Bonds
    • NHA Mortgage Backed Securities
    • Canadian Registered Covered Bonds
      • How to Become a Registered Issuer
    • Blockchain in the housing industry
  • CMHC E-Newsletters
    • Affordable Housing E-newsletter
    • Housing Research E-newsletter
    • Indigenous and Northern Housing E-newsletter
    • Client e-Update
    • Multi-Unit e-Update
  • About CMHC
    • CMHC’s Story
    • Management and Governance
      • Board of Directors and Committees
      • Our Management Committee
      • Pension Governance
        • Pension Overview
        • Key Roles and Responsibilities
        • Annual Reports
    • Corporate Reporting
      • CMHC Annual Report
      • Program Evaluation
      • Joint Auditors Special Examination Report to CMHC Board 2018
      • Summary of the Corporate Plan
      • Quarterly Financial Reports
      • Transparency
        • Access to Information and Privacy Protection
        • Briefing Materials
        • Procurement
          • CETA
          • Disclosure of contracts over $10,000
        • Travel, hospitality and conference expenditures
          • Annual travel, hospitality and conference expenditures
      • CMHC’s Insured Mortgage Deferral
    • Contact Us
      • CMHC Departments
        • Connect with a Housing Solutions Specialist – Multi-Unit
        • Contact Mortgage Loan Insurance
      • Holiday Service Hours
    • Speakers Bureau
    • Careers
    • Partnerships
  • Careers
  • Housing Observer
  • Media Newsroom
    • Coronavirus (COVID-19) Update
    • Media Relations
 
  • Home Breadcrumb Chevron
  • Housing Observer

Results from the 2020 Seniors Housing Survey

June 11, 2020

Save page to My Folder Share this page
Save Icon

SAVE TO MY FOLDER

Results from the 2020 Seniors Housing Survey

SAVE
Close this Window   |   Manage my Folder
Save Icon

SAVE TO MY FOLDER

Results from the 2020 Seniors Housing Survey

Done Done!
Close this Window   |   Manage my Folder
Share icon

Share via

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Mail
  • Twitter
  • print
Share icon

Share via

  • Facebook
  • LinkedIn
  • Mail
  • Twitter
  • print
share icon

Mail-blue Share via Email

Did You Know?

You can include an email signature?

Register | Sign In

×
Google Captcha Loader
share icon

Mail-blue Share via Email

Done Done!
Close this window

We have just released the results of the new 2020 Seniors’ Housing Survey. In these annual tables we share information on the seniors’ housing market in 7 regions across Canada:

  • British Columbia
  • Alberta
  • Saskatchewan
  • Manitoba
  • Ontario
  • Quebec
  • Atlantic

Data collection took place in February 2020.

Overview of Average Rents and Vacancy Rates in Canada

This year, vacancy rates have varied in seniors’ residences across the country. Some regional trends and exceptions are noteworthy. In Newfoundland and Labrador, the vacancy rate for standard spaces is now 22.6%. It is only 2.7% in Manitoba and 3.4% in Nova Scotia. Vacancy rates were also generally higher in the Prairies — about 15% in Alberta and Saskatchewan.

Quebec again posts the highest capture rate in the country. Indeed, 18.4% of its seniors aged 75 and over lived in seniors’ residences in 2020, while in other provinces across the country, this proportion varies between only 5% and 10%.

Average rents for standard spaces*

  • Atlantic
    ↑ $2,858
  • Quebec
    ↑ $1,844
  • Ontario
    ↑ $3,865
  • Manitoba
    ↑ $2,849
  • Saskatchewan
    ↑ $3,105
  • Alberta
    ↑ $3,270
  • British Columbia
    ↑ $3,364

Vacancy rates for standard spaces*

  • Atlantic
    ↑ 10.6%
  • Quebec
    ↓ 6.9%
  • Ontario
    ↑ 11.0%
  • Manitoba
    ↓ 2.7%
  • Saskatchewan
    ↓ 15.0%
  • Alberta
    ↑ 15.1%
  • British Columbia
    ↑ 5.1%

*Standard space: a space where the resident does not receive high-level care or is not required to pay an extra amount to receive high-level care.

Quebec demand grew faster than supply

Demand for standard spaces in Quebec’s seniors’ residences grew slightly faster than supply. Returning to its 2018 level, the vacancy rate decreased slightly to 6.9% in 2020 (it was 7.2% in 2019).

However, changes in vacancy rates varied across metropolitan areas. The vacancy rate declined in only 3 of the 6 Quebec CMAs:

  • Montréal
  • Sherbrooke
  • Trois-Rivières

The vacancy rate for heavy-care spaces remained relatively stable at 5.9%.

The average rent for standard spaces was $1,844 in 2020, compared to $3,409 for heavy-care spaces.

Ontario saw the first increase in 6 years!

The vacancy rate for standard spaces increased to 11.0% across all unit types. Ward/semi-private spaces recorded the largest increase.

This was the first increase in six years, after the vacancy rate had declined to a 10-year low of 10.3% in 2019.

The total supply of seniors’ housing grew by 3.9% to 65,049 spaces in 2020, outpacing the growth in demand.

Total supply of seniors’ housing grew by 3.9% to 65,049 spaces in 2020, outpacing the growth in demand.

The average rent for a standard space increased by 2.8% to $3,865.

Manitoba saw a decrease for a second consecutive year

The vacancy rate for standard spaces in seniors’ housing decreased from 3.0% in 2019 to 2.7% in 2020.

In the Winnipeg Census Metropolitan Area, the vacancy rate for standard spaces in seniors’ housing was 2.4%. In comparison, the vacancy rate of heavy care spaces was 1.2%.

The average rent for a standard space in Manitoba was $2,849 in 2020 compared to $2,819 in 2019. Average rent in the Winnipeg Census Metropolitan Area was higher than the provincial average at $2,881. The rest of Manitoba was lower at $2,648.

There were 52 facilities surveyed in Manitoba in 2020 containing a total of:

  • 5,043 spaces
  • 5,507 resident.

Saskatchewan’s number decreased

The vacancy rate for standard spaces in seniors’ housing across Saskatchewan decreased from 16.7% in 2019 to 15.0%.

In the Regina Census Metropolitan Area, vacancy rates for standard spaces was 16.2% compared to 14.5% for the Saskatoon Census Metropolitan Area.

The overall average rent for a standard retirement space was $3,105 in 2020 compared to $3,034 one year earlier. However, the largest universe was in spaces renting for $3,500 and more at 33.9% of the total universe.

Demand for seniors’ housing was strong as the number of residents increased from 7,068 in 2019 to 7,680 in 2020. The Saskatoon Census Metropolitan Area accounted for the majority of total residents with 3,498 residents.

Alberta’s vacancy rate for standard spaces in seniors’ housing increased

The vacancy rate for standard spaces in seniors’ housing increased in Alberta from 13.8% in 2019 to 15.1%. Across Alberta, vacancy rates were the highest among Bachelor units at 18.6%.

The largest vacancy rate increase occurred in the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area.

It rose from 9.7% in 2019 to 12.6% in 2020. Comparatively, the vacancy rate in the Calgary Census Metropolitan Area increased from 15.0% in 2019 to 15.9% in 2020.

The average rent for a standard space in Alberta increased from $3,258 in 2019 to $3,270 in 2020. Average rents in the Calgary Census Metropolitan Area were $3,945 compared to $2,884 in the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area.

There were 14,852 seniors’ housing spaces in Alberta:

  • 5,670 spaces in the Edmonton Census Metropolitan Area
  • 5,295 in the Calgary Census Metropolitan Area

British Columbia’s vacancy rate for independent living spaces increased

For the second consecutive year, the vacancy rate for independent living spaces, increased from 4.2% in 2019 to 5.1% in 2020. Vacancy rates ranged across regions. From a high of 7.6% in Okanagan/Thompson/Shuswap to a low of 3.4% in Vancouver Island/Central Coast.

The average rent for an independent living space in British Columbia was $3,364 in 2020 compared to $3,275 in 2019. The Lower Mainland posted the highest rents at $3,722.

Affordable independent living spaces continue to see high demand in British Columbia. Units with average rents less than $1,900 saw the lowest vacancy rates at 3.4%.

There were an additional 664 spaces added across BC in 2020. The majority of new spaces were added in the Vancouver Island/Central Coast region.

At the same time, demand was strong in the Vancouver Island/Central Coast region. This region added 379 residents between 2019 and 2020, the largest increase across British Columbia.

Atlantic Canada’s standard spaces in seniors’ housing increased

The vacancy rate for standard spaces in seniors’ housing in Atlantic Canada increased from 8.6% in 2019 to 10.6% in 2020. Rates varied ranging from a low of 3.4% in Nova Scotia to a high of 22.6% in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island saw declines in vacancy rate. It increased slightly in New Brunswick and significantly in Newfoundland and Labrador.

Vacancy rates dropped for all bedroom types except ward/semi-private rooms. Vacancy rates were lower the bigger the living spaces. Two-bedroom units had the lowest vacancy rate of 4.0% in Atlantic Canada.

Consequently, vacancy rates dropped the most for relatively more expensive spaces with average rent between $3,000 – $3,499

The average rent for a standard space in Atlantic Canada was $2,858 in 2020 representing a 3.0% increase from $2,774.

The total supply of seniors’ housing declined by 4%, to 10,031 spaces, in 2020. This matches the drop in demand in most provinces except Nova Scotia. The number of spaces in Nova Scotia increased 6% while the number of residents increased 13%.

The composition of senior housing in Nova Scotia is quite different from Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Nova Scotia has the highest proportion (85%) of standard spaces compared to 46% for the other three provinces. It also has a significantly higher proportion of one and two-bedroom spaces (68%) compared to 40% for the other provinces.

Download the data tables for full results

Methodology

For more information on the Seniors Housing Survey methodology.

Related links

  • Seniors Housing Reports
  • Housing Research Newsletter

Was this page relevant to your needs?

Thank you for your feedback!

Sorry to hear that! Can you tell us about the problem?

For further assistance, pleasecontact us

ThanksYour feedback has been submitted.

Discover related content using the tags below:

  • Housing Market Information
  • Housing Indicators
  • New Construction
  • Resale Market
  • Rental Market Statistics
Date Published: June 11, 2020
By Topic
  • Coronavirus (COVID-19) Updates
  • National Housing Strategy
  • Buying
  • Rental Housing
  • Developing and Renovating
  • Managing and Maintaining
  • Data and Research
  • Finance and Investing
About Us
  • CMHC's Story
  • Management and Governance
  • Partnerships
  • Corporate Reporting
  • Contact Us
  • Careers
More
  • CMHC e-Newsletters
  • CMHC Library
  • Housing Observer Online
  • Media Newsroom
  • CMHC on Twitter
  • CMHC on LinkedIn
  • CMHC on Facebook
  • CMHC on Instagram
  • CMHC on YouTube
Privacy Policy    |    Terms and Conditions    |    Transparency     Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) ©2021 
Canada
loader icon

 Monitor our most recent coronavirus (COVID-19) updates.