NHS Housing Needs Data

Addressing housing data gaps and analyzing market conditions

As part of the National Housing Strategy (NHS) Housing Needs Data initiative, CMHC has launched 2 surveys. The surveys provide a more comprehensive picture of the state of community and affordable housing in Canada. These diverse sources of housing data are used to develop indicators to measure progress toward NHS outcomes.

Canadian Housing Survey

The Canadian Housing Survey gathers information on the housing conditions of Canadian households every two years until 2028. CMHC is collaborating with Statistics Canada on this survey to leverage their resources and expertise in administering large household surveys across Canada, including in the north and remote regions of the country.

First results from the Canadian Housing Survey, 2018 (Statistics Canada)

Social and Affordable Housing Survey — Rental Structures

The Social and Affordable Housing Survey — Rental Structures collects information on the physical characteristics of the social and affordable housing stock. CMHC administers this survey every year.

First results from the Social and Affordable Housing Survey – Rental Structures, 2019

Understanding housing conditions and the needs of our most vulnerable populations will help us to better understand the impacts of the policies of the NHS over its 10 years. CMHC works with a wide range of partners to identify, communicate, and fill data gaps increasing the ability to develop housing policy in anticipation of changing housing needs, conditions and market forces.

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