CMHC study: Families benefit significantly from living in their own homes
A study conducted by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) highlighted the importance of affordable housing for Canadian families. It concluded that moving into one’s own home leads to major improvements in housing conditions, child well-being and school performance, health, and personal and family life.
The study is based on the results of a 2012 Canada-wide survey of families who purchased a home through Habitat for Humanity Canada since 2000. It showed that children benefit significantly from living in their own home. Overall well-being and school performance improved with the majority reporting increased confidence and behaviour, higher grades and better attendance.
Living in one’s own home has a positive impact on health with 78% of the Habitat home buyers reporting that their own health and the health of their families is ‘better now’ than in their previous, mostly, rental housing.
While many participants said their housing costs increased since becoming home owners, the majority also said they were better off financially and had more financial control.
Finally, home owners are engaged community members. The study found that new Habitat families’ participation in volunteer activities increased from 52% to nearly 61% since purchasing a home.
The full CMHC report can be found at http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/odpub/pdf/67847.pdf?fr=1370529190655