Mortgage Debt Rising

Fastest among Canadians nearing retirement,

New data shows

Older homeowners are increasingly leveraging equity to help younger buyers, raising long-term financial risks as retirement approaches. Canadians nearing retirement are taking on more mortgage debt, with those aged 55 to 64 posting the fastest growth in 2025.

Statistics Canada data show mortgage balances rose about 6% year-over-year, as many tap home equity to fund investment purchases or help younger family members enter the housing market.

Royal LePage data show that 29% of Canadians who are recently retired or nearing retirement will continue to make mortgage payments on their primary residence, nearly double the share from a decade ago and up from just 8% in 1999.

With much of their wealth tied up in their primary residence, many older Canadians have taken steps—such as refinancing or extending amortization periods—to manage cash flow. Those decisions, however, are also pushing mortgage debt further into retirement.

Full Read:

• canadianmortgagetrends.com/
• https://www.canadianmortgagetrends.com/2026/04/mortgage-debt-rising-fastest-among-canadians-nearing-retirement-data-show/