Canadian mortgage consumers show increased financial confidence in 2026, with concerns about default dropping from 53% to 39%. Most view homeownership as a sound investment, though fewer expect home values to rise. Renewers face payment pressures, with 35% reporting higher costs averaging $375 monthly. Many are cutting non-mortgage expenses to manage. First-time buyers take 4.7 years to save down payments, often relying on financial gifts. Rising rates and prices have reduced affordability in most major markets.