In Canada, housing is considered affordable if it accounts for less than 30% of before tax income. The term “affordable housing” can refer to any part of the Housing Continuum illustrated below that includes emergency shelters all the way up to market home ownership. We all need affordable housing!
The Housing Continuum is a way to picture all the different kinds of homes needed in a community. It is not a ladder that people climb from one step to the next. Instead, it’s a network of housing options that people move between as their needs and budget change over time.
For example, someone might rent an apartment when they’re starting out, move into a larger home when they have children, downsize later in life, or need temporary or supportive housing during a difficult time. People may move between different types of housing more than once.
There is no “best” or “final” type of housing. The right home depends on your situation, your budget, and your stage of life.
