We’ve all noticed it—our kids, our teens, maybe even ourselves—spending more time online. But a new federal report shows that nearly all Canadian youth between grades 6 and 10 are spending far more time on screens than health experts recommend. While this sparks concern for childhood development, it also signals a broader cultural shift that may quietly influence the housing economy and long-term real estate demand.
In this article, we’ll explore how our screen-first lifestyle may be changing more than just family dynamics. For Canadian homeowners and prospective buyers aged 30 to 55, understanding these behavioural trends could offer insight into the future value of our largest financial asset—our homes. If you’re already planning your next move, now might also be a smart time to reassess [your mortgage options](https://unrate.ca/mortgages/).
Digital Natives and the Geography of Home
Younger Canadians are growing up in a world where daily routines revolve around screens. According to a recent report by the Public Health Agency of Canada, between 89% and 96% of students in grades 6 through 10 are exceeding two hours of recreational screen time—a sharp contrast with national health guidelines.
It’s more than just missed time outdoors. As this generation matures, their preferences around lifestyle, work, and home are likely to evolve with their digital environment. With remote work normalized and in-person interaction less of a daily staple, future homebuyers may prioritize different features than previous generations. Think high-speed internet over walkability, virtual socialization over community centres, and home office space over backyard gardens.
This shift could eventually impact real estate demand in suburban and rural areas, where space is ample but amenities may be limited. For homeowners, that might mean revisiting renovation plans—or considering whether a [HELOC](https://unrate.ca/mortgages/heloc/) could help fund a home office upgrade.
A Quiet Influence on the Housing Market
So how does kids’ screen time connect to mortgage rates and real estate sales today? Indirectly, but powerfully. The next generation’s relationship with their homes is being shaped right now. And what they value in a home will define tomorrow’s buying patterns.
Take, for example, the recent softening in housing activity. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national home sales in April 2024 were down 1.7% month-over-month, despite a slight increase in new listings. One could point to high borrowing costs as the usual culprit—and surely, the current [variable rates](https://unrate.ca/mortgages/variable-rate/) averaging over 6% have frozen many would-be buyers.
But demand isn’t just shaped by affordability. It’s about lifestyle fit. If younger buyers are more inclined to prioritize high-tech infrastructure, smart home features, or digital workspaces, properties that don’t align with those expectations may sell more slowly or at a discount—no matter the interest rate.
Interest Rates and Future Buyer Expectations
We’re currently in a holding pattern as the Bank of Canada signals caution around reducing the overnight rate, which remains at 5%. Inflation cooled slightly to 2.7% in April according to Statistics Canada, but isn’t yet at the 2% sweet spot that would speed up rate cuts.
For homeowners, this means that [refinancing](https://unrate.ca/mortgages/refinance/) is still a tough call. Locking into today’s fixed rates might offer stability, but also means missing out if rates drop next year. We often recommend reviewing your mortgage mid-term to gauge if early action might save you money—even after potential [prepayment penalties](https://unrate.ca/mortgages/mortgage-prepayment-penalties/).
But interest rates aside, what should also be on your radar is how next-gen buyers will interact with the homes you’re looking to sell or rent down the road. Digital convenience is no longer a perk—it’s a prerequisite. That trend will only accelerate as today’s screen-savvy youth become tomorrow’s first-time buyers.
What Homeowners Can Do Now
Whether you’re considering putting your home on the market, renovating to boost future value, or just trying to keep up with shifting homeowner trends, it might be time to think outside the traditional box.
Adding value to your home today may require less landscaping and more smart-home integration. High-efficiency Wi-Fi systems, solar-powered security cameras, and quiet, private workspaces aren’t just nice-to-haves anymore. They’re increasingly what younger buyers expect.
If you’re planning a renovation or expansion with digital-first living in mind, researching a [construction mortgage](https://unrate.ca/mortgages/construction-mortgage/) could offer the flexibility needed to modernize your space with future buyers in mind.
And finally, if you’re starting to think about how to tap into your home equity as retirement inches closer, a [reverse mortgage](https://unrate.ca/mortgages/reverse-mortgages/) might be worth exploring, especially as home prices in many regions remain resilient—even as younger buyers’ wish lists evolve.
Final Thoughts
While rising screen time among youth may seem a social or parenting concern, it’s also a clue about the direction our home lives could be heading. For owners, sellers, and investors alike, observing these trends today could mean positioning your home or mortgage strategy more wisely tomorrow.
If your circumstances are changing—or you’re simply wondering whether your current mortgage still fits the future—our team at Unrate can help. From the [best mortgage rates](https://unrate.ca/mortgages/) to smart refinancing strategies, it’s all about finding the right fit in a fast-evolving world.
Because in a digital-first world, even your bricks-and-mortar future depends on staying connected—to the market, and to what comes next.
External Source: Public Health Agency of Canada – Health Behaviours of Young People
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