Toronto Renters Put Housing First on Election Day: What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

Toronto votes today, October 26, 2026, and housing is near the top of renters' minds. A Rentals.ca survey of 218 Toronto renters, reported by NOW Toronto, found that 69 per cent rated housing policies five out of five in importance when deciding their vote. For buyers and sellers, the short answer is that rental affordability and housing supply are shaping the conversation, and that is worth understanding even if you do not rent.

What did the Rentals.ca survey find?

According to the NOW Toronto report on the poll:

• 69 per cent of renters surveyed gave housing policies a five out of five for importance in their vote.
• 23 per cent were still undecided, 10 per cent preferred not to say, and 17 per cent were not eligible to vote in the city.
• 64 per cent said finding an affordable rental has become harder over the past year, and 41 per cent of those said it is much harder.
• 58 per cent said they were not at all or only slightly informed about the candidates' housing plans.

This is a small survey of renters, not a poll of all Toronto voters, so it shows what a group of tenants told Rentals.ca rather than how the whole city feels.

What do Toronto renters say they want?

When asked how the city could improve the rental market, 53 per cent pointed to more rental housing of all types. Another 52 per cent wanted a wider range of housing types and sizes, including family-sized rentals, and 45 per cent wanted existing affordable housing protected. On renter protections, 64 per cent said they want stronger maintenance enforcement and repairs.

The common thread is supply and variety. That matches what we see across the GTA: new condo and rental projects are being reshaped, and the mix of homes that actually reach the market is changing.

Why does this matter if I am buying or selling?

Renting and owning are connected. Many Toronto first-time buyers are current renters, and many sellers are landlords or are moving into a rental while they decide what to do next. When renters feel stretched, some delay buying, some look at smaller condos, and some stay in place longer. When rental supply grows, it can change how buyers compare monthly rent with monthly ownership costs.

It is also worth separating an election result from a market result. A new mayor and council can set priorities on zoning, development charges, permits and tenant protection, but those changes tend to play out over months and years. Day to day, Toronto prices and sales are still driven by mortgage rates, buyer confidence and the number of homes for sale. We do not expect, and cannot promise, any immediate change in values because of one vote.

What should Toronto buyers do now?

If you are renting and thinking about buying, run your own numbers instead of waiting on headlines. Compare your current rent with the full monthly cost of ownership, including mortgage payments, property tax, condo fees and insurance, and get a mortgage pre-approval so you know your real budget. Look at the neighbourhoods and building types that fit that budget, since condos, townhomes and semi-detached homes can price very differently across the city.

What should Toronto sellers do now?

If you are selling, remember that your buyers are making the same comparisons. Price your home against recent nearby sales, not last year's highs, and present it so it stands out in the photos and at showings. If you own a rental or condo investment, review your rent, expenses and your options with an advisor, because rules and demand can both shift over time.

Key takeaways

• A Rentals.ca survey of 218 Toronto renters found 69 per cent rate housing policy as a top-importance voting issue.
• 64 per cent of those renters said finding an affordable rental has become harder in the past year.
• Renters asked most for more rental supply, more family-sized homes and protection for existing affordable housing.
• Policy changes take time. One election day does not by itself change prices or rents.
• Buyers should compare the full cost of owning with their current rent. Sellers should price against recent local sales.

Frequently asked questions

Is today's election going to change Toronto home prices?
Not by itself. Prices respond mostly to interest rates, supply and buyer confidence. City policy can influence supply over time, but no one can promise a specific outcome.

Should renters wait to buy until after the election?
That depends on your finances, not on the calendar. The better question is whether the monthly cost, your down payment and your plans for the next five years work for you.

Where can I read the original report?
The full story is on NOW Toronto, based on a Rentals.ca survey published last week.

If you are weighing a purchase or a sale in Toronto, our team can walk you through the numbers for your situation. You can reach us through the Connect page. This post is general information, not financial or legal advice.