Why Gender Still Matters in Housing Affordability—And How I Can Help

When we think about housing affordability, most of us focus on interest rates or saving for a down payment. But there’s another piece to the puzzle—one that’s getting more attention lately as the cost of living (and thereby owning a home) continues to increase—core housing need. 

Put simply, when you are in core housing need this means your current home is either unaffordable, has too few bedrooms for your family’s needs, or needs major repair—and you can’t afford a better option that meets basic standards.  

What’s more, according to new data from CMHC, women—especially single mothers, senior women, and those living alone—are significantly more likely to live in core housing need compared to men. In fact, women aged 65+ living alone have the highest core housing need rate in Canada at 30.3%, nearly 1/3 of all women of this group.  

Here are some important highlights from the latest CMHC findings: 

• Men and women are both at risk of being in core housing need. 8.4% of Canadian men and 9.8% of Canadian women are in core housing need. 

• Nearly 1 in 5 women living alone are in core housing need. 

• Senior women (65+) are 1.4x more likely to be in core housing need than senior men. 

• Single mothers face more than double the rate of core housing need compared to single fathers.

  
  

These stats aren’t just numbers—they’re a clear reminder that housing affordability looks different for everyone, and that solutions need to be personalized, not one-size-fits-all. 

Why This Matters for You 

If you’re a woman navigating homeownership on your own—whether you’re a first-time buyer, a single parent, or someone planning for retirement—the road can feel a bit more complicated. But here’s the good news: there are options out there that can help you move forward with confidence. 

This is exactly where I come in. My job as a mortgage agent isn’t just to get you a great rate—it’s to understand your goals, your financial reality, and help you create a plan that makes sense for you. Whether that’s: 

• Exploring lower down payment programs 

• Reviewing ways to improve your mortgage affordability 

• Helping you qualify based on your unique income sources 

• Providing non-mortgage tips & tricks for saving more 

• Just answering your questions without pressure or judgement 

  
  

I'm here to make the process feel less stressful and less overwhelming, ideally maybe even a bit fun. 

Let’s Build a Plan That Works for You 

Everyone, no matter their gender or living situation, deserves a safe, suitable place to call home—and no one should feel left out of the conversation. If you’ve been holding off on homeownership because you’re unsure where to start or what’s possible, let’s talk. 

I’ll walk you through your options, help you understand what you qualify for, and make sure you’re supported every step of the way. 

Let’s turn knowledge into action—and get you one step closer to home. 

📩 Send me a message or book a time here to chat.

—Melissa 💙

Melissa Kuczepa, AMPC, Mortgage Agent Level 2

(905) 925-4762

melissa@mkmortgagesolutions.com

Mortgage Architects #12728