Broke kids: 72% of first-time homebuyers turn to mom and dad for help (SURVEY)

More of BC’s first-time homebuyers are looking to their parents for financial assistance.

According to a December 2016 survey conducted by the Society of Notaries Public BC, first-time buyers are benefiting from financial assistance from their parents, specifically with down payments on their first home purchase.

See also

• 'We can afford this now': Christy Clark confident in first-time homebuyers' program
• MLA David Eby calls first-time homebuyers' program "shortsighted and cynical"
• BC government to provide up to $37,500 loan to help first-time homebuyers

“It’s great to see that many first-time buyers are finding ways to get their first home, despite rising prices,” Tammy Morin Nakashima, President of the Society of Notaries Public of BC, said in a release.

“Regardless of the market or regulatory conditions, the most important consideration is that young buyers understand all of the short and long-term costs that may apply to buying and owning a home.”

Image: BC Notaries

Across BC, Notaries saw an increase of young clients getting financial assistance from their parents to help pay for their down payments, compared to previous years.

In 2015, 57% of BC Notaries reported that first-time buyers were getting help with down payments from their parents. In 2016, that number increased to 72%.

The survey, which had 150 participants, found that first-time buyer activity was strong in 2016. Across BC, 55% of Notaries found that first-time buyer activity remained the same in 2016 and 29% saw an increase.

But parents of first-time buyers may soon get a break from helping with their kids’ down payments.

In December, the BC provincial government announced a plan to help first-time homebuyers get into the housing market.

The BC Home Owner Mortgage and Equity (HOME) Partnership program will contribute to the amount first-time homebuyers have already saved for their down payment.

The program will provide up to $37,500 (or up to 5% of the purchase price) with a 25-year loan that is interest-free for the first five years.