Helping Your Kids Buy a Home Infographic

Helping Your Kids Buy a Home is becoming increasingly common, and for many families, it’s one of the most meaningful ways to provide support when it matters most.

As housing affordability continues to challenge younger generations, more Canadian parents are stepping in to help their children take their first step onto the property ladder. In 2024, over 30% of first-time homebuyers in Canada received financial support from family, with average gifts reaching $115,000—and even higher in markets such as British Columbia and Ontario.

What Parents Should Consider Before Offering Financial Help

While the desire to help is generous, supporting a child’s home purchase comes with important long-term considerations. Whether the support takes the form of a down payment gift, co-signing a mortgage, or buying property together, each option has financial, legal, and emotional implications.

Without a clear plan, families may face unexpected tax consequences, cash-flow strain, or misunderstandings down the road. With thoughtful planning and open communication, however, parents can offer support in a way that protects their own financial security while preserving healthy family relationships.

What the Infographic Covers

The Helping Your Kids Buy a Home infographic—part of the FreshPlan financial planning toolkit—provides a clear, visual overview of what parents need to know before offering assistance. It highlights:

  • Common ways parents support a child’s home purchase
  • Key financial and tax considerations
  • Legal and estate planning implications
  • Potential risks and trade-offs of each approach
  • Practical tips to guide productive family conversations

The infographic is designed to simplify complex decisions and help families explore options with greater confidence.

A Practical Resource for Families and Advisors

For financial professionals, this infographic is a valuable conversation starter that supports meaningful planning discussions with clients. It helps ensure that when families choose to assist their children, the decision is made with clarity, intention, and a shared understanding of the long-term impact.

When done thoughtfully, Helping Your Kids Buy a Home can be both a powerful financial gift and a lasting investment in family well-being.