New Municipal Election Poll Shows Strong Voter Support For Action on Housing Affordability in GTA and Barrie

85% of GTA and Barrie residents are concerned about housing affordability and 69% say housing will impact their vote in the upcoming municipal election

TORONTO, Sept. 16, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Barrie residents are signalling strong intentions to vote in the upcoming municipal election, and housing affordability is a defining issue at the ballot box, according to new Ipsos polling commissioned by the Toronto Regional Real Estate Board (TRREB).

Key Takeaways

√ 90% are considering voting in the October 26 municipal election
√ 85% are concerned about housing affordability
√ 76% are frustrated by the lack of progress on housing
√ 69% say housing will influence their vote
√ 82% believe municipalities are not doing enough to address affordability
√ 60% are more likely to support housing-focused mayoral candidates
√ Strong majorities support lower housing-related taxes, fees, and development charges

Polling results are consistent across Toronto, the rest of the GTA and Barrie.

"With nine in ten residents saying they are considering voting, residents are clearly engaged," said TRREB President Daniel Steinfeld. "People are concerned about affordability, frustrated by the lack of progress and looking for action on housing."

Strong Public Support for Reducing Municipal Housing Costs

The polling shows residents are looking not only for action, but for specific policies that can reduce housing costs and increase housing supply. (Summary of Results)

Development charges can add up to 20% to the price of a new home, significantly affecting both homebuyers and renters.

"Residents understand that the taxes, fees, and barriers imposed by municipalities ultimately affect the cost of housing," said Steinfeld.

Municipal Costs and Taxes Under Scrutiny

Residents also expressed concern about how municipalities raise revenue. (Summary of Results)

The combined Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT) and provincial Land Transfer Tax now totals approximately $33,000 on an average-priced Toronto home. TRREB is calling on municipal candidates to oppose the expansion of MLTTs to other municipalities.

"This is an opportunity for mayoral candidates to address one of the significant upfront costs facing homebuyers, including modernizing the outdated first-time homebuyer MLTT rebate. Housing affordability affects everyone, so when candidates come to the door asking for your vote, make sure housing is part of the conversation," added Steinfeld.

TRREB Launches Remove Housing Roadblocks Election Campaign

The strong polling results underscore a clear message from voters: they want municipal leaders to tackle the costs, delays, and barriers that make housing less affordable.

In response, TRREB is launching Remove Housing Roadblocks, a new election campaign calling on candidates across the GTA and Simcoe County to commit to removing local government barriers that increase housing costs and stand in the way of building more homes.

With housing affordability poised to influence voting decisions across the GTA and Barrie, TRREB is urging municipal candidates to clearly outline how they will lower housing-related costs, speed up approvals and support the construction of more homes.

TRREB is encouraging voters to ask candidates:

• How will you reduce housing-related taxes and fees?
• How will you speed up housing approvals?
• How will you support more housing choice?
• Will you oppose new taxes on homebuyers?
  
  

As residents head to the polls on October 26, they have an opportunity to make housing affordability a central election issue and support candidates committed to removing barriers to housing supply and affordability.

Media Inquiries:

For all media inquiries, please email media@trreb.ca

About TRREB:

The Toronto Regional Real Estate Board is Canada’s largest real estate board, with almost 70,000 residential and commercial professionals connecting people, property, and communities.