On Thursday, real estate company Royal LePage released the findings of a national survey canvassing first time home buyers over the past two years.

The findings detail growing anxiety from first time buyers over insufficient down payments, along with growing trends like accepting smaller living spaces for shorter commutes.

Nationwide, 57% of respondents said that before buying their home they worried they might miss out on the property they wanted because of an insufficient down payment.

While saving for that down payment, 25% of respondents admitted to living with parents or relatives.

Of those living with family or relatives, only 43% were asked to pay rent and those who did were asked to pay less than market value for their rooms.

As gas prices continue to rise alongside real estate prices, Canadians are beginning to closely consider their commutes.

According to the survey, 48% of respondents would rather have a smaller home and live close to work, compared to 32%  who value larger properties despite a longer commute.

In British Columbia, first time buyers continue to be confident in a rising real estate market despite having to stretch to make down payments.

“Early generational wealth transfer from downsizing Baby Boomers has given a financial boost to first-time home buyers,” said Adil Dinani, real estate advisor, Royal LePage West.

“Despite some softening in prices, first-time home buyers are optimistic about the long term health of the region’s real estate market.”

Royal LePage’s National Survey was conducted between February 15, 2019 to March 15, 2019 via 1,893 interviews with Canadians Canadians aged 25-40 who had purchased their first home within the prior two years.