Changing driving habits hint at quiet shift in renter priorities

The way Canadians get around is slowly changing, and while it might not seem like a big deal yet, it could eventually reshape what renters want in a home.

Getting a driver’s licence used to be a teenage milestone, but not anymore. The average student at Young Drivers of Canada is now over 20 years old, according to Andrew Marek, the school’s chief growth officer.

Marek lists plenty of reasons behind the delay. Rideshare apps like Uber are a big one, offering the convenience of car travel without the costs of ownership. Gas, insurance, and maintenance costs all add up, and for young people on tight budgets, those expenses can be hard to justify. And for those living in cities, transit options are often more than enough to cover basic mobility needs.

It’s not just teens steering away from driving – in 2022, more than half of Canadians said they were driving less due to gas prices. And a 2024 study found that many Ontario residents are reconsidering whether owning a car is worth it at all, especially those aged 25-34.

The question for property managers is: will these Uber-riding, transit-taking teens carry their habits into adulthood? If they delay getting their licences until their twenties – or skip it altogether – what happens when they start looking for a place to rent?

None of this means you should rush to scrub private driveways or garages from your property listings. Many renters do still drive, and car ownership isn’t going away overnight.

But it’s worth watching. As driving becomes less essential and more optional, especially in urban areas, amenities like dedicated parking may hold less sway in rental decisions. That’s not to say it won’t be a bonus, but it may not carry the weight it once did for younger renters.

Don’t be surprised if, one day, applicants are more interested in bike storage, transit access, or a great walking score than where they’ll store the car they may never buy.

More amenities headlines

What today’s renters really want when searching for a home – PayProp blog

How homes without basements, stairs could ease northern Ontario housing crisis – CBC

The lag between electric vehicles and rental property regulations – PayProp blog