NEW DATA REPORT SHARES RESIDENT SENTIMENT ON HOUSING, AFFORDABILITY AND OTHER TOP COMMUNITY ISSUES

London, ON – A majority of residents from London and St. Thomas would feel comfortable (52% in London; 62% in St. Thomas) or somewhat comfortable (12% in London; 12% in St. Thomas) living in a factory-built home, according to a new report by Nanos Research on behalf of the London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR). The report also found most residents of both cities (53% in London; 59% in St. Thomas) have a positive or somewhat positive impression of the new policy that allows 30-year mortgages for first-time homebuyers.

“The findings affirm residents are interested in government policies that help address housing affordability,” said Dale Marsh, LSTAR 2025 Chair. “Across the region, affordability continues to be one of the top issues of community concern, along with homelessness.”

When asked about the new GST (Goods and Services Tax) rebate for first-time homebuyers, about two in five residents (40% in London; 42% in St. Thomas) believe that it will make it more affordable, while an equal number don’t think the rebate will have a significant impact on housing affordability (43% in London; 46% in St. Thomas).

In London, about one in four residents (27%) believe that the value of real estate in their neighbourhood will increase in the next six months, that’s the lowest result recorded since tracking began in 2019. Similarly, over three in 10 St. Thomas residents (34%) share this view, marking the lowest level since tracking began in 2021.

“With the current economic climate and marketplace uncertainty, it’s understandable residents would respond that way to home values,” said Bill Madder, LSTAR CEO. “At the same time, the report found a majority of residents also see the new Volkswagen plant having a positive impact on the local economy in the future.”

In St. Thomas, 60% of residents feel municipal leaders do a good or very good job of helping attract jobs to the Railway City, while 55% believe municipal leaders do a good or very good job of investing in roads to improve traffic.

Residents in both cities think municipalities need to do more in addressing homelessness.

“When asked for advice to improve their city, both London and St. Thomas residents mostly mention solutions for homelessness or support for low-income individuals,” Marsh said.

It is the fourth time since 2019 that Nanos Research has studied these topics with London residents. It is the third time ratings from St. Thomas residents have been included, with the inaugural findings published in 2021. The 2025 report contains respective year-over-year comparisons in all quality of life categories.

For full survey results, visit https://nanos.co/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/2025-2871-London-and-St.Thomas-LSTAR-Populated-report.pdf 

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About the Survey

The results are based on a random telephone (landline and mobile) survey of 410 residents of the City of London and 300 residents of the City of St. Thomas, 18 years of age or older, conducted between August 27 and September 23, 2025. The margin of error for a random survey of 410 residents of London is ±4.9 percentage points, 19 times out of 20 and the margin of error for a random survey of 300 residents of St. Thomas is ±5.7 percentage points, 19 times out of 20.

About Nanos Research

Nanos Research is one of North America’s premier research and strategy organizations. Since its founding in 1987, Nanos Research has helped corporations, government agencies and advocacy associations understand, chart and shape the public mood. Our reach is global, and we apply the latest machine learning algorithms for exceptional insight. Today, Canada’s largest private broadcaster depends on Nanos Research as the official pollster of record for CTV News. Similarly, world-renowned Bloomberg News Service chose Nanos to conduct Bloomberg’s weekly Canadian consumer sentiment tracking, known as the Bloomberg Nanos Canadian Confidence Index.

About LSTAR

The London and St. Thomas Association of REALTORS® (LSTAR) exists to provide its REALTOR® Members with the support and tools they need to succeed in their profession. As one of Canada’s largest real estate associations, LSTAR serves and represents nearly 2,300 REALTORS® who are working in Middlesex and Elgin Counties, a trading area of more than 600,000 residents.

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Media Contact: Chad Lovell, LSTAR SVP Public Affairs and Strategy, (519) 641-1400