Younger Canadians are more willing to consider condominiums as homes for raising families, according to a new Ipsos Reid survey conducted on behalf of TD Bank.

The survey asked respondents if they would consider living in a condo if they were planning to start a family and raise children.

Canadians aged 25-44 are much more likely to say they would consider raising a family in condominium than are those age 45-59 (22% vs. 13%).

Furthermore, 25-34 year olds are the most likely to agree with the statement “living in condo is suitable for families with very young children” (46% vs. 40% among those aged 35-59).

“Attitudes towards families and condos may be shifting among younger people in urban centres,” said Chris Wisniewski, Group Product Manager, Real Estate Secured Lending, TD Canada Trust. “Younger Canadians who bought condos as their first step into the housing markets have grown accustomed to the numerous benefits of the condo lifestyle, and many are considering extending them into the next phase of their lives.”

The survey also found that 35% of those polled in Canada’s top cities are likely to consider purchasing a condominium as their primary residence

“Traditional attitudes change slowly,” concluded Wisniewski “Yet, as condo developers continue to create new projects with more family-friendly features and amenities, I think we can expect to see a rise in the number of families with children who choose this option.”

Residents of Toronto (42%) and Vancouver (47%) are more likely than those who live in Ottawa (35%), Calgary (32%) or Montreal (25%) to say they would consider purchasing a condominium as their primary residence.

Montrealers are most likely to say they would not consider raising a family in a condo (87%) and most likely to express the view that condominiums are not suitable places for families with children. They are followed by Calgary (84%) and Ottawa (79%). Vancouverites (28%) and Torontonians (23%) are the most likely to consider raising a family in a condo.

The survey was conducted from April 27 to May 12, 2006 among 2,125 adults aged 25-59 living in Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary and Ottawa.