The Impact of Home Ownership and Mortgage Policies on Immigrants' Experience of Migration and Integration in Toronto

Project Lead

Team Members

Sub-Theme: Housing and Migration

This sub-theme explores the impact of the rapid increase in immigration on the housing market in various regions of Canada and the challenges that immigrants, refugees and international students encounter in securing housing.

Objective

This project examines how various housing modes impact migration and integration experiences of immigrants and newcomers.

Research Questions

Does Toronto's current condoization housing model undermine or recalibrate traditional co-ethnic solidarities?
Is this housing model conducive to a form of socioeconomic stratigication that might eclipse conventional ethnic bonds?
What kinds of social interactions and community practices are engendered within these vertically oriented residential spaces?

Methodology

The project involves ethnography, qualitative interviews, quantitative data analysis, analytical mapping, and photographic surveying.

Outcomes

Publications

Moghadam, A., & Varrel, A. (accepted 2025). Les agents immobiliers, des intermédiaires de la migration ? Dubaï, Istanbul, Toronto [Real Estate Agents as Migration Intermediaries? Dubai, Istanbul, Toronto]. La Revue.

Past events and presentations:

“Immigrant Housing Strategies in Toronto in an Era of Inaccessibility: Is Homeownership Still Within Reach?” presented by Moghadam, A., ISOCARP World Planning Congress, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 2025.
“Placemaking and Infrastructure for Inclusive Cities: Migration, Housing, and Urban Futures in Canada,” presented by Moghadam, A., ISOCARP World Planning Congress, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 2025.
“Transnational Homeownership Culture: Entangled Legacies of Socio-Political Instabilities and Housing Policies,” presented at workshop Mobilities and Movements: Analyzing and Theorizing Legacies, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 2025.
“Urban Spaces, Migrant Lives: Bridging Disciplinary Boundaries,” presented by Moghadam, A., BROAD-ER International Conference, Koç University, Turkey, September 2025.
“Transnational Homeownership Culture: Entangled Legacies of Socio-Political Instabilities and Housing Policies,” presented at workshop Mobilities and Movements: Analyzing and Theorizing Legacies, Neuchâtel University, Switzerland, May 2024.
“Journeys of Transnational Homeownership: Mobilities, Socio-Political Instabilities, and Housing Policy Legacies,” presented at workshop Mobilities and Movements: Analyzing and Theorizing Legacies, Neuchâtel University, Switzerland, May 2024.