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Canadian Consumer Debt Hits $2.6 Trillion — Here’s What It Means for Homeowners in 2025

Mortgage balances are rising, delinquencies are splitting by region, and Canadians are feeling the pressure. Here’s Lendworth’s breakdown—and what it means for your equity.
November 25, 2025 by
Canadian Consumer Debt Hits $2.6 Trillion — Here’s What It Means for Homeowners in 2025
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Canadian households just crossed a major financial milestone:

consumer debt has surged to $2.6 trillion, according to TransUnion’s latest 2025 credit report. Mortgage balances jumped, regional delinquencies widened, and rising living costs are squeezing vulnerable borrowers harder than ever.

But behind the headlines, the data paints a split reality—one where some homeowners are refinancing strategically while others are falling behind.

At Lendworth, we dug into the numbers and translated what this means for real Canadians, your home equity, and your financial options going into 2026.

Mortgage Balances Surge as Canadians Take Advantage of Lower Rates

TransUnion reports a 4.1% year-over-year increase in total consumer debt, driven primarily by an 18% surge in new mortgage originations.

Why the spike?

  • Lower interest rates and shorter-term fixed options

  • More homeowners refinancing for stability

  • Buyers re-entering the market sooner than expected

This aligns with what we’re seeing on the ground at Lendworth: homeowners are leveraging equity to consolidate debt, stabilize payments, and escape high-interest credit products.

Delinquencies Tell a Different Story — Especially in Ontario, Alberta & Quebec

Early-stage delinquencies have improved…

…but late-stage delinquencies (90+ days) are rising sharply.

The biggest increases are happening in:

  • Ontario

  • Alberta

  • Quebec

This signals that financially vulnerable households are sliding deeper into distress. Inflation, insurance hikes, and high living costs are pushing many Canadians to their limits.

If you’re behind or worried about falling behind, don’t wait—equity-based solutions can stop arrears from spiraling.

Credit Card Market Slows as Families Tighten Spending

The report also shows:

  • Credit card originations down 8.6% year-over-year

  • Higher average limits for new cards

  • Lenders becoming more cautious

This shift highlights a clear trend:

Canadians are relying less on revolving credit and more on secured, equity-based borrowing—exactly where private mortgage lenders step in.

What This Means for You in 2025–2026

The message is clear:

  • Consumer debt is rising.

  • Mortgage balances are rising.

  • Delinquencies are rising in key provinces.

  • But home equity remains the strongest financial tool Canadians have.

At Lendworth, we help homeowners use that equity strategically—whether it’s:

  • stopping late payments

  • consolidating credit cards

  • refinancing out of high-interest loans

  • stabilizing cash flow

  • avoiding power of sale

Your equity deserves more™—and we help you unlock it.

Key Insights at a Glance

Potential Positives

  • Total consumer debt up 4.1% YoY → credit market remains active.

  • Mortgage originations up 18% YoY → buyer and borrower confidence improving.

  • Delinquencies near historic lows overall → mortgage market showing resilience.

  • TransUnion’s insights confirm strong long-term demand for stable mortgage solutions.

Potential Negatives

  • Late-stage delinquencies rising → severe strain on vulnerable households.

  • Ontario, Alberta & Quebec showing sharp delinquency deterioration.

  • Credit card originations down 8.6% YoY → lenders tightening risk exposure.

  • Increased debt = higher risk for homeowners without a refinancing strategy.

FAQ — Canadian Consumer Debt & Mortgage Trends (2025)

What is the current total consumer debt in Canada?

Canada’s total consumer debt is now $2.6 trillion, up 4.1% year-over-year.

Why did mortgage originations rise in Q3 2025?

Lower interest rates and attractive short-term fixed options drove an 18% YoY increase.

Which provinces have the highest delinquency spikes?

Late-stage delinquencies climbed fastest in Ontario, Alberta, and Quebec.

What’s happening with credit cards?

Originations dropped 8.6% YoY, showing lenders pulling back and consumers feeling stretched.

What does rising debt mean for homeowners?

More households will rely on equity-based solutions to consolidate debt, avoid arrears, and stabilize finances—areas where private lenders like Lendworth specialize.

Need to Refinance, Consolidate, or Avoid Falling Behind?

Lendworth approves in as little as 24 hours—even with bruised credit or rising debt.

📞 Call us: 905-597-1225

🌐 Apply online: www.lendworth.ca

Your equity deserves more™.

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