The vast majority of millennials value homeownership and want to buy a home, but they are less certain on where they want to live and whether they will ever be able to afford it, a new survey indicates.

The poll, done exclusively for The Huffington Post Canada by Abacus Data, found 73 per cent of millennials who currently rent or live at home want to own a house or condo before reaching the age of 31, and 85 per cent feel it is somewhat or very important to own their own home one day.

As respondents age, and expectations meet reality, the importance of owning a home diminishes.

The poll, conducted between Oct. 23 and 25, surveyed 1,004 Canadian millennials between the ages of 18 and 30.

Forty-nine per cent of non-homeowners rank the high cost of purchasing as the primary obstacle to buying a house, while 27 per cent feel too much personal and student debt is the main issue. High minimum down payments are also seen as a major issue.

"Owning our own home is very important to most Millennials in Canada. But higher student debt levels, sky-high housing prices and changes to mortgage rules, make that dream much harder to achieve" said Abacus CEO David Coletto. "What happens when Baby Boomers want to sell their homes to downsize and no one is there to buy them because few have the down payment or mortgage available to buy them?"

Nevertheless, optimism is relatively high among millennials: 71 per cent consider it somewhat or very likely they will be able to buy a home before reaching the age of 31, compared with 22 per cent who think it is unlikely.

Among those aged 21-23, 76 per cent believe they will be able to buy a home. But that optimism decreases as respondents get older — only 48 per cent of those between the ages of 28 and 30 who are not already homeowners feel it is somewhat or very likely they will be able to make the purchase before turning 31.

When it comes to where millennials want to live, opinion is divided. Generally speaking, larger houses can be found in the suburbs and the country, while smaller houses are closer to services. By a slim ratio millennials prefer houses that are comfortable and spacious to those within walking distance of services — 54 per cent to 46 per cent. The only region of the country not to prefer larger homes is Ontario (again by a slim ratio). Men are more likely than women to want services nearby, while married millennials overwhelmingly express a preference for comfortable and spacious homes for what one can assume are their growing families.

More specifically, 42 per cent of millennials would rather live in a suburb close to a city while another 34 per cent would rather live downtown. Only one in four prefer to live in the country. Although there were no large regional variations in the survey, Atlantic Canadians are more likely to choose the country over the city. The suburbs are favoured by Ontarians, Quebecers and British Columbians. And immigrant millennials are more likely to prefer the suburbs than native-born Canadians, but only one in eight are fans of the country.

In sum, millennials want to own homes that are comfortable and spacious and located in urban centres but not necessarily downtown. Not coincidentally, the suburbs are the fastest growing parts of Canada. Nevertheless, a large proportion of millennials value urban living and easy access to amenities.

If the survey is correct, is seems the urban and suburban housing markets are unlikely to collapse any time soon.

— Abacus Data has focused research on the Canadian Millennial. Read more here.

What do you think about this story? Join the conversation below or tweet us @HuffPostCanada with the #AskingY tag. We may feature your comments in an upcoming post. You can also check out our Tumblr, or our dedicated page for more from the Asking Y series.

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• Newfoundland: $2.5 Million

  This surprisingly modest house at 34 Battery Road in St. John's is a historic property dating back to the 1870s. The six-bedroom, 3,500-square-foot house overlooks St. John's Harbour and suggests that, on the Rock, even the wealthy are down-to-earth. Source: <a href="http://remax.nf.ca/">Re/Max</a>

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• Prince Edward Island: $6.9 Million

  If Anne of Green Gables were around today sh'ed probably want to switch up her seven-gabled house for this 13,000-square-foot home that overlooks the red-earth bluffs of P.E.I.'s north coast. Six bedrooms and nine bathrooms feature in this house that sits on 11 acres of land. Source: <a href="http://www.century21pei.com/">Century 21 Northumberland</a>

• Prince Edward Island: $6.9 Million

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• Prince Edward Island: $6.9 Million

  If Anne of Green Gables were around today sh'ed probably want to switch up her seven-gabled house for this 13,000-square-foot home that overlooks the red-earth bluffs of P.E.I.'s north coast. Six bedrooms and nine bathrooms feature in this house that sits on 11 acres of land. Source: <a href="http://www.century21pei.com/">Century 21 Northumberland</a>

• Prince Edward Island: $6.9 Million

  If Anne of Green Gables were around today sh'ed probably want to switch up her seven-gabled house for this 13,000-square-foot home that overlooks the red-earth bluffs of P.E.I.'s north coast. Six bedrooms and nine bathrooms feature in this house that sits on 11 acres of land. Source: <a href="http://www.century21pei.com/">Century 21 Northumberland</a>

• New Brunswick: $2.5 Million

  You can really get some space for your money in New Brunswick. This 20-bedroom, 11-bathroom resort in Alma, N.B. — composed of three buildings including a chalet — sits on no fewer than 450 acres of land, next to Fundy National Park. There is a 40-acre man-made lake on the property, as well as four islands, picnic areas, row boats, paddle boats, tennis courts amd two garages. Source: <a href="http://www.monctonroyallepage.ca/">Royal LePage Moncton</a>

• New Brunswick: $2.5 Million

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• New Brunswick: $2.5 Million

  You can really get some space for your money in New Brunswick. This 20-bedroom, 11-bathroom resort in Alma, N.B. — composed of three buildings including a chalet — sits on no fewer than 450 acres of land, next to Fundy National Park. There is a 40-acre man-made lake on the property, as well as four islands, picnic areas, row boats, paddle boats, tennis courts amd two garages. Source: <a href="http://www.monctonroyallepage.ca/">Royal LePage Moncton</a>

• New Brunswick: $2.5 Million

  You can really get some space for your money in New Brunswick. This 20-bedroom, 11-bathroom resort in Alma, N.B. — composed of three buildings including a chalet — sits on no fewer than 450 acres of land, next to Fundy National Park. There is a 40-acre man-made lake on the property, as well as four islands, picnic areas, row boats, paddle boats, tennis courts amd two garages. Source: <a href="http://www.monctonroyallepage.ca/">Royal LePage Moncton</a>

• Nova Scotia: $6.7 Million

  This newly-built, 6,000-square-foot house in Ketch Harbour, N.S., sits on the granite shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean and features "a series of interlocking pavilions constructed of reinforced concrete and window walls of star fire glass to capture the amazing, endless ocean views," as the realtor describes it. Only three bedrooms in this house, but what a view. Source: <a href="http://www.tradewindsrealty.com/">Tradewinds Realty</a>

• Nova Scotia: $6.7 Million

  This newly-built, 6,000-square-foot house in Ketch Harbour, N.S., sits on the granite shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean and features "a series of interlocking pavilions constructed of reinforced concrete and window walls of star fire glass to capture the amazing, endless ocean views," as the realtor describes it. Only three bedrooms in this house, but what a view. Source: <a href="http://www.tradewindsrealty.com/">Tradewinds Realty</a>

• Nova Scotia: $6.7 Million

  This newly-built, 6,000-square-foot house in Ketch Harbour, N.S., sits on the granite shoreline of the Atlantic Ocean and features "a series of interlocking pavilions constructed of reinforced concrete and window walls of star fire glass to capture the amazing, endless ocean views," as the realtor describes it. Only three bedrooms in this house, but what a view. Source: <a href="http://www.tradewindsrealty.com/">Tradewinds Realty</a>

• Quebec: $18.9 Million

  The realtor selling this property suggests you may want to build a heliport to get to this 200-acre estate located in a secluded corner of Quebec's eastern townships. There are several houses on this site, the main one being built in 1927. Another building is described as a "three-season chalet" and is located next to the 120-foot dock on Lake Mephramagog. The property features multiple garages, including a 40-foot-long one. The whole place is so ritzy that a barn on the property was declared a historical site. Source: <a href="http://passerelle.centris.ca/Redirect2.aspx?CodeDest=JMONTANARO&NoMls=MT10764029&Source=WWW.REALTOR.CA&Langue=E">Centris</a>

• Quebec: $18.9 Million

  The realtor selling this property suggests you may want to build a heliport to get to this 200-acre estate located in a secluded corner of Quebec's eastern townships. There are several houses on this site, the main one being built in 1927. Another building is described as a "three-season chalet" and is located next to the 120-foot dock on Lake Mephramagog. The property features multiple garages, including a 40-foot-long one. The whole place is so ritzy that a barn on the property was declared a historical site. Source: <a href="http://passerelle.centris.ca/Redirect2.aspx?CodeDest=JMONTANARO&NoMls=MT10764029&Source=WWW.REALTOR.CA&Langue=E">Centris</a>

• Quebec: $18.9 Million

  The realtor selling this property suggests you may want to build a heliport to get to this 200-acre estate located in a secluded corner of Quebec's eastern townships. There are several houses on this site, the main one being built in 1927. Another building is described as a "three-season chalet" and is located next to the 120-foot dock on Lake Mephramagog. The property features multiple garages, including a 40-foot-long one. The whole place is so ritzy that a barn on the property was declared a historical site. Source: <a href="http://passerelle.centris.ca/Redirect2.aspx?CodeDest=JMONTANARO&NoMls=MT10764029&Source=WWW.REALTOR.CA&Langue=E">Centris</a>

• Ontario: $17.9 Million

  This six-bedroom house sits on the shores of Lake Ontario in Oakville, near Toronto. Situated on 3.2 acres, it has 185 feet of waterfront and a boat house. The property features a triple car garage, a foyer of Italian limestone and a two-story living room. Security cameras can be controlled by way of a security panel. And the view from the back-yard pool can't be beat. Source: <a href="http://www.remaxaboutowne.com/">Re/Max Aboutowne</a>

• Ontario: $17.9 Million

  This six-bedroom house sits on the shores of Lake Ontario in Oakville, near Toronto. Situated on 3.2 acres, it has 185 feet of waterfront and a boat house. The property features a triple car garage, a foyer of Italian limestone and a two-story living room. Security cameras can be controlled by way of a security panel. And the view from the back-yard pool can't be beat. Source: <a href="http://www.remaxaboutowne.com/">Re/Max Aboutowne</a>

• Ontario: $17.9 Million

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• Manitoba: $2.9 Million

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• Manitoba: $2.9 Million

  That this 6,000-square-foot house is listed at $2.9 million is a testament to the (relative) affordability of Winnipeg real estate. "On entry you are greeted by an impressive foyer, soaring ceilings, curved staircase and grand principal rooms that are perfectly suited to entertaining," the realtor fawns. The four-bedroom house features an office and a media room, among many other amenities. Source: <a href="http://agents.royallepage.ca/winnipeg">Royal LePage Dynamic</a>

• Manitoba: $2.9 Million

  That this 6,000-square-foot house is listed at $2.9 million is a testament to the (relative) affordability of Winnipeg real estate. "On entry you are greeted by an impressive foyer, soaring ceilings, curved staircase and grand principal rooms that are perfectly suited to entertaining," the realtor fawns. The four-bedroom house features an office and a media room, among many other amenities. Source: <a href="http://agents.royallepage.ca/winnipeg">Royal LePage Dynamic</a>

• Manitoba: $2.9 Million

  That this 6,000-square-foot house is listed at $2.9 million is a testament to the (relative) affordability of Winnipeg real estate. "On entry you are greeted by an impressive foyer, soaring ceilings, curved staircase and grand principal rooms that are perfectly suited to entertaining," the realtor fawns. The four-bedroom house features an office and a media room, among many other amenities. Source: <a href="http://agents.royallepage.ca/winnipeg">Royal LePage Dynamic</a>

• Saskatchewan: $2.7 Million

  Four bedrooms, seven bathrooms and three outdoor decks feature in this 4,600-square-foot home in Saskatoon. The coolest feature in this house may be the split staircase to second floor. The basement media room features an ornate bar and a huge projection screen. Source: <a href="http://www.suttonsaskatoon.com/">Sutton Group Saskatoon</a>

• Saskatchewan: $2.7 Million

  Four bedrooms, seven bathrooms and three outdoor decks feature in this 4,600-square-foot home in Saskatoon. The coolest feature in this house may be the split staircase to second floor. The basement media room features an ornate bar and a huge projection screen. Source: <a href="http://www.suttonsaskatoon.com/">Sutton Group Saskatoon</a>

• Saskatchewan: $2.7 Million

  Four bedrooms, seven bathrooms and three outdoor decks feature in this 4,600-square-foot home in Saskatoon. The coolest feature in this house may be the split staircase to second floor. The basement media room features an ornate bar and a huge projection screen. Source: <a href="http://www.suttonsaskatoon.com/">Sutton Group Saskatoon</a>

• Saskatchewan: $2.7 Million

  Four bedrooms, seven bathrooms and three outdoor decks feature in this 4,600-square-foot home in Saskatoon. The coolest feature in this house may be the split staircase to second floor. The basement media room features an ornate bar and a huge projection screen. Source: <a href="http://www.suttonsaskatoon.com/">Sutton Group Saskatoon</a>

• Alberta: $12.7 Million

  This house, featured in Architectural Digest, sits in beautiful Canmore, on the edge of the Rockies, and has six bedrooms and 10 baths. The property features multiple "outdoor living rooms" (think ornate decks) to enjoy the view. For those into medieval intrigue, there is a hidden staircase running to the underground wine cellar. Source: <a href="http://www.rlfoothills.com/">Royal LePage Foothills</a>

• Alberta: $12.7 Million

  This house, featured in Architectural Digest, sits in beautiful Canmore, on the edge of the Rockies, and has six bedrooms and 10 baths. The property features multiple "outdoor living rooms" (think ornate decks) to enjoy the view. For those into medieval intrigue, there is a hidden staircase running to the underground wine cellar. Source: <a href="http://www.rlfoothills.com/">Royal LePage Foothills</a>

• Alberta: $12.7 Million

  This house, featured in Architectural Digest, sits in beautiful Canmore, on the edge of the Rockies, and has six bedrooms and 10 baths. The property features multiple "outdoor living rooms" (think ornate decks) to enjoy the view. For those into medieval intrigue, there is a hidden staircase running to the underground wine cellar. Source: <a href="http://www.rlfoothills.com/">Royal LePage Foothills</a>

• British Columbia: $34 Million

  The most expensive house in Canada's priciest (and fastest-falling) real estate market features four bedrooms and six baths on 8,500 square feet, as well as a very cool boat house. But in a sign of the weakening of Vancouver's housing market, this property in ritzy West Vancouver has been on the market for some time — it featured as the most expensive house for sale in all of Canada the last time we put together this survey, in June 2012. Source: <a href="http://www.angellhasman.ca/">Angell Hasman Realty</a>

• British Columbia: $34 Million

  The most expensive house in Canada's priciest (and fastest-falling) real estate market features four bedrooms and six baths on 8,500 square feet, as well as a very cool boat house. But in a sign of the weakening of Vancouver's housing market, this property in ritzy West Vancouver has been on the market for some time — it featured as the most expensive house for sale in all of Canada the last time we put together this survey, in June 2012. Source: <a href="http://www.angellhasman.ca/">Angell Hasman Realty</a>

• British Columbia: $34 Million

  The most expensive house in Canada's priciest (and fastest-falling) real estate market features four bedrooms and six baths on 8,500 square feet, as well as a very cool boat house. But in a sign of the weakening of Vancouver's housing market, this property in ritzy West Vancouver has been on the market for some time — it featured as the most expensive house for sale in all of Canada the last time we put together this survey, in June 2012. Source: <a href="http://www.angellhasman.ca/">Angell Hasman Realty</a>