Zown Launches Canada’s First-Of-Its-Kind Real Estate App That Turns Rent Payments Into Homebuying Rewards

Zown’s free all-in-one platform gives eligible renters up to 8% back toward a future home purchase and supports Canadians from renting to buying and beyond.

TORONTO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Zown, a full-service, tech-powered real estate platform, today announced the launch of Canada’s first end-to-end real estate app, giving eligible Canadians the ability to earn rewards on their monthly rent that can be used toward the future purchase of a home.

Available for free across Canada, the Zown app is designed for renters who want to own a home but are struggling to save for a down payment while managing high monthly housing costs. The launch comes as findings from the 2025 Homeownership Insights Survey, conducted by Zown in partnership with the Angus Reid Institute, found that 66% of Ontario residents who do not currently own a home still consider homeownership a lifetime goal. That number rises to 84% among Gen Z respondents and 69% among Millennials nationally. When asked which form of support would make the greatest difference for prospective buyers, 42% of respondents selected a cash-back-style incentive.

How Rent Rewards Work

Through the app, eligible users upload their lease agreement and provide proof of their rent payment each month. They can continue paying their landlord through their existing method, while earning Zown rewards equal to 8% of their rent per month, which can then be applied toward a future home purchase through Zown.

“Homeownership is something many young Canadians want, but saving for it has become increasingly difficult when so much of their income is already going toward rent,” said Rishard Rameez, Founder and CEO of Zown. “We believe the years you spend renting should help move you forward. Our goal is to give renters a way to start building toward homeownership long before they’re ready to buy.”

The rewards program builds on Zown’s existing commission-sharing model, which has provided eligible homebuyers with up to $25,000 back at closing. Since 2022, Zown has helped more than 1,000 homebuyers complete over $500 million in real estate transactions and has returned more than $7 million to buyers.

More than 65,000 people in Zown’s community are currently renting and want to purchase a home, while more than 2,000 Canadians have already joined the app’s waitlist.

Support From Renting To Homeownership

Beyond rent rewards, the app’s AI real estate agent allows users to search for properties, access market analysis, book showings and prepare offers from their phone. Licensed Zown REALTORS® review and complete showings and transactions, combining AI-powered support with professional oversight throughout the homebuying process.

After purchasing a home, customers can use the app to find services including legal and mortgage support, insurance, moving, inspections, plumbing, electrical work, HVAC, roofing and landscaping.

Zown’s goal is to help 10,000 young Canadians purchase a home by 2028, while continuing to expand its platform to support Canadians throughout their journey of renting, buying and beyond.

About Zown

Founded in 2022, Zown’s mission is to make homeownership more affordable and accessible. It delivers a seamless, end-to-end experience, guiding buyers from education through home search, offer negotiation, and closing, while giving back up to half its commission to boost their savings. Zown has helped nearly 1,000 homebuyers, with over $500 million in transaction volume, giving back over $7 million in cashback to date. For more information, visit www.zown.ca.