CALGARY - Albertans are the most likely to say they are very likely to buy a home in the next two years, says the 17th Annual RBC Homeownership Survey.

The survey also indicated 92 per cent of respondents believe that buying a home is a good investment.

Among those looking to buy they are also the most likely (40 per cent) to say they will buy within the next year.

RBC says respondents cite good housing prices, favourable interest rates and the opportunity to buy a home as an investment or second home as the primary reasons behind their buying intentions. The RBC survey, conducted by Ipsos Reid, found that Albertans intending to buy a home plan to put down one of the largest down payments ($85,434) compared to Canadians in other regions. This represents 13.6 per cent of their estimated home value, slightly higher than the national average.

And, 77 per cent of Alberta residents, the highest level in Canada, believe they're doing a "good job" of paying down their mortgage. They are also more likely (29 per cent) to have put down a lump sum payment to reduce their mortgage or have doubled up on a mortgage payment to reduce their mortgage (22 per cent).

"Albertans are feeling positive about their housing market and this is a good sign for the economy," said Don Peard, vice-president, Mortgage Specialists, RBC. "Paying down an existing mortgage is a prudent approach and there are a number of other options available that can help you better manage your mortgage and build home equity faster."