Author
Quebec-based bilingual mortgage writer. Covers fixed versus variable rate strategies under the OSFI B-20 stress test, helping Canadian homeowners decide between renewal, refinance, and lender switch.
With mortgage rates elevated and renewal terms tightening, Canadian homeowners face critical decisions. Learn how to evaluate your options, negotiate effectively, and choose the right renewal strategy for your financial situation.
Mortgage renewal in 2026 will require careful planning as homeowners face changing rate environments, new lender options, and updated qualification requirements.
Fixed mortgage rates in Canada can climb even when the Bank of Canada holds its policy rate steady, driven by bond market dynamics and inflation expectations rather than central bank announcements alone.
Canadian borrowers renewing their mortgage can now switch lenders without passing the stress test, removing a barrier that previously limited rate shopping at renewal.
Learn how Bank of Canada rate forecasts shape mortgage rates, the difference between policy rate changes and your mortgage terms, and what Canadian borrowers should watch.
OSFI has identified an imbalance in how the mortgage stress test applies at renewal versus new mortgages, but rule changes are not imminent. Here's what Canadian borrowers need to know.
The Bank of Canada's decision to hold its policy rate steady signals a pause in the rate cycle, with direct implications for fixed and variable mortgage rates, renewals, and borrower strategy.
When the Bank of Canada holds its policy rate steady, the impact on your mortgage depends on whether you have a fixed or variable rate, and whether you are renewing, refinancing, or applying for a new mortgage.
The Bank of Canada has developed a new forecasting model that specifically tracks mortgage renewals, helping policymakers better understand how rate changes affect Canadian households.
The Bank of Canada's March 18, 2026 rate decision affects every mortgage holder and home buyer in Canada. Here's what happened, why it matters, and what you should consider now.
The Bank of Canada identifies high debt-servicing ratios, economic shocks, and reduced income as the three critical warning signs that a homeowner may struggle with mortgage payments.
Your mortgage payment at renewal depends on your new interest rate, remaining amortization, and outstanding balance - understand the calculation and what to expect in 2026.
A mortgage professional's frank take on what Canadian borrowers need to know about interest rates right now, from fixed versus variable decisions to renewal timing and the Bank of Canada's policy path.
Understanding the early warning signs of mortgage payment trouble can help Canadian homeowners take action before missing a payment.
When the Bank of Canada cuts its policy rate, many Canadians expect mortgage rates to fall immediately. Here's why fixed mortgage rates can actually rise during a cutting cycle.
A BMO report reveals how recent Bank of Canada rate increases pushed many Canadian mortgage borrowers above the qualifying threshold under the federal stress test.
A 100-basis-point increase in the Bank of Canada policy rate would directly raise variable mortgage rates, adding hundreds of dollars per month to payments for many borrowers.
Learn how to combine the FHSA and RRSP Home Buyers' Plan to maximize your down payment savings for your first home in Canada.
Learn how the OSFI B-20 mortgage stress test determines your qualifying rate and what you need to earn to pass in 2026.
Understanding mortgage refinancing in Canada, the difference between refinancing and renewal, and when breaking your current mortgage term makes financial sense.
The OSFI stress test typically does not apply when you renew with your current lender, but it does if you switch to a new lender at renewal, which can limit your options if you cannot re-qualify.
Fall is a competitive time to buy a home in Canada. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage before you start shopping gives you a clear budget, shows sellers you're a serious buyer, and positions you to move quickly when you find the right property.
The autumn housing market offers unique opportunities for Canadian home buyers. Discover strategic mortgage approaches to leverage seasonal dynamics and secure better terms.
Learn the real costs of switching lenders when your mortgage term ends in Canada, including discharge fees, legal costs, and appraisal expenses.
Comparing a HELOC and mortgage refinancing for accessing home equity in Canada, with guidance on which product fits specific financial situations.
Understand how CHIP reverse mortgages let Canadian homeowners 55+ access home equity without monthly payments, what you'll pay in setup and interest costs, and how to calculate your proceeds.
A tax strategy that converts non-deductible mortgage debt into deductible investment debt through a readvanceable mortgage and disciplined reborrowing.
Compare insured and uninsured mortgages in Canada and understand how the 20 per cent down payment threshold determines your mortgage insurance costs, rates, and qualification rules.
Self-employed Canadians face stricter income verification when applying for a mortgage, as lenders require detailed documentation to assess true earning capacity under OSFI rules.
The OSFI B-20 stress test determines how much you can borrow. Learn the qualification rules, how the test affects your budget, and what first-time buyers need to know before applying.
Learn how the OSFI B-20 mortgage stress test affects your home purchase approval and what qualifying rate you need to meet as a first-time buyer in Canada.
Use the Home Buyers Plan to withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP for a down payment, then repay it over 15 years. The calculator shows your exact repayment timeline and annual obligations.
Switching from monthly to accelerated biweekly mortgage payments can save you thousands in interest and shave years off your amortization in Canada. Understand the math and find out how much you could save.
Learn how CMHC mortgage insurance premiums are calculated based on your down payment and purchase price, and use our calculator to estimate your cost.
Deciding between a mortgage broker and going direct to your bank? Learn the key differences, pros and cons of each option, and which route typically saves Canadian borrowers money.
Ontario charges land transfer tax on every property purchase. Learn how the progressive tax rates work and whether you qualify for the first-time buyer rebate.
Learn how to choose between a 1-year and 5-year mortgage term renewal when interest rates are declining, and what Canadian borrowers should consider.
Comparing HELOCs and mortgage refinancing to help Canadian homeowners choose the right way to access their home equity.
Learn how to choose between open and closed mortgages in Canada by weighing prepayment flexibility against interest rate costs.
Compare Canadian mortgage brokers and direct bank lending to find the best mortgage rate and service for your home purchase or refinance.
Compare fixed and variable rate mortgages to understand which rate structure fits your financial situation, risk tolerance, and timeline in the Canadian market.
A practical guide to mortgage refinancing in Canada, including when to refinance, costs to expect, and how to decide if it's worth it.
The RRSP Home Buyers Plan lets first-time buyers withdraw up to $60,000 from their RRSP tax-free to buy or build a qualifying home, with 15 years to repay.
Canada's major banks reduced their prime lending rates to 5.70% after the Bank of Canada lowered its policy rate, affecting variable-rate mortgages and home equity lines of credit.
Many Canadian homeowners can switch mortgage providers at renewal without redoing the federal mortgage stress test. The key condition is that the move must be a straight switch, not a refinance.
The Bank of Canada held its policy rate in June 2026, but that does not make buying automatically better than waiting. The right move depends on your payment comfort, local market conditions, and whether a rate hold protects you while you shop.
Learn how a HELOC works in Canada, the regulations that govern borrowing limits, and smart strategies for accessing your home equity responsibly.
Canadian mortgage rates dropped again today, with five-year fixed rates now averaging 4.39% and variable rates at 5.15%. Find out what today's rate changes mean for your mortgage decisions.
Canadian mortgage rates climbed this week after three months of decline, with fixed rates rising 15 to 25 basis points across major lenders.
Canadian mortgage rates declined this week following geopolitical developments that eased inflation concerns and pushed bond yields lower.
Learn when and how to refinance your mortgage in Canada, including costs, qualification requirements, and strategies to save money on your home loan.
Get new articles?
Want notifications about new articles and tools? You can unsubscribe anytime, and we store no personal data about you.