Mortgages in Canada can be a murky subject – one that we hope to shed some light on with a series of highly informational articles.
Latest News
Latest in mortgage news: Mortgage rates keep surging higher + MORE Sep 29th
Mortgage providers across the country have been busy raising rates over the past week, and it could continue next week with as bond yields continue to rise..... More »
RBC warns of rising mortgage losses through 2025 with upcoming renewals + MORE Sep 4th
BoC rate cuts will ease pressure, but mortgage renewal shocks still loom, RBC says.... More »
RBC and NBC are the latest big banks to hike fixed mortgage rates + MORE Jun 3rd
RBC and National Bank became the latest Big 6 banks to increase their posted fixed rates this week, following previous increases by BMO and CIBC..... More »
How to find room to save in 2026—even with tight budgets Jan 11th
Saving more in 2026 is a common new year’s resolution, but with budgets tight and inflation driving the cost of groceries and everyday necessities higher, it’s easier said than done. Financial planning experts say it takes a careful review of where you’re spending to find ways to s.... More »
Planning to use your home equity in retirement + MORE Jun 2nd
How much of your net worth is wrapped up in your home? According to Statistics Canada, the median net worth for senior families in 2023 was $1,109,700. The most common type of asset for Canadians was a family home, with a median value of $500,000.
Since home equity makes up such a significant all.... More »
The Mortgage Stress Test: What It Means If You’re Buying a Home
– ratesupermarket.ca
It’s been almost a couple of years since the mortgage stress test came into effect. So, we thought it was the perfect time to revisit it and clear up any confusion. The mortgage stress test took effect January 1, 2018, affecting how much mortgage money Canadians are able to borrow towards the purchase of a home.
Let’s look at the mortgage stress test in greater detail and what it means for those planning to buy a home in the coming months.
What’s the Mortgage Stress Test?
Whether you’re buying a home with more or less than 20 percent down, the stress test affects you. Before the new stress test came into effect January 1, 2018, depending on the length of your mortgage term, you might have only had to qualify based on your mortgage rate. However, now everyone is required to pass the stress test in order to get a mortgage.
To pass the stress test, you must be able to prove that you can afford the greater of your mortgage rate plus two percent and the Bank of Canada’s five-year benchmark rate (currently at 5…
