What you Need to Know About the Latest Mortgage Rule Changes

Marci • October 17, 2017

If you’ve tuned into the news today, you’ve probably heard that there are new mortgage rules coming into effect on January 1st. 2018. Over the next week you’ll most likely hear a lot of commentary on whether these rules are good, bad, necessary, or unnecessary. And no doubt someone somewhere will come to the conclusion that no one will ever get a mortgage again, and that the housing market in Canada is going to come crashing down around us. Please remember that it’s the media’s job to write headlines and attract eyes, so they tend to sensationalize everything. Take what you hear with a grain of salt. Mortgages will still be written, and houses will still be bought.  

At the end of the day, these new rules (outlined below) will come into play, and there’s nothing we can do to change the government’s mind. So how do we respond? Well… as it becomes increasingly difficult to qualify for a mortgage, your goal should be to work with a mortgage professional that gives you more choices. Instead of working with a single institution; having access to a single line of mortgage products, when you work with a mortgage broker, you have access to many different lenders, with a wide variety of choices.

As mortgage rules tighten, your goal should be to find as much flexibility as possible, you do this by working with a mortgage broker. So if you have any questions about your mortgage, please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime , I’d love to have a conversation with you. 

Okay, so on to the changes… the biggest change to the rules surrounding mortgage qualification is that a requirement to stress test each mortgage will be now applied to all borrowers, instead of just borrowers who have less than a 20% downpayment. Qualification for all mortgages will now be made at a minimum qualifying rate which is the greater of  the five-year benchmark rate published by the Bank of Canada or the contractual mortgage rate +2%. 

OSFI (The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions) released their final version of their new guidelines for the mortgage industry. Below is the news release from OSFI. called: OSFI is reinforcing a strong and prudent regulatory regime for residential mortgage underwriting

News Release

For Immediate Release

OTTAWA – October 17, 2017 – Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada

Today the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions Canada (OSFI) published the final version of Guideline B-20 −  Residential Mortgage Underwriting Practices and Procedures. The revised Guideline, which comes into effect on January 1, 2018, applies to all federally regulated financial institutions.

The changes to Guideline B-20 reinforce OSFI’s expectation that federally regulated mortgage lenders remain vigilant in their mortgage underwriting practices. The final Guideline focuses on the minimum qualifying rate for uninsured mortgages, expectations around loan-to-value (LTV) frameworks and limits, and restrictions to transactions designed to circumvent those LTV limits.

OSFI is setting a new minimum qualifying rate, or “stress test,” for uninsured mortgages.

  • Guideline B-20 now requires the minimum qualifying rate for uninsured mortgages to be the greater of  the five-year benchmark rate published by the Bank of Canada or the contractual mortgage rate +2%.

OSFI is requiring lenders to enhance their loan-to-value (LTV) measurement and limits so they will be dynamic and responsive to risk.

  • Under the final Guideline, federally regulated financial institutions must establish and adhere to appropriate LTV ratio limits that are reflective of risk and are updated as housing markets and the economic environment evolve.

OSFI is placing restrictions on certain lending arrangements that are designed, or appear designed to circumvent LTV limits.

  • A federally regulated financial institution is prohibited from arranging with another lender a mortgage, or a combination of a mortgage and other lending products, in any form that circumvents the institution’s maximum LTV ratio or other limits in its residential mortgage underwriting policy, or any requirements established by law.

Quote

“These revisions to Guideline B-20 reinforce a strong and prudent regulatory regime for residential mortgage underwriting in Canada,” said Superintendent Jeremy Rudin.

Quick Facts

  • On July 7, 2017, OSFI published draft revisions to Guideline B-20 –  Residential Mortgage Underwriting Practices and Procedures. The consultation period ended on August 17, 2017.
  • OSFI received more than 200 submissions from federally regulated financial institutions, financial industry associations, other organizations active in the mortgage market, as well as the general public.
  • The cover letter includes an unattributed summary of the comments and an explanation of how these issues were dealt with in the final Guideline B-20.
  • Following publication of Guideline B-20 OSFI plans to assess Guideline B-21 −  Residential Mortgage Insurance Underwriting Practices and Procedures  for consequential amendments. 

Associated Links

About OSFI

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions  Canada (OSFI) is an independent agency of the Government of Canada, established in 1987 to protect depositors, policyholders, financial institution creditors and pension plan members, while allowing financial institutions to compete and take reasonable risks.

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How to Get a Mortgage for a Second Property

By Marci Deane • January 14, 2026
Thinking About Buying a Second Property? Here’s What to Know Buying a second property is an exciting milestone—but it’s also a big financial decision that deserves thoughtful planning. Whether you're dreaming of a vacation retreat, building a rental portfolio, or looking to support a family member with a place to live, there are plenty of reasons to consider a second home. But before you jump in, it's important to understand the strategy and steps involved. Start with “Why” The best place to begin? Clarify your motivation. Ask yourself: Why do I want to buy a second property? What role will it play in my life or finances? How does this fit into my long-term goals? Whether your focus is lifestyle, income, or legacy planning, knowing your “why” will help you make smarter decisions from the start. Talk to a Mortgage Expert Early Once you’ve nailed down your goals, the next step is to sit down with an independent mortgage professional. Why? Because buying a second property isn't quite the same as buying your first. Even if you’ve qualified before, financing a second home has unique considerations—especially when it comes to down payments, debt ratios, and how lenders assess risk. How Much Do You Need for a Down Payment? Here’s where the purpose of the property really matters: Owner-occupied or family use: You may qualify with as little as 5–10% down, depending on the property and lender. Income property: Expect to put down 20–35%, especially for short-term rentals or if it won’t be occupied by you or a family member. Your down payment amount can be one of the biggest hurdles—but with strategic planning, it’s often manageable. Ways to Fund the Down Payment If you don’t have the full amount in cash, you might be able to tap into your current home’s equity to help fund the purchase. Here are a few ways to do that: ✅ Refinance your existing mortgage to access additional funds ✅ Secure a second mortgage behind your current one ✅ Open a HELOC (Home Equity Line of Credit) ✅ Use a reverse mortgage (in certain age-qualified scenarios) ✅ Take out a new mortgage if your current home is mortgage-free These options depend on your income, credit, home value, and overall financial picture—another reason why having a pro in your corner matters. Second Property Strategy: It’s More Than Just Numbers This purchase should be part of a bigger financial plan—one that balances risk and reward. It’s about: Assessing your full financial health Maximizing your existing assets Minimizing your cost of borrowing Aligning your purchase with your long-term goals Ready to Take the Next Step? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer when it comes to buying a second property. That’s why it helps to talk things through with someone who understands both the big picture and the small details. If you’re ready to explore your options and build a plan to make that second property dream a reality, let’s connect. I’d love to help you take the next step with confidence.

What Is a Cashback Mortgage and How Does It Work?

By Marci Deane • January 7, 2026
Cashback Mortgages: Are They Worth It? Here’s What You Need to Know If you’ve been exploring mortgage options and come across the term cashback mortgage , you might be wondering what exactly it means—and whether it’s a smart move. Let’s break it down in simple terms. What Is a Cashback Mortgage? A cashback mortgage is just like a regular mortgage—but with one extra feature: you receive a lump sum of cash when the mortgage closes . This cash is typically: A fixed amount , or A percentage of the total mortgage , usually between 1% and 7% , depending on your mortgage term and lender. The money is tax-free and paid directly to you on closing day. What Can You Use the Cashback For? There are no restrictions on how you use the funds. Here are some common uses: Covering closing costs Buying new furniture Renovations or home upgrades Paying off high-interest debt Boosting your cashflow during a tight transition Whether it’s to help you settle in or catch up financially, cashback can offer a helpful buffer— but it comes at a cost . The True Cost of a Cashback Mortgage Here’s the part many people overlook: cashback mortgages come with higher interest rates than standard mortgages. Why? Because the lender is essentially advancing you a small loan upfront—and they’re going to make that money back (and then some) through your mortgage payments. So while the upfront cash feels like a bonus, you’ll pay more in interest over time to have that convenience. Breaking Down the Numbers It’s hard to give a blanket answer about how much more you’ll pay since it depends on: Your interest rate The cashback amount The mortgage term Your payment schedule This is why it’s important to run the numbers with a mortgage professional who can help you compare this option with others based on your personal financial situation. Are You Eligible for a Cashback Mortgage? Not everyone qualifies. Cashback mortgages generally come with stricter requirements . Lenders often want to see: Excellent credit history Strong, stable income Low debt-to-income ratio If your mortgage file includes anything “outside the box”—like being self-employed or recently changing jobs—qualifying for a cashback mortgage might be tough. What If You Need to Break the Mortgage? This is one of the biggest risks with cashback mortgages. If your circumstances change and you need to break your mortgage early, you could be on the hook for: Paying back some or all of the cashback you received, and A prepayment penalty (typically the interest rate differential or 3 months’ interest—whichever is higher) That can be a very expensive combination. So if there’s even a chance you might need to sell, refinance, or move before your term is up, a cashback mortgage might not be the best fit. Should You Consider a Cashback Mortgage? Maybe—but only with eyes wide open. Cashback mortgages can be helpful in the right scenario, but they’re not free money. They’re a lending tool that benefits the lender , and the key is knowing exactly what you’re agreeing to. Final Thoughts: Talk to an Expert First Choosing the right mortgage isn’t just about the lowest rate or the biggest perk—it’s about making a choice that fits your whole financial picture. If you’re considering a cashback mortgage, or just want to explore all your options, let’s talk. As an independent mortgage professional , I can help you weigh the pros and cons of various products, so you can make a confident, informed decision. Have questions? I’d be happy to help—reach out anytime.

Getting a Mortgage Shouldn’t Be Stressful—We Can Help

By Marci Deane • December 31, 2025
Buying a Home? Follow These 6 Key Steps for a Smooth Experience Buying a home is likely one of the biggest financial decisions you’ll ever make. It’s exciting—but it can also be overwhelming, especially when it comes to understanding how mortgage financing works. To help make the process smoother (and far less stressful), here are six essential steps every homebuyer should follow: 1. Start With a Mortgage Professional—Not MLS It’s tempting to start your home search by scrolling through listings and booking showings—but the real first step should be speaking with an independent mortgage professional . Unlike a bank that offers only one set of products, an independent mortgage expert has access to multiple lenders and options . That means better advice, better rates, and a better chance of finding a mortgage that truly fits your needs. 2. Build a Personalized Mortgage Plan Unless you’re buying your home with cash, you’ll need a solid financing strategy. That means: Reviewing your credit score Running affordability calculations Exploring different mortgage types, terms, and features Understanding down payments and closing costs The sooner you start planning, the more confident you’ll feel. Don’t wait until you’ve found the “perfect” property— get ahead of the process now . 3. Figure Out What You Can Actually Afford What a lender says you can borrow doesn’t always match what you can comfortably pay each month. Take a close look at your budget, lifestyle, and spending habits. Think about how your mortgage payments, property taxes, utilities, and other costs will fit into your everyday cash flow. Avoid the stress of being house-poor by knowing your real-life affordability , not just your paper pre-approval. 4. Get Pre-Approved the Right Way A true mortgage pre-approval isn’t just entering numbers into an online calculator. It means: Completing a mortgage application Submitting all your required documentation Having a mortgage professional fully assess your file When you’re officially pre-approved, you’ll shop for homes with confidence , knowing what you qualify for and that you’re financially ready. 5. Submit Your Documents Promptly and Stay Flexible Once you find a property and your offer is accepted, time is of the essence. That’s when all the upfront work you’ve done really pays off. Be ready to: Provide additional documentation if requested Respond to your mortgage professional quickly Stay flexible and proactive throughout the approval process Your lender needs to verify everything before finalizing the loan, so staying organized is key. 6. Don’t Make Big Financial Changes Before Closing Once you’ve secured financing and waived your conditions, freeze your finances until after you get the keys. Seriously—don’t: Change jobs Apply for new credit Take out a loan Make a large withdrawal Even small changes can throw off your approval. Keep everything status quo until you officially take possession. Recap: 6 Steps to a Smooth Home Purchase Connect with an independent mortgage professional Create a mortgage plan early Know what you can afford (not just what you qualify for) Get fully pre-approved Stay on top of documentation Avoid major financial changes before possession Ready to Buy with Confidence? If you’re thinking about buying a home—or just want to know what’s possible—let’s talk. I’ll help you map out a personalized plan that makes your homebuying journey feel simple, strategic, and stress-free. Reach out anytime. I’d love to help you get started.