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Today’s lowest mortgage rates in:

4.95%

5-Year Variable

4.04%

5-Year Fixed

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The best current mortgage rates in Canada

Check out today's best mortgage rates in Canada by type and term.

Rates are based on an average mortgage of $300,000
 Insured ?

The rates in this column apply to borrowers who have purchased mortgage default insurance. This is required when you purchase a home with less than a 20% down payment. The home must be owner-occupied and the amortization must be 25 years or less.

80% LTV ?

The rates in this column apply to mortgage amounts between 65.01% and 80% of the property value. The home must be owner-occupied and have an amortization of 25 years or less. You must have purchased it for less than $1 million. These rates are not available on refinances. Refinances require "Uninsured" rates.

65% LTV ?

The rates in this column apply to mortgage amounts that are 65% of the property value or less. The home must be owner-occupied and have an amortization of 25 years or less. You must have purchased it for less than $1 million. These rates are not available on refinances. Refinances require "Uninsured" rates.

Uninsured ?

The rates in this column apply to purchases over $1 million, refinances and amortizations over 25 years. More info on the differences between insured and uninsured rates.

Bank Rate ?

Bank Rate is the mortgage interest rate posted by the big banks in Canada.

 
1-year fixed rate
Insured
5.04%
80% LTV
5.3%
65% LTV
5.3%
Uninsured
6.63%
6.29%
 
2-year fixed rate
Insured
4.64%
80% LTV
4.89%
65% LTV
4.64%
Uninsured
4.64%
5.59%
 
3-year fixed rate
Insured
4.14%
80% LTV
4.14%
65% LTV
4.14%
Uninsured
4.19%
4.89%
 
4-year fixed rate
Insured
4.34%
80% LTV
4.14%
65% LTV
4.14%
Uninsured
4.49%
4.74%
 
5-year fixed rate
Insured
3.99%
80% LTV
3.99%
65% LTV
3.99%
Uninsured
4.14%
4.59%
 
7-year fixed rate
Insured
4.44%
80% LTV
4.39%
65% LTV
4.39%
Uninsured
5.9%
5.5%
 
10-year fixed rate
Insured
5.09%
80% LTV
5.29%
65% LTV
5.29%
Uninsured
5.8%
7.14%
 
3-year variable rate
Insured
5.1%
80% LTV
5.2%
65% LTV
5.1%
Uninsured
5.1%
7.35%
 
5-year variable rate
Insured
4.8%
80% LTV
4.9%
65% LTV
4.8%
Uninsured
4.8%
5.15%
 
HELOC rate
Insured
N/A
80% LTV
N/A
65% LTV
N/A
Uninsured
N/A
N/A
 
Stress test
Insured
5.25%
80% LTV
5.25%
65% LTV
5.25%
Uninsured
5.25%
N/A

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Hey, homebuyers and homeowners. We have some information we think you’ll find useful. And unlike most secrets, we’re inviting you to share this one with all of Canada.

Banks rarely offer their most competitive mortgage rates up front. This little-known fact often forces Canadians to negotiate discounts over the phone or in person. You don’t need the hassle.

LowestRates.ca tracks the latest mortgage rates in Canada and can help you secure cheap mortgage rates.

Mortgage rate comparison is essential if you want to get a competitive mortgage rate in Canada. By comparing mortgage rates on LowestRates.ca, you can skip the back-and-forth with your bank and get the best rates available in your area right away.

Our users save thousands of dollars a year on their mortgage rates, and we want you to join them. Keep reading to learn how to get the best mortgage rate in Canada.

Variable Rates

As low as

4.95%

Fixed Rates

As low as

4.04%

Cha-ching! Our rates are always lower than the posted bank rates.

Current lowest posted bank rate

7.24%

Why Canadians use LowestRates.ca to compare mortgage rates online.

 

With LowestRates.ca, you’ll be able to compare the best mortgage rates from the best mortgage lenders in Canada. Want to know what the current mortgage rates are in Canada right now? LowestRates.ca aggregates live mortgage rates — all day every day. Next, we connect you with mortgage brokers who get rates from a variety of lenders. All you have to do is fill out the form above to try our free, no-obligation service and you could be on your way to saving big on your next home.

In fact, LowestRates.ca mortgage rates average more than two whole percentage points lower than the bank rate. People who use our service have the potential to save thousands of dollars each year on their mortgage payments.

With numbers like that, it’s no surprise that Canadians are increasingly using comparison sites to find the lowest mortgage interest rates in the country.

Our mortgage rate comparison service is Canada-wide and provides quotes from 50+ banks and brokers. So whether you live in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, Quebec or anywhere in between, our mortgage rates are tailored to your needs.

 

How are mortgage rates set in Canada

Each mortgage lender sets rates based on its own prime lending rate. But what is the prime lending rate?

It’s the base interest rate banks charge their customers – typically those with good credit – and it is influenced by the Bank of Canada’s overnight lending rate, which currently sits at 4.75% (as of June 2024). The prime rate itself currently sits at 6.95%, though this doesn’t mean that every bank will use this specific number.

Your lender will give you an annual interest rate on your mortgage that’s based on the prime rate. When the Bank of Canada raises its overnight rate, it gets more expensive for Canadian banks to borrow money. In response, they raise their own prime rates to cover the additional expense.

Other kinds of loans that are affected by the prime rate include car loans, lines of credit and some credit cards.

When you agree to a fixed-rate mortgage, you’ll select a rate based on what lenders are offering at the time and you’ll agree to pay that rate for the duration of your mortgage. Canadian bond yields set the tone for fixed rate mortgages. If the bond yields are on a downward trend, the fixed mortgage rate will also decrease.

A variable rate, on the other hand, is usually determined by adding or subtracting a certain percentage from the prime lending rate. Each lender will determine this percentage on their own. When the prime lending rate goes up or down, the interest rate on a variable mortgage will follow, though the monthly payments will remain the same depending on the type of variable rate you choose.

What’s happening with Canadian mortgage rates?

With inflation finally under control, mortgage rates in Canada are trending downward in 2024. Bank of Canada’s policy rate peaked in July 2023 – at 5.00% – and remained as such until June 2024, when it was reduced by 25 basis points (bps) to 4.75%. From there, the policy rate has been on the decline, hitting the low of 3.75% in October 2024.

The prime rate has followed a similar trajectory, peaking at 7.20% in July 2023 and seeing a reduction of 25 bps in June 2024 – down to 6.95%. As of October 2024, the prime rate is 5.95%.

As a result, 1-year, 3-year and 5-year conventional mortgage rates all saw a reduction since last year as well, sitting at 7.24%, 6.54% and 6.49%, respectively, as of October 2024.

The rates have been climbing since early 2022 – mainly due to skyrocketing inflation, which was induced by the economic instability following the COVID-19 pandemic. Inflation peaked at 8% in 2023 but came down to 1.6% in late 2024.

Before the rate hikes in 2022, Bank of Canada’s policy rate was 0.50%, while the prime rate sat at 2.45%. 1-year, 3-year and 5-year conventional mortgage rates sat at 4.79%, 3.49% and 2.79%, respectively.

Given that the rates were at an all-time low throughout 2021 and early 2022, it’s unlikely that we’ll be seeing those numbers again anytime soon. That said, if the current downward trajectory continues, we should get close in 2025.

For more details, check out interest rates posted for selected products by the major chartered banks:

Mortgage Rates Posted by Major Chartered Banks in Canada

           All rates presented in this graph are the most typical of those offered by the six major Canadian chartered banks in the beginning of each year.

          Source: Bank of Canada

Mortgage Rates Posted By Major Chartered Banks in Canada

Year Conventional Mortgage - 5 Year 5 Year Conventional Mortgage Conventional Mortgage - 3 Year 3 Year Conventional Mortgage - 1 Year 1 Year Prime Rate
2024-11-276.49%6.54%7.24%5.95%
2024-11-206.49%6.54%7.24%5.95%
2024-11-136.49%6.54%7.24%5.95%
2024-11-066.49%6.54%7.24%5.95%
2024-10-306.49%6.54%7.24%5.95%
2024-10-236.49%6.54%7.24%6.45%
2024-10-166.49%6.54%7.24%6.45%
2024-10-096.49%6.54%7.24%6.45%
2024-10-026.49%6.54%7.24%6.45%
2024-09-256.49%6.54%7.24%6.45%
2024-09-186.49%6.64%7.44%6.45%
2024-09-116.79%6.74%7.44%6.45%
2024-09-046.59%6.75%7.64%6.70%
2024-08-286.59%6.75%7.64%6.70%
2024-08-216.59%6.75%7.64%6.70%
2024-08-146.79%6.94%7.74%6.70%
2024-08-076.79%6.94%7.74%6.70%
2024-07-316.79%6.94%7.74%6.70%
2024-07-246.79%6.94%7.74%6.95%
2024-07-176.79%6.94%7.74%6.95%
2024-07-106.79%6.94%7.74%6.95%
2024-07-036.79%6.95%7.84%6.95%
2024-06-266.84%6.99%7.84%6.95%
2024-06-196.84%6.99%7.84%6.95%
2024-06-126.84%6.99%7.84%6.95%
2024-06-056.84%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-05-296.84%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-05-226.84%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-05-156.84%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-05-086.84%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-05-016.84%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-04-246.84%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-04-176.84%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-04-106.84%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-04-036.84%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-03-276.84%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-03-206.84%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-03-136.84%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-03-066.84%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-02-286.84%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-02-216.84%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-02-146.84%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-02-076.79%6.99%7.84%7.20%
2024-01-316.89%7.04%7.84%7.20%
2024-01-246.89%7.04%7.84%7.20%
2024-01-176.89%7.05%7.84%7.20%
2024-01-107.04%7.14%7.84%7.20%
2024-01-037.04%7.14%7.89%7.20%
2023-12-277.04%7.14%7.89%7.20%
2023-12-207.04%7.24%7.89%7.20%
2023-12-137.04%7.24%8.09%7.20%
2023-12-067.04%7.24%8.09%7.20%
2023-11-297.04%7.24%8.09%7.20%
2023-11-227.04%7.24%8.09%7.20%
2023-11-157.04%7.24%8.09%7.20%
2023-11-087.04%7.24%8.09%7.20%
2023-11-017.04%7.24%8.09%7.20%
2023-10-257.04%7.14%8.09%7.20%
2023-10-187.04%7.14%8.09%7.20%
2023-10-117.04%7.14%8.09%7.20%
2023-10-047.04%7.14%7.84%7.20%
2023-09-276.84%7.04%7.79%7.20%
2023-09-206.84%7.04%7.89%7.20%
2023-09-136.84%7.04%7.89%7.20%
2023-09-066.84%7.04%7.89%7.20%
2023-08-306.84%7.04%7.89%7.20%
2023-08-236.79%6.89%7.89%7.20%
2023-08-166.79%6.89%7.79%7.20%
2023-08-096.79%6.89%7.79%7.20%
2023-08-026.79%6.95%7.79%7.20%
2023-07-266.49%6.54%7.49%7.20%
2023-07-196.49%6.54%7.49%7.20%
2023-07-126.49%6.54%7.69%6.95%
2023-07-056.49%6.74%7.14%6.95%
2023-06-286.49%6.54%7.14%6.95%
2023-06-216.49%6.40%6.94%6.95%
2023-06-146.49%6.40%6.94%6.95%
2023-06-076.49%6.40%6.94%6.70%
2023-05-316.49%6.24%6.34%6.70%
2023-05-246.49%6.14%6.29%6.70%
2023-05-176.49%6.14%6.29%6.70%
2023-05-106.49%6.14%6.29%6.70%
2023-05-036.49%6.14%6.29%6.70%
2023-04-266.49%6.14%6.29%6.70%
2023-04-196.49%6.14%6.29%6.70%
2023-04-126.49%6.14%6.29%6.70%
2023-04-056.49%6.14%6.29%6.70%
2023-03-296.49%6.14%6.29%6.70%
2023-03-226.49%6.14%6.29%6.70%
2023-03-156.49%6.14%6.34%6.70%
2023-03-086.49%6.14%6.34%6.70%
2023-03-016.49%6.14%6.34%6.70%
2023-02-226.49%6.14%6.34%6.70%
2023-02-156.49%6.14%6.34%6.70%
2023-02-086.49%6.14%6.34%6.70%
2023-02-016.49%6.14%6.34%6.70%
2023-01-256.49%6.14%6.34%6.45%
2023-01-186.49%6.14%6.34%6.45%
2023-01-116.49%6.14%6.34%6.45%
2023-01-046.49%6.14%6.34%6.45%
2022-12-286.49%6.14%6.34%6.45%
2022-12-216.49%6.14%6.34%6.45%
2022-12-146.49%6.14%6.34%6.45%
2022-12-076.49%6.05%6.09%5.95%
2022-11-306.49%6.14%6.09%5.95%
2022-11-236.49%6.04%6.09%5.95%
2022-11-166.49%6.04%6.09%5.95%
2022-11-096.49%6.04%6.09%5.95%
2022-11-026.49%6.04%6.09%5.95%
2022-10-266.49%6.04%6.09%5.45%
2022-10-196.49%6.04%6.09%5.45%
2022-10-126.14%6.04%6.09%5.45%
2022-10-056.14%6.04%6.09%5.45%
2022-09-286.14%5.74%5.69%5.45%
2022-09-216.14%5.64%5.69%5.45%
2022-09-146.14%5.64%5.39%5.45%
2022-09-076.14%5.64%5.19%4.70%
2022-08-316.14%5.64%5.19%4.70%
2022-08-246.14%5.64%5.19%4.70%
2022-08-176.14%5.64%5.19%4.70%
2022-08-106.14%5.64%5.19%4.70%
2022-08-036.14%5.64%5.19%4.70%
2022-07-276.14%5.64%5.19%4.70%
2022-07-206.04%5.39%4.74%4.70%
2022-07-136.04%5.39%4.74%3.70%
2022-07-066.04%5.39%4.74%3.70%
2022-06-296.04%5.39%4.74%3.70%
2022-06-226.04%5.24%4.69%3.70%
2022-06-155.64%4.89%4.29%3.70%
2022-06-085.39%4.49%3.79%3.70%
2022-06-015.39%4.49%3.79%3.20%
2022-05-255.39%4.49%3.79%3.20%
2022-05-184.99%4.39%3.49%3.20%
2022-05-114.99%4.39%3.49%3.20%
2022-05-044.99%4.09%3.29%3.20%
2022-04-274.99%4.09%3.29%3.20%
2022-04-204.99%3.89%3.09%3.20%
2022-04-134.79%3.89%3.09%2.70%
2022-04-064.79%3.89%3.09%2.70%
2022-03-304.79%3.69%2.99%2.70%
2022-03-234.79%3.49%2.94%2.70%
2022-03-164.79%3.49%2.79%2.70%
2022-03-094.79%3.49%2.79%2.70%
2022-03-024.79%3.49%2.79%2.45%
2022-02-234.79%3.49%2.79%2.45%
2022-02-164.79%3.49%2.79%2.45%
2022-02-094.79%3.49%2.79%2.45%
2022-02-024.79%3.49%2.79%2.45%
2022-01-264.79%3.49%2.79%2.45%
2022-01-194.79%3.49%2.79%2.45%
2022-01-124.79%3.49%2.79%2.45%
2022-01-054.79%3.49%2.79%2.45%
2021-01-064.79%3.49%3.09%2.45%
2020-01-015.19%3.94%3.64%3.95%
2019-01-025.34%4.29%3.64%3.95%
2018-01-034.99%3.74%3.24%3.20%
2017-01-044.64%3.39%3.14%2.70%
2016-01-064.64%3.39%3.14%2.70%
2015-01-074.79%3.44%3.14%3.00%
2014-01-015.34%3.95%3.14%3.00%
2013-01-025.24%3.70%3.00%3.00%
2012-01-045.29%4.05%3.50%3.00%
2011-01-055.19%4.15%3.35%3.00%
2010-01-065.49%4.25%3.60%2.25%
2009-01-076.75%6.25%5.60%3.50%
2008-01-027.54%7.55%7.35%6.00%
2007-01-036.45%6.40%6.30%6.00%
2006-01-046.30%6.00%5.80%5.00%
2005-01-056.05%5.60%4.80%4.25%
2004-01-076.35%5.80%4.75%4.50%
2003-01-016.70%6.00%4.90%4.50%
2002-01-026.85%5.75%4.60%4.00%
2001-01-037.95%7.80%7.70%7.50%

All rates presented in this table are the most typical of those offered by the six major Canadian chartered banks in the beginning of each year.

Source: Bank of Canada

Total Consumer Price Index (CPI) and inflation

The Consumer Price Index (CPI) is one of the key influencing factors behind mortgage rates. It measures the average change in prices paid for a representative basket of goods and services, such as food, clothing, transportation, housing and recreation. The CPI is what determines Canada’s inflation rate. Bank of Canada’s target inflation rate is between 1% and 3%, with the ideal rate being 2%. When the rate falls within those targets, inflation is seen as being ‘under control.’

The inflation rate started to climb in the first half of 2021, peaking at 8.1% in June 2022, which is what induced the rate hikes experienced during that time. Thanks to the rate hikes, the inflation rate began to decline since then, reaching 1.6% by October 2024. With the rate now under control, mortgage rates are also on the decline, making mortgages more affordable.

See more historical inflation rates for additional context:

Total consumer price index (historical inflation rates)

Total CPI

                                        Source: Bank of Canada

 

Factors that affect your mortgage rate in Canada

Mortgage rates are not the same for everyone. Different circumstances and monetary influences can change the mortgage rate of each person applying for it. Here are some of the factors that can affect your mortgage rate in Canada:

How LowestRates.ca’s conventional mortgage rates compare to high-ratio mortgages

On LowestRates.ca., you can obtain a quote for a high ratio mortgage or a conventional mortgage. A conventional mortgage refers to one where the down payment is greater than 20% of the purchase price of the home, whereas a high ratio mortgage refers to a mortgage where the down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price of the home. We’ve pulled the average rates from our user database to give you a sense of what you’ll pay on each type of mortgage. While high ratio mortgages often come with lower rates, this is because homebuyers putting less than 20% down are required to purchase mortgage insurance. It’s important to speak with an advisor about which rate structure is right for you.

 

Conventional 5-year fixed mortgage rates vs. high ratio 5-year fixed mortgage rates in Canada

DateAverage Conventional RateAverage High Ratio Rate
12/23 5.96%5.52%
01/24 5.64%5.27%
02/24 5.36%5.09%
03/24 5.21%4.97%
04/24 5.14%4.95%
05/24 5.18%5.00%
06/24 5.13%4.97%
07/24 5.07%4.93%
08/24 5.20%5.03%
09/24 5.17%4.97%
10/24 4.85%4.59%
11/24 4.76%4.48%

Last Updated: December 1, 2024

How LowestRates.ca’s fixed mortgage rates compare to variable mortgage rates

The type of mortgage you choose should depend on the economic conditions and personal financial situation. Each homebuyer has their own down payment, credit score and loan amount. Also, no two lenders will offer you the same rate and term. So, it is best to compare rates.

There are two types of mortgage rates for you to choose from. A fixed rate interest is set in stone at the beginning of your term and cannot be changed until the term ends and the contract is renewed. The mortgage payment is also fixed through the term.

A variable rate fluctuates according to market conditions. If Bank of Canada reduces its policy interest rate, your variable rate mortgage will decrease too. However, your mortgage payment may or may not change, depending on the type of variable rate you choose.

Between 2020 and 2022, when the prime rate was at its lowest in years, sitting at 2.45%, variable and fixed rates were neck-in-neck here on LowestRates.ca. Borrowers enjoyed low rates and the 5-year-variable rate was the mortgage rate of choice for many borrowers due to low interest.

However, since mid 2021, when inflation kicked into full gear, the Bank of Canada decided to take control. Starting March 2022, when inflation rate peaked at 8.1%, the BoC went on a rate hike spree, aggressively raising its rates at least 10 times until July 2023.

Variable interest rates increased as BoC set its policy rate at 5% while bond yields – which have a direct impact on fixed rate mortgages – saw historical highs too. The 5-year variable rate became much higher and went over the 5-year fixed mortgage rate at the end of 2022. Fixed rate reached its peak in October 2023 and began declining in 2024, making it more affordable for borrowers. The first BoC rate cut in two years came on June 5, 2024, which has given variable rate borrowers little respite. But it is safe to say that shorter term fixed rates are more likeable currently over variable rates.

Want to know what mortgage rates are right now in less than three minutes? Start an application with us.

5-year fixed vs. 5-year variable mortgage rates in Canada

MonthFixedVariable
12/23 5.63%6.50%
01/24 5.40%6.39%
02/24 5.23%6.46%
03/24 5.08%6.40%
04/24 5.01%6.39%
05/24 5.07%6.39%
06/24 5.02%6.32%
07/24 4.93%6.13%
08/24 5.00%6.16%
09/24 5.02%6.20%
10/24 4.75%5.77%
11/24 4.65%5.40%

Last Updated: December 1, 2024

Average value of new mortgage loan in Canada

Home prices in Canada have seen a downward trend in the first quarter of 2024. While prices are generally sliding sideways across most of the country right now, some cities like Calgary, Edmonton, and Saskatoon reported prices steadily ticked higher since the beginning of last year.

The average value of new mortgage loans in Canada significantly dropped in Q4 2022 because of increasing interest rates and unaffordability.

As the BoC decided to hold rates steady at 5% in July 2023, we can see the average mortgage loan value slightly tick up in Q3 2023 and then dropping again in Q4 2023, probably over expectations that BoC would cut rates soon. The first rate in two years came in June 2024, when BoC dropped 0.25% bringing policy rate to 4.75%. This is likely to lead to increased activity going forward. The rate cut has had a psychological effect for many borrowers who have been sitting on the sidelines waiting for the rates to decrease.

Average Value of New Mortgage Loans in Canada

YearQ1Q2Q3Q4
2023$320,298$314,540$338,522$327,899
2022$361,001$366,163$363,654$325,612
2021$323,678$343,971$364,954$350,686
2020$278,928$289,038$297,367$313,607
2019$258,241$256,616$274,762$276,236

Average scheduled monthly payment for new mortgage loan in Canada

Due to BoC interest rate hikes starting March 2022, average monthly mortgage payment for new loans in Canada rose sharply from $1,597 in Q1 2022 to $2,143 in Q4 2023. The dramatic increase in interest rates starting led to this steady and historic increase in mortgage rates. Borrowers who are up for renewal in the coming months will bear the brunt of these high interest rates, especially those who enjoyed lower mortgage rates before 2022.

Average Scheduled Monthly Payments for New Mortgage Loans

YearQ1Q2Q3Q4
2023$1,984$1,920$2,074$2,143
2022$1,594$1,722$1,909$1,923
2021$1,467$1,530$1,597$1,534
2020$1,442$1,432$1,428$1,451
2019$1,415$1,379$1,416$1,410

How to get the lowest mortgage rate

If you are searching for lowest mortgage rates in the country, here's something you can do:

Increase your down payment: By giving a larger down payment, you can reduce the size of your mortgage and hopefully get a lower rate.

Your mortgage questions, answered.

Looking for mortgage info? Check out our Home Buyers Guide.

How much mortgage can I afford?

There are many ways to determine how big a mortgage you can afford. However, there are some guidelines Canadian lenders use when evaluating your eligibility for a mortgage.

Your down payment: How much you are able to put down upfront will inevitably impact how big a mortgage you can afford. This is because there are minimum requirements for a down payment in Canada, depending on the cost of the home.

On a home that’s $500,000 or less, you’re required to put down at least 5% upfront. On a home that’s between $500,000 and $1 million, you’re required to put down 5% of the first $500,000, and 10% of the rest of the principal. On a $1 million home, you’re required to put down at least 20%.

Down payments that amount to less than 20% of a property’s value are called high ratio mortgages and homebuyers need to purchase insurance to guarantee their mortgage. The price of the insurance premium is added to the monthly mortgage payment. Down payments that are at least 20% or more are called conventional mortgages and not require insurance.

Having a down payment that exceeds 20% will help you pay off your loan sooner and save you money in the long run. However, interest rates on high-ratio mortgages tend to be lower than the rates on conventional mortgages. That’s because the added insurance reduces the risk of the bank losing its investment.

Gross Debt Service Ratio: Your GDS ratio refers to the amount of your monthly income you’ll spend on housing costs. The Financial Consumer Agency of Canada uses a standard GDS ratio of 39% as a guideline, though every lender will be a little different. The lower your GDS ratio, the larger the mortgage you may be approved for.

Total Debt Service Ratio: Your TDS ratio refers to the total portion of your income that goes to paying debts and obligations each month. The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation advises maintaining a TDS ratio of less than 42%. Much like your GDS ratio, the lower your TDS ratio, the larger the mortgage you may be approved for.

What are the different types of mortgages available in Canada?

In Canada, there are a number of different ways to structure a mortgage.

Mortgages can vary depending on the term length, rate type and whether the mortgage is open or closed. Regardless of whether you have a fixed-closed, fixed-open, variable-closed or variable-open mortgage, term lengths can range from anywhere between one year and 10 years. The most common term length in Canada is five years.

Fixed-closed mortgage: A fixed-closed mortgage is a mortgage contract where the rate is fixed and the homeowners are not allowed to pay off their mortgage loan early without incurring a penalty.

Fixed-open mortgage: A fixed-open mortgage is a contract where the rate is fixed, but the homeowners are allowed to pay off their mortgage early without incurring a fee.

Variable-closed mortgage: A variable closed mortgage refers to a mortgage contract where the homeowners have a variable mortgage rate but can’t pay off their mortgage early without incurring a prepayment penalty. The interest rate with this type of mortgage rate will fluctuate depending on market conditions.

Variable-open mortgage: Lastly, a variable open mortgage allows homeowners to pay off their mortgage early without incurring a prepayment penalty. However, the amount that goes toward principal and interest from their monthly payment will fluctuate with market conditions.

What’s the difference between a mortgage term and an amortization period?

Mortgage term: A mortgage term refers to the length of time your mortgage contract is in effect before it is eligible for renewal. Mortgage terms in Canada can range anywhere from one to 10 years, but the most common mortgage term is five years.

Amortization period: The amortization period is the amount of time it will take you to pay off your entire mortgage. In Canada, the maximum amortization period is 35 years. But, if your down payment was less than 20% and you were required to purchase mortgage insurance from the Canadian Mortgage Housing Corporation, then your maximum amortization period is 25 years. The federal government announced that starting August 1, 2024, first-time homebuyers purchasing new builds will be allowed up to 30-year mortgages. Under the Canadian Mortgage Charter, Canadians buying their first newly built home will an additional five years to pay off their mortgage, resulting in lower monthly payments.

Can I get pre-approved for a mortgage?

The short answer is yes. You can be pre-approved for a mortgage when a lender looks at your finances and informs you of the amount they will lend you and what interest rate they’re willing to offer you. Getting pre-approved for a mortgage can accelerate the process of moving into your new home when you find it. This is because if you’re pre-approved, the seller might choose your bid over another offer.

You’ll want to shop around for the best pre-approval rate you can find. While this can be a challenging and trying process, comparison sites like LowestRates.ca can make it a whole lot easier. Fill out our form to see what brokers are willing to offer you, and a broker will be in touch with you shortly to secure the rate you select on the site.

Can I adjust my mortgage payment schedule?

Payment flexibility needs to be negotiated with your lender at the outset. While some lenders will allow you to change the frequency and amount of your mortgage payments, others will charge fees for these adjustments.

This is why it’s important to think about prepayment privileges when you’re negotiating your mortgage contract. Otherwise, you might find yourself faced with additional fees if you’d like to make these changes down the line.

In addition, you’ll also likely be charged a fee if you choose to break your mortgage. This may happen if you choose to break your mortgage and renew your contract at a lower rate, or if you move before your mortgage has been paid. You can avoid paying a prepayment penalty by looking into securing portability as a feature of your mortgage contract early on.

Given that mortgage rates have been seeing historic highs in 2022 and 2023 because of inflation, Canadian banks have allowed customers to stretch their amortization periods, and as a result, lower their monthly payments. In fact, mortgages can now be amortized for more than 35 years, which wasn’t done before. Of course, extended amortization means higher total interest costs over the life of your mortgage. So, take this into account, if you’re considering stretching your amortization period.

Where can I get a mortgage in Canada?

There several different places Canadians can turn to get a mortgage. First, it’s important to identify the difference between a mortgage lender and a mortgage broker.

A mortgage lender lends money to prospective homebuyers directly. They can include a wide range of companies, including banks, trust companies, loan companies, credit unions, caisses populaires and mortgage companies.

A mortgage broker, on the other hand, will not lend money directly to you. Mortgage brokers arrange your transaction by seeking out a lender for you.

While some lenders will only work directly with prospective homeowners, other mortgage products are only offered through mortgage brokers. Since mortgage brokers have access to several lenders at once, they might be able to provide you with a broader range of prospective offers.

LowestRates.ca compares banks, brokers and other lenders all at the same time so you don’t have to go through the trouble. And ultimately, we get you the best mortgage rate from one of our trusted partners. Fill out a form to get started.

Given how hot Canada's housing market is, we can’t overemphasize the importance of mortgage rate comparison.

What is the mortgage stress test and how will it impact me?

The mortgage stress test determines if you’ll be able to pay your mortgage if rates were to go up. The federal government introduced the stress test in 2016-17 for mortgage holders who were making a down payment of between 5% and 19% and were required to purchase mortgage default insurance. In 2018, the Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions, or OSFI, expanded the stress test to buyers who make a down payment of at least 20% and are uninsured.

Basically, all insured mortgage holders and uninsured mortgage holders who get their mortgage with an OSFI-regulated lender must pass the test.

Mortgage stress tests require prospective homebuyers to qualify for a mortgage rate which is the higher of the following:

  • The Bank of Canada five-year rate (currently 4.75%).

  • The rate offered by your lender, plus 2%.

In April 2020, homebuyers applying for insured mortgages (meaning their down payment was less than 20% of the value of the property), only had to quality for the higher of the following:

  • The weekly five-year rate on all insured mortgages, plus 2%.

  • The rate offered by your lender, plus 2%.

In June 2021, the most recent update, OSFI decoupled the minimum qualifying rate from the central bank’s posted rate. It has now a set floor rate of 5.25% that the regulator will review annually.

By requiring buyers to qualify at a higher rate than they might be offered by their lender, the stress test makes it more difficult for Canadians to get a mortgage. It can reduce the mortgage amount you qualify for or require you to save more money for a larger down payment.

Shivani Kaul

Shivani Kaul

About the Author

Shivani Kaul is a content manager in the personal finance space. Prior to this, she worked as a digital editor with Pagemasters North America (a division of The Canadian Press) for four years. Shivani has also worked as a freelance writer and editor for Investor's Digest of Canada and The Ghost Bureau.

She has more than a decade of experience working as an editor and writer for different news media organizations in Canada and South Asia. She has a Digital Marketing Management certification from the University of Toronto, a Master's degree in Mass Communication (Journalism) and a Bachelor's degree in English from the University of Delhi (India).

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