HomebuyingKey 10 questions to ask when getting a mortgage in Canada in 2026
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| Insured ? | 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 ? | Bank Rate ? | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Insured 4.64% | 80% LTV 4.19% | 65% LTV 4.19% | Uninsured 4.99% | 4.99% | ||
Insured 3.99% | 80% LTV 3.89% | 65% LTV 3.89% | Uninsured 4.44% | 4.53% | ||
Insured 3.69% | 80% LTV 3.79% | 65% LTV 3.79% | Uninsured 3.9% | 4.39% | ||
Insured 3.84% | 80% LTV 3.99% | 65% LTV 3.99% | Uninsured 4.39% | 4.44% | ||
Insured 3.69% | 80% LTV 3.55% | 65% LTV 3.55% | Uninsured 3.69% | 4.19% | ||
Insured 4.19% | 80% LTV 4.24% | 65% LTV 4.24% | Uninsured 4.89% | 5% | ||
Insured 5.04% | 80% LTV 4.34% | 65% LTV 4.34% | Uninsured 5.24% | 6.09% | ||
Insured 3.9% | 80% LTV 3.95% | 65% LTV 3.9% | Uninsured 3.9% | 5.95% | ||
Insured 3.45% | 80% LTV 3.45% | 65% LTV 3.45% | Uninsured 3.5% | 4.24% | ||
Insured N/A | 80% LTV N/A | 65% LTV N/A | Uninsured N/A | N/A | ||
Insured 5.45% | 80% LTV 5.45% | 65% LTV 5.45% | Uninsured 5.5% | N/A |
There are three main drivers behind mortgage rates in Manitoba and Canada at large:
The Bank of Canada influences mortgage rates through its policy rate. The Bank’s objective is to keep inflation in the target range of 1% to 3% and preserve the value of the Canadian dollar. It achieves this by setting the target overnight rate, also known as the policy rate.
As of today, the policy rate is 2.25%. The central bank uses the target rate to influence how the banks set their own rates and acts as a barometer for the rate at which banks borrow and lend among themselves.
The higher the inflation, particularly if it’s above 3%, the higher the likelihood of a rate hike. Though inflation does not directly affect mortgage rates, the Bank tends to raise rates to cool down economic activity and force homebuyers to retreat from the market. It’s worth noting that government bond yields, which influence fixed rates, are affected by inflation as well, in addition to factors like oil prices, geopolitical tensions and broader economic conditions (which currently remained uncertain).
Banks, credit unions, monoline lenders and other financial institutions compete to attract borrowers, and during competitive market conditions, lenders may offer better rates. Shopping around and comparing multiple lenders can often result in a better mortgage rate.
There are several factors that can impact the mortgage rate you’re eligible for. While evaluating mortgage products is crucial for securing the best possible rate, it's essential to recognize that personal qualification remains a key determinant of your final offer. These factors include:
1. Down payment
In Canada, when buying a property, you are required to make a minimum down payment ranging from 5% to 20%, depending on the purchase price. However, if your down payment is below 20%, mortgage default insurance such as the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) insurance, becomes mandatory.
Although this incurs additional costs, it mitigates the lender's risk, typically resulting in a lower mortgage rate. Despite a lower rate, it's advisable to aim for a 20% down payment to avoid the expense of mortgage default insurance.
2. Amortization period
Mortgages with amortization periods exceeding 25 years tend to attract higher interest rates. This is due to the inability to insure such mortgages with mortgage default insurance. Despite this, longer amortization periods can offer financial flexibility due to lower monthly payments.
3. Property purpose
Properties not intended for personal residence often receive higher mortgage rates.
4. Mortgage type
The type of mortgage you choose — fixed or variable — has a big impact on your mortgage rate. Refinanced mortgages or those with additional features like a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) typically carry higher rates compared to mortgages for renewals or new purchases.
6. Credit score
A potential homebuyer with poor credit score can get disapproved by A lenders, such as major banks or credit unions. Securing a mortgage from a B lender due to a low credit score often entails a higher interest rate.
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How do these mortgage types differ? Conventional (low-ratio) mortgage requires a down payment of 20% or more, with no mandatory insurance, while a high-ratio mortgage requires a down payment of below 20%, plus mandatory insurance.
Which mortgage type offers cheaper rates? As of August 2026, the average conventional 5-year fixed rate is 4.38%. That’s 5 bps above the average high-ratio 5-year fixed rate, which stands at 4.33%.
| Date | Average Conventional Rate | Average High Ratio Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 09/25 | 4.53% | 4.44% |
| 10/25 | 4.49% | 4.36% |
| 11/25 | 4.38% | 4.33% |
| 12/25 | 4.48% | 4.35% |
| 01/26 | 4.59% | 4.53% |
| 02/26 | 4.55% | 4.53% |
| 03/26 | 4.34% | 4.32% |
| 04/26 | 4.32% | 4.28% |
| 05/26 | 4.36% | 4.21% |
| 06/26 | 4.38% | 4.19% |
| 07/26 | 4.37% | 4.13% |
| 08/26 | 4.39% | 4.08% |
Last Updated: September 1, 2026
How do these mortgage rates differ? A fixed rate mortgage is a rate fixed over a period of time. Interest rates and the mortgage payments remain the same (and consistent) over that mortgage term. A variable rate mortgage is different. While the mortgage payment remains constant, the interest rate payments fluctuate with the prime interest rate.
Which rate is cheaper? As of August 2026, the 5-year fixed rate is 4.65%. That’s 21 bps above the 5-year variable rate, which stands at 4.44%.
| Month | Fixed | Variable |
|---|---|---|
| 09/25 | 4.62% | 4.69% |
| 10/25 | 4.64% | 4.55% |
| 11/25 | 4.65% | 4.44% |
| 12/25 | 4.67% | 4.44% |
| 01/26 | 4.73% | 4.47% |
| 02/26 | 4.67% | 4.44% |
| 03/26 | 4.44% | 4.40% |
| 04/26 | 4.40% | 4.06% |
| 05/26 | 4.34% | 3.90% |
| 06/26 | 4.34% | 3.85% |
| 07/26 | 4.27% | 3.83% |
| 08/26 | 4.26% | 3.81% |
Last Updated: September 1, 2026
New mortgage loan values have been trending upward throughout 2025, reaching the average of $275,649 in Manitoba and $360,597 in Canada by the end of Q4 2025.
Here are all the average new mortgages loan values in Manitoba from 2022 to 2025:
| Q1 – 2022 | Q2 – 2022 | Q3 – 2022 | Q4 – 2022 | Q1 – 2023 | Q2 – 2023 | Q3 – 2023 | Q4 – 2023 | Q1 – 2024 | Q2 – 2024 | Q3 – 2024 | Q4 – 2024 | Q1 – 2025 | Q2 – 2025 | Q3 – 2025 | Q4 – 2025 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Canada | $368,936 | $371,063 | $363,654 | $325,612 | $320,298 | $314,540 | $338,522 | $327,899 | $323,537 | $332,825 | $349,364 | $343,271 | $356,831 | $350,281 | $360,986 | $360,597 |
| Manitoba | $250,944 | $257,904 | $272,728 | $251,420 | $237,080 | $236,489 | $249,751 | $247,228 | $234,933 | $242,696 | $258,271 | $258,127 | $251,003 | $258,050 | $278,687 | $275,649 |
Scheduled monthly payments have been trending downward throughout 2025, reaching the average of $1,566 in Manitoba by the end of Q4 2025.
| Q1 – 2022 | Q2 – 2022 | Q3 – 2022 | Q4 – 2022 | Q1 – 2023 | Q2 – 2023 | Q3 – 2023 | Q4 – 2023 | Q1 – 2024 | Q2 – 2024 | Q3 – 2024 | Q4 – 2024 | Q1 – 2025 | Q2 – 2025 | Q3 – 2025 | Q4 – 2025 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,188 | $1,287 | $1,449 | $1,473 | $1,462 | $1,463 | $1,553 | $1,581 | $1,548 | $1,563 | $1,607 | $1,574 | $1,506 | $1,517 | $1,692 | $1,566 |
Closing costs are the one-time fees buyers pay upon purchasing property in Manitoba. Generally, closing costs include:
Land transfer tax calculations for a $500,000 property in Manitoba without a rebate are:
If you are searching for the lowest mortgage rates in Canada, the best way is to compare rates from various lenders. At LowestRates.ca, we help you compare rates from 50+ mortgage lenders and aid your decision to make the right choice for your financial situation. Reach out to a mortgage broker.
The amortization period on your mortgage is the total number of years you expect it will take to pay off the entire loan. Most new mortgages come with amortizations of 25 years, although periods can range from one year to 30 years. To see how much the size of your payments is affected by amortization periods, use our mortgage rates calculator.
The mortgage term is a shorter period — usually four or five years — which represents the length of time your lender will provide your mortgage loan at a given interest rate. By far and away, the most popular term length in Manitoba is the 5-year mortgage. Rates for 5-year mortgages, for the majority of homebuyers, are the most affordable. In some cases, it’s possible to get a 6-month term on a mortgage in Manitoba, though rates on mortgages tend to be prohibitively expensive for most. At the end of the term, you’ll renegotiate your mortgage for a new term, either with your existing lender or a new financial institution. Most lenders offer terms ranging from one year to 10 years.
Mortgage rates will vary depending on whether you get an open mortgage or a closed mortgage.
An open mortgage gives you the flexibility to pay off the mortgage on your house at any time. You can also refinance your mortgage, or renegotiate the terms. With a closed mortgage, if you pay it off before the mortgage term ends, you’ll have to pay a penalty.
Because the rules are more strict, closed mortgage rates in Manitoba generally have lower interest rates compared to the rates on open mortgages in Manitoba.
Finding the lowest mortgage rates can help you potentially save thousands of dollars over the life of your mortgage. But interest rates are only part of the equation when it comes to figuring out which mortgage is best for you. For example, most mortgages allow you to make lump-sum payments on your mortgage principal without penalty. An open mortgage lets you pay off the entire amount whenever you like. Closed mortgages only allow limited pre-payments but generally come with lower interest rates. So, consider your cash flow over the long term when choosing a mortgage. If you expect a windfall down the road, you may be better off paying a bit more in monthly interest on an open mortgage for the ability to make a large lump sum payment later on.
You should also consider whether you want a “portable” mortgage when you buy your home. Portability allows you to transfer the balance of your mortgage, its term and interest rate to the purchase of a new home if you decide to move before your mortgage term ends. This means you avoid penalties for breaking a mortgage early, which can be very costly.
But remember, not all mortgages are portable, especially variable rate mortgages. If you think you might want to sell your home before the end of your mortgage term—maybe you have a growing family—think twice before signing up for that low-interest variable rate plan.
LowestRates.ca works with top Canadian banks and brokers to bring you competitive mortgage rates from lenders in Canada. All you have to do is answer a few questions, and in minutes you’ll be provided with today’s mortgage interest rates across Canada. There’s no obligation, but you can choose to speak with our broker partner to secure your best rate and see if you're eligible for more savings.
Yes, it’s safe — you no longer need to visit a bank branch or mortgage broker’s office in person to apply for a mortgage. It’s becoming increasingly common for Canadians to apply for mortgages online. LowestRates.ca only works with reputable, trustworthy financial institutions. Your credit score won’t be affected and your information is secure. We don’t share your information with anyone unless you want to connect with a mortgage broker. We take care of the heavy lifting by comparing the market for you and can connect you with the best mortgage lenders in the country.
We have a strong selection of lenders on LowestRates.ca including the big banks and many independent providers and we’re adding more lenders all the time. This ensures we’re always delivering you a competitive rate. Even if you’re not ready to commit to anything, you can use our site as a starting point for research (it’s totally free, and you’re under no obligation).
The better informed you are, the more likely you'll negotiate a better deal for yourself. And, really, that’s what we care about the most.

Taras Trofimov
About the Author
Taras is the Content Manager for LowestRates.ca. He has produced thought leadership content for organizations like Constellation Software, Facebook and Yellow Pages as well as outlets like The Globe and Mail, Autoblog and MSN Autos.
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