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 Oakville 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 remain uncertain).
Banks, credit unions, monoline lenders and other financial institutions compete to attract borrowers across Oakville and beyond. During competitive market conditions, lenders may offer better rates. Shopping around and comparing multiple lenders — including local Ontario credit unions like Meridian Credit Union and Alterna Savings — can often result in a better mortgage rate.
Risk is what determines whether an Oakville broker or lender will be comfortable offering you low mortgage rates or even a mortgage at all. To calculate if they should lend you the mortgage amount for your Oakville home, the best lenders and companies assess the risk you present as a borrower. A number of factors are considered in order to determine this:
1. Down payment
In most cases, if you have the financial ability to make a 20% down payment on the purchase of your home, Oakville banks or mortgage companies will be willing to offer you very competitive mortgage rates for your house.
2. Debt service ratios
Mortgage companies want to be assured that you’ll be able to afford your mortgage payments every month. To calculate the probability of this, they use two formulas to compare your monthly income against your monthly expenses:
3. Credit score
If you have a good credit score, you are more likely to qualify for a lower mortgage rate on your Oakville home. Your credit score indicates to lenders how reliable you are at making payments on-time on both installment loans (e.g. car loan) and revolving credit (e.g. credit cards). Your credit score also takes into account if you use less than 30% of your available credit, have maintained long-standing relationships with banks and lenders and have avoided opening numerous accounts.
4. Income
If you have a good, stable source of income this provides the mortgage company with further peace of mind knowing that you will be able to make your future mortgage payments on time as well as your other monthly expenses. Consequently, you are more likely to qualify for the bank’s cheapest mortgage rate on your Oakville home.
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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 September 2026, the average conventional 5-year fixed rate is 4.49%. That’s 40 bps above the average high-ratio 5-year fixed rate, which stands at 4.09%.
| Date | Average Conventional Rate | Average High Ratio Rate |
|---|---|---|
| 09/25 | 4.50% | 4.42% |
| 10/25 | 4.46% | 4.36% |
| 11/25 | 4.35% | 4.31% |
| 12/25 | 4.44% | 4.32% |
| 01/26 | 4.49% | 4.49% |
| 02/26 | 4.47% | 4.43% |
| 03/26 | 4.27% | 4.20% |
| 04/26 | 4.24% | 4.23% |
| 05/26 | 4.38% | 4.22% |
| 06/26 | 4.48% | 4.24% |
| 07/26 | 4.47% | 4.14% |
| 08/26 | 4.49% | 4.09% |
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 September, the 5-year fixed rate is 4.30%. That’s 41 bps abow the 5-year variable rate, which stands at 3.89%.
| Month | Fixed | Variable |
|---|---|---|
| 09/25 | 4.60% | 4.64% |
| 10/25 | 4.62% | 4.51% |
| 11/25 | 4.64% | 4.40% |
| 12/25 | 4.64% | 4.41% |
| 01/26 | 4.71% | 4.44% |
| 02/26 | 4.64% | 4.43% |
| 03/26 | 4.33% | 4.38% |
| 04/26 | 4.38% | 4.06% |
| 05/26 | 4.41% | 4.05% |
| 06/26 | 4.45% | 4.01% |
| 07/26 | 4.34% | 3.93% |
| 08/26 | 4.30% | 3.89% |
Last Updated: September 1, 2026
New mortgage loan values have been trending upward throughout 2025, reaching the average of $441,394 in Ontario and $360,597 in Canada by the end of Q4 2025.
Here are all the average new mortgages loan values in Ontario 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 |
| Ontario | $466,931 | $475,987 | $462,701 | $418,808 | $406,427 | $405,753 | $434,005 | $426,021 | $421,795 | $427,078 | $440,052 | $432,237 | $441,074 | $438,188 | $445,693 | $441,394 |
Scheduled monthly payments have been trending downward throughout 2025, reaching the average of $2,402 in Ontario 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $1,966 | $2,153 | $2,392 | $2,449 | $2,494 | $2,444 | $2,634 | $2,770 | $2,751 | $2,646 | $2,664 | $2,524 | $2,526 | $2,452 | $2,472 | $2,402 |
Closing costs are the one-time fees buyers pay upon purchasing property in Oakville. Generally, closing costs include:
Land transfer tax calculations for a $500,000 property in Oakville without a rebate are:
Mortgage term: The mortgage term is the amount of time that you commit to your mortgage rate, lender and the terms and conditions of the contract. At the end of the term, you’ll renew your contract with the mortgage company for the remaining principal at a new rate. The process repeats until you’ve paid off the mortgage on your Oakville home. A mortgage term can vary in length, from six months to 10 years, with the most common term in Canada being 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 (CMHC), then your maximum amortization period is 25 years.
An open mortgage gives you the flexibility to pay off the mortgage on your Oakville house at any time. With a closed mortgage, if you pay it off before the mortgage term ends, you have to pay a penalty.
So why would anyone choose to go with a closed mortgage?
Because a closed mortgage generally offers a lower interest rate than an open mortgage. With an open mortgage, the rate is usually variable and a little higher.
Getting the lowest mortgage rate possible matters. Why? Because having the lowest mortgage rate possible on your Oakville home will save you thousands of dollars in interest over the lifetime of your mortgage.
Wouldn’t it be great if there were other ways to save on the cost of your mortgage? There are.
One way is to get a mortgage that offers prepayment privileges which allows you to make additional payments. Even making one additional payment per year can make a difference as it reduces the amortization period of your mortgage and lowers the amount you’ll pay towards interest.
Another potential source of savings is to ensure your mortgage is portable. When you do you’ll be giving yourself the option of taking your existing mortgage with you if, down the road, you move from your current home to a new house. With a portable mortgage in place, you’ll be able to avoid any charges you would have incurred if you had to close and open a new mortgage.
LowestRates.ca works to bring you competitive mortgage rates from top banks and brokers in Canada. All you have to do is answer a few questions, and in minutes you’ll be provided with today’s mortgage rates. 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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