If you’re dreaming of becoming a homeowner in Canada, calculating how much you can afford to put towards a down payment is essential. Whatever your goal, there are ways to achieve it and enjoy the many financial benefits of homeownership. In this article, we’ll explore the minimum down payment requirements in Canada and discuss various down payment options, both traditional and non-traditional.

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Key Highlights

• When you are planning to purchase a house, one of the most important considerations is the down payment.
•  The minimum down payment is 5% of the purchase price for a home valued at $500,000 or less and 10% for the portion of the purchase price above $500,000
• With an average price of $800,000 for your dream condo in Vancouver, you’ll need to be ready to pay upfront a minimum of $55,000 as a down payment. Better start saving!

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How Much You Need for a Down Payment on a House

Before purchasing a property, a future home buyer will need to provide a certain amount of money known as a down payment, which the lender will get when finalizing the transaction. In Canada, the lowest down payment required to buy a home depends on the price of the property you’re purchasing. There are 3 different levels based on the value of the property, whether the home you want to buy is valued at $500,000 or less, $500,000 to $999,999 or $1 million or more.

Calculating Your Minimum Down Payment

To set the minimum down payment for a home in Canada, the calculation is based on the purchase price of the property. 

If the purchase price is $500,000 or less.

In this case, the minimum down payment will be 5% of the price. 

For instance, if the home costs $400,000, the minimum down payment required would be $20,000. 

If the purchase price is more than $500,000

In this case, there are 2 different levels.

If the purchase price is between $500,000 and $999,999, then the calculation of the downpayment involves adding two amounts. You’ll begin by calculating 5% of the first $500,000, then 10% of the remaining balance.

For example, if the home you’re considering buying is valued at $600,000, the minimum down payment required would be $35,000 in total, which is the sum of $25,000 (5% of $500,000) and $10,000 (10% of $100,000).

If the property is valued at $1 million or more, then the minimum down payment will be 20% of the value of the property.

For example, if the home you’re considering buying is valued at $1,500,000, the minimum down payment required would be $ 300,000.

If you’re still unsure, check out our down payment calculator for Ontario and other provinces on our website.

Using Mortgage Loan Insurance for Down Payments Under 20%

If you’re putting less than 20% as a down payment, you’ll need to get mortgage loan insurance. This insurance is a protection for the lender in case you fail to make mortgage payments over time. 

The mortgage loan insurance monthly fee is called a premium. Your premium will represent a non-negligible part of your monthly mortgage payment and therefore should be calculated accordingly to make sure you can still afford that mortgage.

The bigger your down payment, the lower your premium for the mortgage loan insurance. Premiums range between 0.6% up to 4.5% of your overall mortgage.

Mortgage Loan Insurance Cost & Impact on Mortgage Rates

Mortgage loan insurance costs and interest rates are intrinsically linked. As we saw earlier, if you’re able to provide a higher down payment, your lender will be able to offer you a better interest rate for your mortgage and you won’t need to get mortgage loan insurance.

The cost of the mortgage loan insurance can also impact the interest rate you are offered by the lender. If the lender perceives you as a high-risk borrower because of a lower down payment and the requirement for mortgage loan insurance, they may charge you a higher interest rate.

How Your Down Payment Impacts the Total Cost of Your Mortgage

The down payment is a crucial factor to consider when buying a home, as it affects the total cost of the mortgage.

A larger down payment means a smaller mortgage and less interest paid over the loan’s life, while a smaller down payment means a larger mortgage and more interest paid. Mortgage loan insurance is also an important factor to consider when the down payment is less than 20% of the home’s value.  While a larger down payment can save money in the long run, personal financial situations and goals should be considered when deciding how much to put down.

How to Save for a Down Payment

It may feel overwhelming to save money for a down payment, but it’s possible if you plan and budget carefully.

Let’s look at some of the ways to help you get there. 

• Set a goal for a down payment: Decide how much you want to put down on your future home. Don’t forget to take into account the mortgage loan insurance if you’re planning on having a down payment that represents less than 20% of the value of the house or if you’re self-employed.
• Have a close look at your current financial situation and create a budget and savings plan: Take into consideration your income, expenses and existing debts. Start saving as early as possible.
• Explore government programs and incentives: Look into government programs and incentives that can help you save for a down payment, such as the Home Buyers’ Plan or First-Time Home Buyer Incentive.
• Explore other ways to increase your income: Consider taking on a side hustle or selling unwanted items to generate extra income that you can put towards your down payment savings.
• Don’t be discouraged by the process. Saving for a down payment takes time and discipline, but with a solid plan and commitment, you can make it happen.

Home Buying Programs to Help with Your Down Payment

Explore the various programs, plans, and incentives that are accessible to you before purchasing a home.

Home Buyer’s Plan (HPB)

If you’re a first-time homebuyer looking for down payment funds, consider borrowing (tax- and interest-free) from your registered retirement savings plans (RRSPs) under the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP).

With the HBP, you can withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSP ($70,000 for couples) tax-free and interest-free to use as a down payment. To be eligible, the funds must be in your RRSP account for at least 90 days prior to withdrawal. You’ll need to repay the loan over 15 years, with annual payments of one 15th of the total amount required. 

First-Time Home Buyer Incentive

The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHBI) aims to assist first-time homebuyers in reducing their mortgage costs by providing shared-equity loans of up to 5% for resale homes and 10% for newly-built homes. 

The idea behind the FTHBI is that the bigger the down payment, the lower your monthly mortgage payments, making homeownership more accessible for those who buy for the first time.

FAQ

Here are a couple of the most frequently asked questions about mortgage down payment in Canada.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the amount of down payment you need to purchase a home will depend on a variety of factors, such as the purchase price of the home, your personal financial situation, and the requirements of your lender. Deciding on the amount of money you want to put towards a down payment is a significant step toward achieving the goal of owning your dream home. 

You want to make sure you’re comfortable with the amount you’re putting down. Remember that with careful consideration and planning, you can make the right decision that aligns with your values and financial goals. Your new home is waiting for you, and with determination and patience, you’ll get there.

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