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7 ways nesto helps you save on your mortgage in Ontario

1) Get hours of your time back by finding the best mortgage rate in Ontario without negotiation.

2) Get the best advice from our licensed and professional mortgage experts in Ontario.

3) Get a 100% transparent and digital mortgage journey, whether your property is located in Ontario or anywhere else in Canada.

4) Get a chance to become mortgage-free faster in Ontario before your friends.

5) Get access to the most competitive fixed mortgage rates in Ontario.

6) Get a better variable-rate mortgage with 0% risk of negative amortization in Ontario.

7) Get our low-rate guarantee when you submit your mortgage application in Ontario. 

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For today, {date}, nesto’s {term}-year {type} mortgage rate is {bps} bps ({bps_percent}) lower than the similar average at Canada’s Big 6 Banks. On a {mortgage_ammount} mortgage over a {amortization_period}-year amortization, with nesto your monthly payment would be {nesto_monthly_payment}, saving you up to {monthly_savings} on your monthly payment. This equals {savings_interest} in interest saved while also paying down an extra {extra_payment} on principal over your term.

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Your Guide to Getting the Best Mortgage Rates in Ontario

When you’re looking to find the very best mortgage rates in Ontario, nesto is your one-stop shop. You can always rely on us to help you understand how to navigate mortgages in any market and provide the best interest rate upfront.

About Ontario

  • Ontario is home to 16 million people, while almost half live regionally in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA).  Toronto, Mississauga, Ottawa, Hamilton and London are the largest cities in the province. The vast majority of the province remains unpopulated and undeveloped.
  • Ontario’s GDP is almost $1 Trillion, with a 65% participation rate in the labour market and an 8% unemployment rate.
  • Average homes in Ontario run just below $600K, whereas the range will be from $300K in some Northern Ontario communities to just over $1 Million in the Toronto region.
  • Ontario’s average household income is $98K, and the median is $65,300.
  • Ontario’s average mortgage balance is around $485K.
  • Ontario’s municipal tax rates range from 0.64% to 1.89%.

About the Ontario Housing Market

Home sales in Ontario declined significantly in 2023 and are projected to remain low into early 2024. Early December data suggests a pick-up in housing activity compared to late December of last year; however, caution is warranted as sales volumes tend to be low in December, and unseasonably warm temperatures may have had an impact.

Experts predict that sales will remain stagnant unless mortgage rates drop significantly or sellers reduce their prices. Other downside risks include slower-than-anticipated economic growth or higher-than-anticipated policy rates from the Bank of Canada. On the upside, lower rates could stimulate market sentiment, resulting in more sales and higher prices. While economists expect the current housing market conditions to continue into 2024, they also see a potential turning point in the near future with interest rate cuts.

There’s a lot of uncertainty surrounding Ontario‘s housing market heading into 2024. Royal LePage predicts average home prices in Toronto to increase by 6% in 2024, and in Ottawa by 4.5%. CREA projects an increase in Ontario’s number of sales for 2024 (from 161,696 in 2023) by 13.9% and a slight year-over-year increase in the annual average home price (from $793,000 in 2023 to $793,400 in 2024). According to TD economist, sales volumes are expected to remain at a low level in 2024, while Royal LePage expects average home prices to increase, and ReMax expects a decrease.

Ontario Mortgage Strategy

Fixed rates are usually priced at 1 to 1.5% more than the bond yield.  Long and short-term bond yields are not showing signs of relenting soon.  Big banks have been pricing in risks as shorter-term rates rise due to their recent popularity. We expect the shorter-term rates to stay above expectations and borrowers to shift towards shorter-term fixed rates to curb risk if a purchase or renewal is on the horizon. 

The Bank of Canada (BoC) forecasting suggests that inflationary pressures will be checked back in place by the end of 2024, when we could expect rates to start decreasing.  In the current market, it would be advisable to go with a fixed rate over a variable one; or take on a shorter-term fixed rate to evade the market and then renew back into a variable rate once the inflationary pressures are off.

First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Ontario

Several first-time home buyer incentives and programs in Ontario were designed specifically to help lighten the financial burden for first-time home buyers. These programs will offset some home-buying costs and help fund your down payment, which is often one of the biggest hurdles in buying your first home. See: First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Canada

Land Transfer Tax & Rebates in Ontario

Land transfer tax rates in Ontario are calculated based on the property’s purchase price. In Toronto, municipal land transfer tax is also required in addition to the Ontario land transfer tax amount due.

Learn About Rates & Mortgages in Ontario

Welcome to our Frequently-Asked Questions (FAQ) section, where we answer the most popular questions our nesto advisors receive daily across Ontario, designed to help you make informed mortgage decisions every time you need a new mortgage or to renew/refinance an existing one.

What are today’s mortgage rates in Ontario?

The average 5-year fixed mortgage rate from big banks in Ontario is 5.54%* while nesto’s lowest 5-year fixed mortgage rate in Ontario is .

The average 5-year variable mortgage rate from big banks in Ontario is 6.95%* while nesto’s lowest 5-year variable mortgage rate in Ontario is

The average 3-year fixed mortgage rate from big banks in Ontario is 6.07%* while nesto’s lowest 3-year fixed mortgage rate in Ontario is

The average 3-year variable mortgage rate from big banks in Ontario is 7.75%* while nesto’s lowest 3-year variable mortgage rate in Ontario is .

*Note: The average rate is calculated based on the posted insured rates of the 6 biggest lenders in Canada that together make up over 70% of the retail mortgage market in the country. These 6 biggest lenders are the chartered banks: Toronto-Dominion Canada Trust (TD), Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Bank of Montréal (BMO), Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) and National Bank of Canada (NBC).

What is the lowest mortgage rate in Ontario today?

The provincial average posted 5-year conventional fixed mortgage rate is 6.84%. The lowest 5-year fixed rates are typically reserved for insured prime lending, with nesto at and the national 5-year insured average sitting at 5.54%.

Currently, variable rate discounts (or added premiums) on the 5-year term range from 0.50% to 1.15% from the Bank prime rate sitting at . The most discounted variable rates are generally reserved for insured prime lending, with nesto leading the pack at while the national average sits at 6.95%.

The provincial average posted 3-year conventional fixed mortgage rate is 6.99%. The lowest 3-year fixed rates are typically reserved for insured prime lending, with nesto at and the national 3-year insured average sitting at 6.07%.

Currently, variable rate discounts (or added premiums) on the 3-year term range from 0.15% to 1.50% from the Bank prime rate sitting at . The most discounted variable rates are generally reserved for insured prime lending, with nesto leading the pack at while the national average sits at 7.75%.

The provincial average 2-year fixed insurable mortgage rate in Ontario is 6.85%, while nesto’s lowest 2-year mortgage rate is

The provincial average 4-year fixed insurable mortgage rate in Ontario is 5.89%, while nesto’s lowest 4-year mortgage rate is .

The provincial average 7-year fixed insurable mortgage rate in Ontario is 6.51%, while nesto’s lowest 7-year mortgage rate is .

The provincial average 10-year fixed insurable mortgage rate in Ontario is 7.20%, while nesto’s lowest 10-year mortgage rate is .

Note: The average rate is calculated based on the posted rates of the 6 biggest lenders in Canada that together make up over 70% of the retail mortgage market in the country. These 6 biggest lenders are the chartered banks: Toronto-Dominion Canada Trust (TD), Royal Bank of Canada (RBC), Bank of Montréal (BMO), Bank of Nova Scotia (BNS), Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (CIBC) and National Bank of Canada (NBC).

Why get Ontario mortgage rates at nesto?

By consulting Ontario mortgage rates on nesto, you’re always getting the most up-to-date information, which helps you save money as a homeowner.

When comparing mortgage rates in Ontario, it’s important to look at similarities and differences between the comparable types and terms. Comparisons must be made with complementary solutions, meaning a fixed rate with another fixed rate and vice versa. The mortgage term must also be aligned – compare a 5-year term with a 5-year one, and so on. 

Then you have to look beyond the rate – to the features, benefits and restrictions. Many low-rate mortgages have restrictions – such as pre-emptive qualifying criteria and prepayment penalties that are outside the normal if paid off or refinanced before the end of its term. Some restrictions go as far as to inhibit the ability to payout or renew early by adding a bona fide sale clause – meaning you can’t break the mortgage except to sell the property to an unrelated party.

Should I get an open or closed mortgage in Ontario?

Whether you should select an open or closed mortgage in Ontario depends on your specific life and financial circumstances.

When looking at open vs closed mortgages, it’s important to note that open mortgages are priced higher because they offer flexibility to pay the mortgage off at any time without facing a penalty. If you do not need to pay the mortgage off quickly, selecting a closed mortgage and benefiting from lower rates makes sense.

Should I use a mortgage broker or lender in Ontario?

In Ontario, a mortgage broker – or mortgage agent, depending on specific licensing – is a professional who can negotiate the best mortgage by comparing all the offerings from multiple lenders, including banks, credit unions and trust companies, and alternative and private funding specialists. In other words, the mortgage broker is an intermediary between the borrower and the lender.

A mortgage lender is one financial institution or bank that offers a single line of mortgage products directly to borrowers. The lender’s mortgage specialists only have access to their mortgage products.

nesto advisors offer the lowest rate upfront every time. Yes, we make less than the average broker or mortgage specialist, but we get the peace of mind of knowing that we helped you save thousands of dollars on your mortgage.

Should I try to find a mortgage with a rate hold in Ontario?

If you plan to buy Ontario property in the future, it’s a wise choice to request that nesto secure a rate hold on your behalf so you don’t have to worry about interest rates rising while you’re home shopping.

Ensuring you have a rate hold in place is like having insurance on your mortgage rate – you no longer have to worry about the mortgage rate increasing while you find your new home over the next 90 – 150 days.

What Affects My Mortgage Rate in Ontario?

Factors such as credit score, income, down payment and purpose of the loan play a role in determining how your mortgage rate is priced.

Mortgage rates in Ontario vary depending on different factors such as the borrower’s credit, the property which is being used as collateral, the borrower’s income capacity to service the debt, the borrower’s capital in the form of savings/investments and down payment, and most importantly, conditions. Conditions such as the purpose of the loan and the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio – these two conditions will have the most impact on the rate. The mortgage rate is priced based on the risk associated with that mortgage, property and borrower.

The lowest rate is not the most important aspect of getting a mortgage that will save you the most interest. Sometimes the lowest rate is the “no frills” or “restricted” or “limited” mortgage that a lender offers, which beyond not having a high rate, doesn’t have any prepayment privileges or other features such as portability or assumability. 

Down Payment

The down payment size will determine your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio and whether you must also purchase mortgage default insurance. LTV is most important to mortgage rate pricing with insured or insurable lending criteria.

Insured and insurable mortgage rate pricing applies on properties valued at less than $1 million; the amortization is up to 25yrs. In such cases, the lender will provide a better rate as there is a lower risk of loss. 

You would need to purchase the insurance on the front end in the case of an insured purchase with less than a 20% down payment. To give you a lower rate, lenders can also purchase the insurance on the back end to lower the default risk on the mortgage if your down payment is more than 20%. 

An insured mortgage is qualified as such when your down payment is less than 20%. Therefore, you will need to purchase default (high ratio) insurance. Although this insurance is added to your mortgage, the taxes (PST) on purchasing this insurance are not.

Amortization Period

On the prime lending side, the amortization period cannot exceed 30yrs. The maximum allowable amortization is 25 years on mortgages with less than a 20% down payment or equity in the property at the time of renewal. You can go up to 30yrs amortization on mortgages with down payments of 20% or more. 

The longer the amortization, the lower your mortgage payment. The shorter your amortization period, the more money you save on interest over the term or life of the loan. The difference between two identical mortgages with different amortizations is the interest-carrying cost for the extended time the money is lent out.

Property Usage

If you’re buying a home you intend to live in, this is considered your primary residence and will be known as owner-occupied. If you’re buying an investment property you intend to rent to others, you’ll pay higher interest rates than your primary residence. Or purchase a primary residence with a second separate legally registered suite. Your property will be an owner-occupied rental, with access to the lowest rates as a primary residence. 

The logic behind your higher rate for a mortgage on a property solely for investment purposes is, if money is tight, people will pay the mortgage on their primary residence before other obligations. As such, lenders build added risk into the rates for rental properties.

Mortgage Type

The type of mortgage you select will majorly affect your mortgage rate. Mortgage types such as adjustable, variable, fixed, open, closed, standard charge or revolving home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) under a collateral charge are all personal choices based on your unique financial planning needs.

When looking at open versus closed mortgages, for instance, it’s important to note that open mortgages are priced higher because of the flexibility they offer to pay the mortgage off at any time without facing a penalty.

There are two types of variable rate mortgages, those that have static payments and those that have variable or fluctuating payments. Static payment variable rate mortgages are more specifically called variable rate mortgages (VRM); variable rate mortgages with a variable payment, in which the payment adjusts with changes in the lender’s prime rate, are more accurately called adjustable rate mortgages (ARM). Commonly, they are both known as variable-rate mortgages.

Your Credit Score

nesto has a specific minimum FICO score requirement of 680 or 720 out of 900 to provide you with the best mortgage rate. Our strict underwriting guidelines do not permit missed payments, especially mortgage payments. To explain missed payments, you must show whether it was a mishap due to poor budgeting or cash flow. Moreover, you must prove that your monthly obligations and carrying costs do not exceed your income. Underwriters will want to know if you have implemented any practices to avoid any negative habits in the future.

What are the Different Types of Mortgages?

Open vs Closed Mortgage

With an open mortgage, you can prepay any amount anytime without a prepayment penalty. The compromise for having an open mortgage is that interest rates are higher to make up for the flexibility of paying it off at any time.

With a closed mortgage, on the other hand, the interest rate is more attractive than an open mortgage because you’re limited by how much extra you can pay toward your mortgage each year. The lender can also expect to make interest from you for a set amount of time versus the uncertainty of having your whole balance paid off at any time.

An open mortgage only makes sense for someone unsure about their short-term goals, such as being relocated for work or knowing that a separation or divorce is imminent after the maturity date. An open mortgage may be suitable for someone expecting a large inheritance earmarked for a prepayment – more than the annual allotment on their mortgage contract. It is best to complete a cost analysis to ensure that the interest saved with an open term exceeds the penalty due to a prepayment over and above your allotment.

Fixed Mortgages

Ontario‘s most common mortgage term is 5 years and, more specifically, the 5-year fixed-rate mortgage. While this isn’t always the most economical option for everyone, it has become the most popular. A fixed rate benefits budgeting and offers financial stability, given that mortgage payments always remain the same. 

Deciding on a fixed rate is a question of personal choice and risk appetite. We would recommend speaking with a mortgage professional to assess any material risks that may pose a concern for you over the term of your mortgage. 

For a first-time home buyer (FTHB) who is getting used to all their new bills related to owning a home, it is recommended that they choose a fixed rate to provide some stability during the first term of their mortgage. By making their biggest monthly obligations (mortgage, condo/maintenance/strata fees and property taxes) static amounts, they can take the time to put together a financial plan and start to put aside some money towards their emergency savings.

Variable Mortgages

A variable rate mortgage has proven to save borrowers more money than a fixed rate over time. Every borrower’s current circumstances and goals are different; therefore, an advisor should thoroughly discuss all current financial restraints and future considerations before deciding on the most suitable mortgage.

With a variable mortgage, the interest rate will fluctuate depending on benchmark rates, whereas a fixed rate remains the same throughout the mortgage term. Deciding on a variable is a question of personal choice and risk appetite. We would recommend speaking with a mortgage professional to assess any material risks that may pose a concern for you over the term of your mortgage.

How nesto works

At nesto, all of our commission-free mortgage experts hold concurrent professional designations from one or more provinces. Our clients will receive the best advice and care when they speak with specialists that exceed the industry status quo.  

Unlike the industry norm, our agents are not commissioned but salaried employees. This means you’ll get free, unbiased advice on the most suitable mortgage solution for your unique needs.  Our advisors are measured on the satisfaction and quality of advice they provide to their clients. 

nesto’s working hard to change how the mortgage industry functions. We start with honest and transparent advice, followed by our best rates upfront.  We can offer you these best rates by using technology by providing a virtual and 100% online process to reduce our overhead costs.  

By working remotely across Canada, all our mortgage experts and staff spend less time commuting to work and more time with their friends and family. This makes for more dedicated employees and contributes to our success with happy and satisfied clients.

nesto is on a mission to offer a positive, empowering and transparent property financing experience, simplified from start to finish.