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The size of a down payment can vary. Depending on the type of
mortgage, down payments generally range from 5% to 25% of the
purchase price.
To obtain a conventional mortgage, home buyers are required to
put down at least 25% of the purchase price or appraised value
(whichever is less) as a down payment. If you don't have the
necessary time or resources to save a full 25% down payment, you
can choose a high-ratio mortgage and buy a home with a down
payment of as little as 5%. This option is called a high-ratio
mortgage and it requires you to purchase default insurance.
Whether you choose a conventional or a high-ratio mortgage, one
thing is almost always certain: the larger your down payment,
the more you save in the long run. A larger down payment --
Reduces the amount of your monthly principal and interest
payment
Reduces the total amount of interest you pay over the life of
your mortgage
Ask about the RSP Home Buyers' Plan
The RSP Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) lets a first-time buyer withdraw
up to $20,000 from RSPs for a home purchase. The withdrawn
amount must be repaid within 15 years, subject to a minimum
annual repayment that is 1/15 of the amount withdrawn. If the
full $20,000 is withdrawn, the minimum annual repayment is
$1,333. If less than the minimum is repaid in any particular
year, the balance is added to the taxpayer's income.
Want more information? Check the
Canada Customs and Revenue
Agency Publication.
Insuring Your High-Ratio Mortgage
CMHC or GEMICO may insure a mortgage for up to 95% of the
lending value of the house. Therefore, purchasers only need a 5%
down payment. Eligible borrowers include anyone who buys a home
in Canada intending to occupy it as their principal residence.
Purchasers can use up to 32% of their gross family income for
payments of mortgage principal and interest, property taxes and
heating. A buyer's total debt load (including consumer loans,
etc.) cannot exceed 40% of the gross family income.
People who insure a mortgage loan with CMHC or GEMICO pay an
application fee and a premium. The application fee ($75 - $235)
covers the costs incurred by the insurer to review the
application. The premium is based on the down payment and loan
amount. Typical fees range from 1.00% to 3.25% of the principal
amount of your mortgage.
Cost:
Premiums range from 1.00% to 3.25% of the mortgage loan amount
and can be paid up front or added to the principal amount of the
mortgage.
Loan Amount:
Up to 95% of the lending value of the house.
Mortgage Term:
To be set by the lending institution.
Max. House Price:
Varies by market.
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