Ontario Mortgage Decision Centre
Choose the concern closest to yours. The useful answer may depend on the documents, property, timing and lender policy—not simply whether one lender said yes or no.
Find the answer from your problem
Separate the real lender concern from assumptions.
Income · credit · debt ratios · property · down paymentShow me where to start →02Show how the business earns before choosing a lender route.
A lending · bank statements · financials · T1 approachShow me where to start →03Understand the bureau, timing and cause—not only the score.
Equifax · TransUnion · utilization · collections · recoveryShow me where to start →04Compare the complete decision before signing early.
Rate · payment · penalty · switching cost · flexibilityShow me where to start →05Match the purpose, cost and exit plan to the right structure.
Debt consolidation · renovations · investment · CRA debtShow me where to start →06Test the rental calculation and portfolio effect by lender route.
Subject rent · existing rentals · cash flow · reservesShow me where to start →07Work backward from the deadline and available equity.
Appraisal · funds to close · job change · urgent alternativesShow me where to start →How the answer is built
Buying, selling or investing?
Property type, legal use, insurance, appraisal, taxes, condo information and closing dates can change the mortgage answer. Connect both sides before the transaction becomes difficult to reverse.
Need a focused review?
Tell Rajiv what you are trying to accomplish and what the lender has already said. He can help identify the questions and responsible options worth exploring next.
Published mortgage guidance
Use the guided situations above or search every published answer, concept and strategy.
Rule
Not safely as a general rule. Ontario does not automatically exempt a family transfer or a “$1 transfer.” If the child assumes any mortgage or other liability, land transfer tax can apply to that consideration, and the existing lender may also need to approve the ownership change.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
Read the practical answer →Rule
It depends on who owns and sells it. CRA says a sale by the estate after death is generally reported on the estate’s T3 return; a later sale by a beneficiary is reported on that beneficiary’s T1 return.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
Read the practical answer →Rule
No. Mortgage balance does not determine income tax. CRA generally treats capital property as disposed of at fair market value immediately before death, although a principal-residence exemption or qualifying spouse rollover may reduce or defer the gain.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
Read the practical answer →Rule
Usually not until authority, ownership and the lender’s requirements are clear. A will names an executor, but an estate certificate may still be needed to prove authority to deal with land or obtain financing.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
Read the practical answer →Rule
The tax is based on the value of the estate for which an estate certificate is requested. Ontario allows an encumbrance such as a mortgage or lien to be deducted from Ontario real-property value, but ordinary unsecured debts are not simply netted against all estate assets.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
Read the practical answer →Rule
No. Ownership registration and the promise to repay are separate. A title transfer does not automatically release a borrower from the mortgage; the lender must approve a covenant release, replacement financing or discharge.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
Read the practical answer →Rule
Not automatically. Moving out does not by itself change registered title, release a borrower from the mortgage or settle the married spouses’ matrimonial-home rights. Written agreements, lender approval and registered documents may all be needed.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
Read the practical answer →Rule
Generally, no—not simply because only one spouse is on title. Ontario’s Family Law Act restricts a spouse from disposing of or encumbering an interest in a matrimonial home unless the other spouse joins, consents, has released the rights, or a court order authorizes it.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
Read the practical answer →Rule
No. CRA’s rollover rules may defer a capital gain on certain transfers to a spouse or common-law partner, but they do not approve the mortgage, release a borrower or settle Ontario land transfer tax.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
Read the practical answer →Rule
No. Ontario provides specific exemptions for qualifying transfers between spouses or former spouses, but marriage by itself does not make every transfer tax-free. The consideration and the legal reason for the transfer still matter.
Reviewed by Rajiv Verma, Mortgage Broker · Sep 7, 2026
Read the practical answer →