Canada & Ontario mortgage rule watch

What changed—and what does it mean for your mortgage?

See verified rules, programs and important dates without confusing a regulator’s role with an individual lender’s approval policy.

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Dedicated client journeyFirst-Time Home Buyer RulesQualification, down payment, FHSA/HBP, rebates, new construction, offers and closing.Open the first-home pathway →

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Income does not fit the standard box?

190 published items match this view. We prioritize the effective date, then the announcement or last-update date.

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In forceBuyer Protection

When does Ontario’s 10-day pre-construction condo cooling-off period begin?

The 10-calendar-day period generally begins only after the buyer has received the signed purchase agreement, disclosure statement and Ontario Condo Buyers’ Guide. Signing alone may not be the only date that matters.

Last updated
Sep 11, 2026
Applies to
Home Buyer · Pre Construction Buyer
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In forceLender Policy

Why does a lender question large deposits and transfers in the last 90 days?

Because the lender and mortgage professionals must understand whether the money is genuine business revenue, borrowed money, a transfer between owned accounts or funds from another person. A clean paper trail protects both the…

Last updated
Sep 11, 2026
Applies to
Business Owner · Self Employed
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In forceLender Policy

Can I take the down payment directly from my corporation?

Possibly, but moving corporate money into a personal home purchase can create tax, shareholder-loan, documentation and lender-source-of-funds issues. The withdrawal should be planned with an accountant before the offer becomes firm.

Last updated
Sep 11, 2026
Applies to
Business Owner · Self Employed
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In forceLender Policy

Does CMHC automatically increase self-employed income by 15%?

No. CMHC says income for a sole proprietorship or partnership may be grossed up by 15% or assessed through eligible add-backs. “May” is not an automatic increase, and it is not a rule for…

Last updated
Sep 11, 2026
Applies to
Business Owner · Self Employed
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In forceInvestor Tax And Ownership

How can CMHC treat rent on a non-owner-occupied two-to-four-unit property?

For an eligible insured two-to-four-unit non-owner-occupied property, CMHC describes gross-rent and net-rental-income approaches. The result depends on the method, expenses and the complete application—not rent alone.

Last updated
Sep 11, 2026
Applies to
Investor
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In forceInvestor Tax And Ownership

Can CMHC use up to 100% of suite rent on an owner-occupied two-unit home?

Potentially. Under CMHC’s insured-mortgage approach, up to 100% of gross rental income may be considered for an owner-occupied two-unit property, subject to the insurer’s and lender’s full requirements.

Last updated
Sep 11, 2026
Applies to
First Time Home Buyer · Home Buyer
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In forceInvestor Tax And Ownership

Do CMHC rental-income guidelines apply to every conventional or alternative mortgage?

No. CMHC rental-income methods apply when CMHC mortgage-insurance requirements are relevant. They are not a universal formula that every conventional A lender, alternative/B lender, MIC or private lender must use.

Last updated
Sep 11, 2026
Applies to
Home Buyer · Investor
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In forceInvestor Tax And Ownership

What happens for tax purposes when a principal residence becomes a rental?

Changing all or part of a home from personal use to income-producing use can create a deemed disposition at fair market value. Elections may be available in some cases, but they have conditions and…

Last updated
Sep 11, 2026
Applies to
Homeowner · Investor
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In forceDown Payment

Can I combine an FHSA and the Home Buyers’ Plan for the same home?

Yes. CRA permits an eligible buyer to make an FHSA qualifying withdrawal and an HBP withdrawal for the same qualifying home when all conditions for each program are met. The best mix depends on…

Last updated
Sep 11, 2026
Applies to
First Time Buyer
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In forceMortgage Discharge

Is switching mortgage lenders at renewal completely free?

Not always. A switch at maturity may avoid an early-payment penalty, but appraisal, legal, registration, assignment, discharge and setup costs can remain. Some lenders cover selected costs, subject to conditions.

Last updated
Sep 9, 2026
Applies to
Homeowner · Renewing Borrower
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In forceMortgage Discharge

What counts as an uninsured straight switch without OSFI’s minimum qualifying rate?

OSFI says federally regulated lenders are not expected to apply the minimum qualifying rate when an uninsured mortgage switches at renewal with no increase to the loan amount or amortization. The new lender still…

Last updated
Sep 9, 2026
Applies to
Homeowner · Renewing Borrower
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In forceConsumer Protection

Can a CRA lien against my home block a refinance or sale?

Yes. CRA can register a lien or charge against property to secure an unpaid tax debt and may seize or force a sale. A registered claim must be addressed in the title, payout and…

Last updated
Sep 9, 2026
Applies to
Borrower · Condo Owner
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In forceConsumer Protection

Does one missed mortgage payment mean an immediate power of sale in Ontario?

No, the home is not normally sold the day a payment is missed. But a missed payment can be a mortgage default, allowing the lender to start collection and eventually enforcement under the mortgage…

Last updated
Sep 9, 2026
Applies to
Borrower · Condo Owner
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In forceFamily Assisted Mortgage

Can parents use equity in their home to help with my down payment?

Parents may access a HELOC, refinance or second mortgage, but their payment, risk and retirement plan must be reviewed alongside the buyer’s mortgage.

Effective
Sep 8, 2026
Applies to
Families · First Time Buyers
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In forceFamily Assisted Mortgage

How and when can I remove a parent or co-signer from my mortgage?

A co-signer is not removed automatically; the remaining borrower must qualify and the lender and lawyer must approve the change.

Effective
Sep 8, 2026
Applies to
Families · First Time Buyers
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In forceFamily Assisted Mortgage

Will co-signing my child’s mortgage reduce my own borrowing power?

A co-signed mortgage can affect the parent’s debt-service calculation, credit exposure and plans to renew, refinance or buy another property.

Effective
Sep 8, 2026
Applies to
Families · First Time Buyers
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How to read this centre

Rules, insurer requirements and lender policies are different layers.

01

Government or regulator

Sets laws, program requirements or prudential boundaries. FSRA regulates; it does not write every lender’s underwriting policy.

02

Insurer or program

Applies only when the mortgage or client fits that insured product or program. It should not be generalized to every conventional deal.

03

Individual lender

Decides its own acceptable income, property, credit and exception policy inside the applicable rules.

Mortgage rule second opinion

A headline cannot tell you which lender route still works.

Share the change you are concerned about, your timing and the client problem. Rajiv can help separate the confirmed rule from assumptions and identify questions worth exploring across A, alternative/B, MIC or private lending where appropriate.

Review What This Rule Means for MeRajiv Verma, Mortgage BrokerOntario · No automatic approval or lender outcome is implied.