The Best 1 Year Variable Closed Mortgage Rates
Ideal rates for fast moving consumers taking advantage of a hot market.
The Best Canadian Mortgage Rates in Ontario
Compare Rates from 30+ Canadian Mortgage Brokers & Lenders
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To get started, tell us a bit about your location and borrowing needs - and we'll do the rest! Your personalized results will include the best rates from lenders and mortgage brokers, right in your region. Simply pick a product you like, and we'll put you in touch for more info by email, website or phone - no obligation or purchase required.
Minimize the Risk of Variable Rates
Fixed rates stay the same for the duration of the mortgage, whereas variable rates are subject to market pressure and can fluctuate. For that reason many mortgage shoppers avoid variable rates, even when they are lower than fixed rates. That's less of a problem for people looking for a shorter term. Even if the rate does rise, you're not locked into a mortgage for long.
What's the Difference Between a Bank and Broker?
When shopping for a mortgage most Canadians head to their bank. However banks can only offer their own posted rates. Mortgage brokers are professionals who offer a variety of rates from banks, credit unions and specialty lenders to make sure you get the lowest rate possible.
The Shorter the Term, the Faster You Move
Don't forget, once your mortgage term is over you'll be pressured to auto-renew, often at a higher rate than you intended. Sign up for our mortgage renewal reminder so you'll be ahead of the curve, or subscribe to Rate Alert so you'll be able to keep tabs on the latest rates.
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Your Top Mortgage Questions Answered
Whether you’re a First Time Home Buyer or buying your second, third or fourth home, it pays to compare mortgage rates with Ratesupermarket.ca.
What can I afford?
Before you start looking for a dream home, it’s a good idea to figure out how much you can afford, which is why we recommend using the RateSupermarket.ca Affordability Calculator.
Once you know how much you can afford, you’ll know how much of a down payment you’ll need. Saving for a down payment is an important part of the home buying process. Furthermore, the size of your down payment can impact how much of a mortgage you qualify for. In Canada, the minimum down payment is 5% on the first $500,000 of the home price, and 10% on any portion exceeding $500,000, up to $1 million. A home priced above $1 million requires a minimum of 20% down.
One caveat that buyers need to be aware of is when they put down less than 20% of the cost of their home, they have to buy mortgage default insurance. If you’re able to put more than 20% of the home purchase down, you will qualify for a conventional mortgage product from your lender. If not, expect to pay an additional premium from 0.50 – 2.75% of the mortgage value, depending on your Loan to Value ratio (LTV) and amortization period.
Part of affordability that doesn’t automatically come to mind when you start looking for a home is the additional costs that come after your offer has been accepted. From closing costs and property taxes to life costs, it can really add up!
Should I work with a bank or a mortgage broker?
Prospective home buyers can turn to their bank or a mortgage broker for their mortgage needs, but many people are not sure what would be best for their needs.
By going to the bank, home buyers are going directly to a lender and behind the wheel when it comes to negotiations. If you decide to work with your bank, you are able to consolidate all your services with a provider you’ve worked with and trust, plus you may be eligible for discounts.
A broker on the other hand, provides home buyers the advantage of having access to a number of rates offered by multiple lenders, and they do the legwork and negotiating for you to get the best available rate and terms.
Brokers don’t always offer the same rates or products as the banks, which is why we provide comprehensive mortgage rate market comparison in Canada, comparing different brokers as well as banks, credit unions, and other lenders for you.
Should I choose a Fixed or Variable Rate Mortgage?
While you’re shopping for your dream home, you’ll have to consider if you want a fixed or variable rate mortgage.
A fixed mortgage rate enables you to “lock in” a predetermined rate for a term (set period of time). The most popular term is 5 years, though you can get one that can last anywhere from 6 months to 25 years.
The Pros of a Fixed Mortgage Rate:
- Security and comfort knowing what your principal and interest will be during the duration of your chosen term
- Financial planning and budgeting is easier
- Lower risk tolerance; a variable mortgage rate can be more volatile
The Cons of a Fixed Mortgage Rate:
- Pay more for securing and locking in a rate
- Pay more for breaking a contract Could cost more over long term
A variable mortgage rate is based on the mortgage lender’s prime rate. Prime is determined by current economic conditions, and is the benchmark interest rate used by major banks when pricing for short term loans. Since prime can increase or decrease on a monthly basis, a variable mortgage rate would increase or decrease with it as well.
The Pros of a Variable Mortgage Rate:
- Lower monthly payments as long as prime doesn’t increase rate above fixed mortgage rate
- Pay three months’ interest for breaking a contract
The Cons of a Variable Mortgage Rate:
- Less financial security as prime can increase, increasing your monthly interest
- Financial planning and budgeting is harder
What can I afford?
Before you start looking for a dream home, it’s a good idea to figure out how much you can afford, which is why we recommend using the RateSupermarket.ca Affordability Calculator.
Once you know how much you can afford, you’ll know how much of a down payment you’ll need. Saving for a down payment is an important part of the home buying process. Furthermore, the size of your down payment can impact how much of a mortgage you qualify for. In Canada, the minimum down payment is 5% on the first $500,000 of the home price, and 10% on any portion exceeding $500,000, up to $1 million. A home priced above $1 million requires a minimum of 20% down.
One caveat that buyers need to be aware of is when they put down less than 20% of the cost of their home, they have to buy mortgage default insurance. If you’re able to put more than 20% of the home purchase down, you will qualify for a conventional mortgage product from your lender. If not, expect to pay an additional premium from 0.50 – 2.75% of the mortgage value, depending on your Loan to Value ratio (LTV) and amortization period.
Part of affordability that doesn’t automatically come to mind when you start looking for a home is the additional costs that come after your offer has been accepted. From closing costs and property taxes to life costs, it can really add up!
Should I work with a bank or a mortgage broker?
Prospective home buyers can turn to their bank or a mortgage broker for their mortgage needs, but many people are not sure what would be best for their needs.
By going to the bank, home buyers are going directly to a lender and behind the wheel when it comes to negotiations. If you decide to work with your bank, you are able to consolidate all your services with a provider you’ve worked with and trust, plus you may be eligible for discounts.
A broker on the other hand, provides home buyers the advantage of having access to a number of rates offered by multiple lenders, and they do the legwork and negotiating for you to get the best available rate and terms.
Brokers don’t always offer the same rates or products as the banks, which is why we provide comprehensive mortgage rate market comparison in Canada, comparing different brokers as well as banks, credit unions, and other lenders for you.
Should I choose a Fixed or Variable Rate Mortgage?
While you’re shopping for your dream home, you’ll have to consider if you want a fixed or variable rate mortgage.
A fixed mortgage rate enables you to “lock in” a predetermined rate for a term (set period of time). The most popular term is 5 years, though you can get one that can last anywhere from 6 months to 25 years.
The Pros of a Fixed Mortgage Rate:
- Security and comfort knowing what your principal and interest will be during the duration of your chosen term
- Financial planning and budgeting is easier
- Lower risk tolerance; a variable mortgage rate can be more volatile
The Cons of a Fixed Mortgage Rate:
- Pay more for securing and locking in a rate
- Pay more for breaking a contract Could cost more over long term
A variable mortgage rate is based on the mortgage lender’s prime rate. Prime is determined by current economic conditions, and is the benchmark interest rate used by major banks when pricing for short term loans. Since prime can increase or decrease on a monthly basis, a variable mortgage rate would increase or decrease with it as well.
The Pros of a Variable Mortgage Rate:
- Lower monthly payments as long as prime doesn’t increase rate above fixed mortgage rate
- Pay three months’ interest for breaking a contract
The Cons of a Variable Mortgage Rate:
- Less financial security as prime can increase, increasing your monthly interest
- Financial planning and budgeting is harder
What is the difference between a mortgage term and an amortization period?
Amortization period refers to the entire length of your mortgage, whether it’s a short or long term mortgage. Most mortgages are negotiated over a 25 year amortization period.
During those 25 years, there will be a series of negotiated terms for a set number of years. The most common mortgage term length is five years, which means you pay the principal and interest at an agreed rate for five years, then negotiate another five-year term.
Does my credit score have an effect on getting preapproved for a mortgage?
Is your credit score mortgage ready? Your credit score is important because it’s the deciding factor on if you get preapproved and how much you get preapproved for. Lenders want to know that you will repay your debt, so they consider the following factors: payment history, outstanding debt, credit history age, applying for new credit too often and the type of debt you are looking for (long term debt vs. short term debt).
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MoneyWise is the official news magazine of RateSupermarket.ca. Looking to learn about Canadian finances? You've come to the right place.
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