Foreign banks cannot lend mortgages in Canada, so you must use a Canadian mortgage broker. Non-residents can expect mortgages to cover 65% of their purchase. Residents receive 75% on average, although this can go up to 80%.
Mortgages can have interest rates of around 6% for long-term loans. Most home owners reimburse their mortgages within 15-25 years via monthly installment payments.
If your down-payment for the property is less than 25%, you must take out a mortgage insurance through your lender.
First-time home buyers
First-time home buyers who have residency status receive extra benefits. Depending on the bank, their mortgage can cover 90-95% of the property.
The government also provides incentives: $25,000 can be withdrawn from the Registered Retirement Savings Plan towards the cost of a building or a home. If you have a spouse, you can obtain $50,000. This money is interest-free for the first 15 years. If not reimbursed in full during this period, the remainder will be taxed and treated like a loan.
Documents needed for a mortgage application
The following documents are required by most entities for a mortgage evaluation:
- Proof of income: letter of employment including your position, how many years you have been with the company and your pay; all other assets (stocks, etc.)
- Proof of liabilities: loans, debts, car payments, etc.
- Social Insurance Number
- Account number
- Information about the house you want to buy
- Your lawyer's contact details (to prepare the mortgage documents)
Mortgage approval normally takes one to two days after reception of all necessary documents.