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For informational purposes only. Not financial, legal, or professional advice. Consult a licensed mortgage professional before making decisions. See full disclaimer

FAQ Library
Financing•Verified 2026-04-14

What is the minimum qualifying rate (MQR), and how does it impact my mortgage?

Key Points

  • Lenders will carefully calculate how much of your income goes towards debt to make sure you can handle different interest rates and situations.

  • Generally, you shouldn't spend more than 39% of your gross income on housing costs (GDS) or 44% on all debt (TDS).

Need a Deeper Breakdown?

Read the full research guide this FAQ was derived from for more context and strategy.

Technical Research Verification

Our systems synchronized 3 data points and regulatory frameworks to verify this technical brief.

Read the deeper guide · Financing

Borrowed Down Payments in Canada: 2026 Mortgage Rules, Caps & Qualification Tips

Related Questions

What's the difference between a co-signer and a guarantor?

A co-signer is on title and equally liable from day one; a guarantor stays off title and is only pursued after the primary borrower defaults.

How do lenders assess the creditworthiness of co-signers and guarantors?

Lenders thoroughly evaluate the financial stability of co-signers and guarantors to mitigate mortgage default risks.

What are the key debt service ratios and qualifying rates lenders use?

Debt service ratios (GDS/TDS) and qualifying rates are key to determining mortgage affordability.

Income Verification Standards: Renewal Hill Adherence

Self-employed borrowers have multiple paths to prove income:.

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The minimum qualifying rate (MQR) is the higher of your contract rate plus 2% or 5.25%. Lenders use this rate to ensure you can afford your mortgage payments if rates rise, by stress testing your finances before approval.

Mortgage Qualifying Rate Explanation

ParameterValueComment
Contract Rate4.29%Current 5-year fixed contract rate approx. 4.29%
Qualifying Rate6.25%Qualifying Rate = max(contract rate + 2%, 5.25%) = 6.25% for a 4.29% contract rate

Note: Qualifying rates ensure borrowers can manage potential rate increases and are used to calculate key ratios like Gross Debt Service (GDS) and Total Debt Service (TDS). The qualifying rate is calculated as the greater of your contract rate plus 2% or the OSFI-set minimum (currently 5.25%).

To qualify for a mortgage, you need to prove you can afford payments at your actual interest rate plus a 2% buffer, or at the OSFI-set minimum qualifying rate (currently 5.25%), whichever is higher.

OSFI sets the minimum qualifying rate (stress test floor) and updates it as needed; it is not a government annual review.