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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
Investor•Verified 2026-02-18

QUESTION: What down payment is required when using Rental Property?

Down payment requirements are a critical aspect of mortgage qualification, influenced by factors like (/glossary/loan-to-value) (LTV) ratio and the property's intended use.

Key Points

  • Your lender will want to confirm your down payment comes from your own savings.

  • If someone gifts you the down payment, you'll need a letter confirming it's truly a gift, not a loan.

  • Using borrowed money for your down payment can make it harder to get approved.

  • Your lender will carefully assess the property's value to determine your (/glossary/loan-to-value) ratio.

  • In hot markets, lenders might use more cautious estimates of your property's value.

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 · Investor

Rental Income Offset vs. Add-Back: How Canadian Lenders Qualify Rental Income in 2026

Related Questions

What are the critical mortgage underwriting principles for FRFIs?

Guideline B-20 underscores five key principles for robust residential mortgage underwriting, steering FRFIs toward judicious lending decisions and effective risk management.

How does B-20 affect Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs)?

The FRFI would limit the non-amortizing HELOC component to $325,000.

What documentation is necessary for a mortgage application?

Comprehensive loan documentation ensures transparency and accountability during mortgage approval.

QUESTION: How do lenders assess rental income?

Lenders meticulously verify rental income as a crucial component of a borrower's capacity to repay.

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Here's a table summarizing typical down payment scenarios. Note that these can change based on market conditions, so confirm before quoting to any client.

Property TypeLTV LimitMinimum EquitySource of Down Payment
1-2 UnitsUp to 95%5% of the first $500,000 + 10% of the remainder of the lending valueSavings, sale of property, non-repayable financial gift
3-4 UnitsUp to 90%10%Savings, sale of property, non-repayable financial gift
Rental Property (Non-Owner Occupied)Up to 80%20%Savings, sale of property, non-repayable financial gift

For instance, a first-time buyer purchasing a duplex and living in one unit can often qualify with a smaller down payment compared to purchasing a pure investment property. Owner-occupancy brings advantages!