# Down Payment Requirements and Loan-to-Value (LTV) Ratios: Renewal Hill Access

> CMHC insures mortgages with LTVs up to 95% for 1-2 unit properties, requiring a minimum equity of 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% of the remainder.

Category: Newcomers
Last verified: 2026-02-18
Source: https://ratellow.com/faqs/newcomers/down-payment-requirements-and-loan-to-value-ltv-ratios-renewal-hill-access

## Answer
CMHC insures mortgages with LTVs up to 95% for 1-2 unit properties, requiring a minimum equity of 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% of the remainder. Non-traditional down payments, such as unsecured personal loans, are ineligible for CMHC-insured loans with LTVs between 90.01% and 95%. The maximum purchase price/lending value or as-improved property value must be less than $1,500,000 if LTV > 80%.

## Related guide
- https://ratellow.com/guides/newcomer-canada-mortgage

## Sources
- Page 3 — https://assets.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/sf/project/cmhc/pdfs/factsheets/new/cmhc-quick-reference.pdf#page=3
- Page 2 — https://assets.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/sf/project/cmhc/pdfs/factsheets/new/cmhc-quick-reference.pdf#page=2
- I. Purpose and scope of the guideline — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/residential-mortgage-underwriting-practices-procedures-guideline-2017#1.0
- Canada Guaranty — https://www.canadaguaranty.ca/lenders/underwriting-guidelines/