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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
Purchasing•Verified 2026-04-14

How does the 'Accessible Year-Round' rule impact the rate?

Key Points

  • Type A properties (year-round access) may qualify for minimum down payment rules: 5% on first $500,000, 10% on portion up to $1,500,000.

  • Type B properties (seasonal/boat access) require at least 20% down and often have higher rates.

  • Lenders may add a rate premium (0.5% to 2%) for properties without year-round access.

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 1 data points and regulatory frameworks to verify this technical brief.

Read the deeper guide · Purchasing

How to Finance a Vacation or Secondary Property in Canada (2026 Rules)

Related Questions

How does mortgage insurance enable lower down payments?

Mortgage insurance lowers the risk for lenders, allowing them to offer mortgages to borrowers with down payments between 5% and 20%.

How will lenders evaluate my debt service ratios, and what key factors are considered?

Lenders assess your ability to repay the mortgage by calculating your Gross Debt Service (GDS) and Total Debt Service (TDS) ratios.

What property considerations impact my mortgage application?

Lenders carefully assess the property's value and characteristics, directly influencing the loan amount you can secure.

How does the 'straight switch' exemption benefit you at renewal?

The 'straight switch' exemption lets uninsured mortgage borrowers move their mortgage to a new federally regulated lender (FRFI) at renewal without needing to pass the Minimum Qualifying Rate (MQR) .

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Properties without year-round road access (such as those only accessible by boat or seasonal roads) are considered higher risk by lenders. This typically means you'll need a larger down payment and may face higher mortgage rates compared to properties with full year-round access.

AttributeType AType B
AccessYear-round RoadSeasonal/Boat
WaterPermanentSeasonal/Lake
Min Down5% (on first $500,000) or 10% ($500,001-$1,500,000)20% minimum (seasonal/boat access)
Rate~4.45% (current prime)Prime + 0.5% to 2% (approximate, varies by lender and risk)