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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 2026-02-18

What are the LTV ratio requirements for different types of mortgages?

LTV caps: 95% insured for owner-occupied up to $1.5M, 80% uninsured on primary residence, 80% on rentals, and typically 65% on raw land or construction draws.

Key Points

  • If your down payment is less than 20%, you'll need mortgage insurance.

  • With a down payment of 20% or more, you typically don't need mortgage insurance.

  • For higher-risk mortgages, you may need a larger down payment of at least 35%.

  • Higher-risk mortgages can include those where it's hard to prove your income, your credit score is low, or the property is difficult to sell.

  • Home equity lines of credit (HELOCs) can increase your overall debt, so lenders consider this carefully.

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

Read the deeper guide · Purchasing

2026 Canadian Construction Mortgage Guide: Progress Draws, Draw Inspections & Underwriting 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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The LTV ratio is critical for defining residential mortgages; FRFIs must align their LTV limits with the risk of each mortgage type [osfi-b20-baseline, LTV Ratio and Loan Type]. Residential mortgages with LTV ratios exceeding 80% require insurance, as mandated by the Bank Act, subsection 418(1); Trust and Loan Companies Act, subsection 418(1); Insurance Companies Act, subsection 469(1); and the Cooperative Credit Associations Act, subsection 382.1 (1).