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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

What equity sources are acceptable for a down payment?

Acceptable equity sources are fundamental for mortgage loan insurance approval.

Key Points

  • Your lender needs to confirm where your down payment money is coming from to make sure it's really yours.

  • If someone gifts you money for your down payment, you'll need a letter stating you don't have to pay it back.

  • Using borrowed money for your down payment can make getting approved harder, so your lender will look closely at this.

  • Government programs that give you cash back can be used as part of your down payment.

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 Canada Closing Costs Guide: What Homebuyers Actually Pay at the Table

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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Down payments can originate from savings, property sales, or non-repayable gifts from relatives. Unsecured personal loans are generally not acceptable as down payment sources for insured mortgages; CMHC guidelines do not explicitly allow unsecured personal loans as acceptable down payment sources regardless of LTV. Consider the CMHC Purchase program, which supports those with minimum down payments from flexible sources.