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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 happens if my property is appraised lower than my offer price?

The lender will base your mortgage amount on the appraised value, so you'll need to cover the difference.

FRFIs base mortgage amounts on your ability to repay and the property's value as security. Thorough property assessments mitigate risks, so FRFIs have valuation policies to protect themselves.

Key Points

  • Lenders use different ways to figure out your home's value, balancing risk and cost.

  • Figuring out value can include a home visit, a professional appraisal, or using computer programs.

  • Your lender should have a way to double-check if the home's value seems off.

  • The home's value should match what similar homes are selling for and how much the bank could get if they had to sell it.

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 · Purchasing

How to Handle a Low Appraisal in Canada: Proven Strategies for 2026 Buyers

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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