# What are the key lending metrics I should be aware of?

> The metrics lenders care about at renewal are GDS (<39%), TDS (<44%), Beacon score (680+ for prime), and LTV — not your lump-sum payment history.

Category: Renewal
Last verified: 2026-04-14
Source: https://ratellow.com/faqs/renewal/what-are-the-key-lending-metrics-i-should-be-aware-of

## Answer
Understanding key lending metrics is essential for informed advice. Loan-to-value (LTV, the ratio of your loan amount to your home's value), debt service ratios (Gross Debt Service (GDS) and Total Debt Service (TDS)), and amortization periods are crucial in determining mortgage eligibility and affordability. While many lenders limit the non-amortizing Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) component of a residential mortgage to a maximum authorized LTV ratio of 65%, this is a lender-specific policy and not an explicit OSFI regulatory limit. Here's a breakdown of common metrics:

## Institutional highlights
- Lenders assess your loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which compares your mortgage amount to your home's appraised value.
- Be prepared to show your lender where your down payment came from.
- Lenders use Gross Debt Service (GDS) and Total Debt Service (TDS) ratios to determine how much of your income goes toward housing costs and total debt.
- There are limits to how much you can borrow with a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC), typically up to 65% LTV, but this can vary by lender.
- Amortization period affects your monthly payment and total interest paid over the life of the mortgage.

## Related guide
- https://ratellow.com/guides/renewal-lump-sum-max

## Sources
- OSFI exempts uninsured mortgage straight switches from the prescribed MQR and implements portfolio LTI limits — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/osfi-exempts-uninsured-mortgage-straight-switches-prescribed-mqr-implements-portfolio-lti-limits
- Disclosure requirements — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/residential-mortgage-underwriting-practices-procedures-guideline-2017#3.1
- 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