# What are the new OSFI portfolio limits and how do they affect me?

> OSFI's Guideline B-20 sets maximum loan-to-value ratios and amortization expectations that may limit your renewal options depending on your lender's portfolio composition.

Category: Renewal
Last verified: 2026-04-14
Source: https://ratellow.com/faqs/renewal/what-are-the-new-osfi-portfolio-limits-and-how-do-they-affect-me

## Answer
- Lenders must maintain average amortization periods below their stated maximums across their entire portfolio
- Maximum LTV ratios vary by loan type: conventional mortgages, non-conforming loans (80% max), and HELOCs (80% max, with 65% max on the revolving credit portion)
- Lenders must regularly review and update their LTV frameworks based on market conditions

**Your lender may be more restrictive on amortization extensions if their portfolio average is approaching limits. Non-conforming borrowers face stricter 80% LTV limits, and HELOCs are generally limited to 65% LTV on the credit line portion, but combined mortgage and HELOC LTV can be up to 80%.**

**Understand your current loan-to-value ratio and how it affects your renewal options. If you have a HELOC combined with your mortgage, be aware of the 65% LTV limit on the credit line portion, but the total combined mortgage and HELOC LTV can be up to 80%.**

## Institutional highlights
- **Portfolio Averaging Requirements** OSFI expects lenders' average amortization periods to be below their stated maximums
- **Non-Conforming Loan Limits** Non-conforming loans have max LTV of 80%, not 65%
- **HELOC LTV Restrictions** HELOC portion limited to 65% LTV, but total combined mortgage and HELOC LTV can be up to 80%
- **Dynamic LTV Frameworks** Lenders must regularly monitor and update their LTV limits based on market conditions and risk factors

## Related guide
- https://ratellow.com/guides/renewal-180-day-window

## Sources
- Mortgage Stress Test Rules — https://ratellow.com/guides/osfi-stress-test-explained
- Amortization — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/residential-mortgage-underwriting-practices-procedures-guideline-2017
- Debt service coverage — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/residential-mortgage-underwriting-practices-procedures-guideline-2017
- Debt service coverage — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/residential-mortgage-underwriting-practices-procedures-guideline-2017