# Non-Conforming Mortgages and HELOCs: Enhanced Risk Mitigation

> OSFI does not mandate a maximum LTV of 65% for non-conforming residential mortgages; the Ground Truth does not specify a 65% LTV limit for non-conforming mortgages.

Category: Strategy
Last verified: 2026-04-14
Source: https://ratellow.com/faqs/strategy/non-conforming-mortgages-and-helocs-enhanced-risk-mitigation

## Answer
OSFI does not mandate a maximum LTV of 65% for non-conforming residential mortgages; no such LTV limit is specified in the Ground Truth. Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs), classified as non-amortizing credit secured by residential property, require diligent risk mitigation strategies.

## Related guide
- https://ratellow.com/guides/mortgage-insurance-life-disability

## Sources
- Mortgage insurance — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/residential-mortgage-underwriting-practices-procedures-guideline-2017#2.5.1
- Footnotes — https://www.osfi-bsif.gc.ca/en/guidance/guidance-library/capital-adequacy-requirements-car-guideline-2026
- Page 2 — https://assets.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/sf/project/cmhc/pdfs/factsheets/new/cmhc-quick-reference.pdf#page=2
- 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