CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation)
Canada's federal housing agency and one of three mortgage insurance providers, backing insured mortgages and publishing housing market data.
The Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) is a federal Crown corporation that provides mortgage default insurance, publishes housing market data, administers the National Housing Strategy, and serves as a policy advisor to government on housing matters. CMHC is one of three mortgage insurers in Canada — the other two are Sagen (formerly Genworth) and Canada Guaranty. Mortgage insurance is mandatory on any mortgage with less than 20% down payment; the premium ranges from 2.8% to 4.0% of the loan depending on the down payment percentage and can be amortized into the mortgage balance.
Related Terms
Related Guides
- 2026 Canadian Mortgage Refinance Guide: Break-Even Calculator, OSFI B-20 Rules & CMHC Limits
- 2026 Canadian Mortgage Rules: December 2024 Reforms, Straight Switch Exemption & CMHC Updates Explained
- CMHC-Insured Mortgage Rate Advantages in Canada (2026): Lower Rates, Smaller Down Payments
- BRRRR Mortgage Rules Canada 2026: OSFI B-20, CMHC & Refinance Strategy for Investors
Related FAQs
- How do CMHC insurance rules affect my 2026 renewal?
- How do CMHC-insured mortgages benefit you with smaller down payments?
- What are the loan and property value limits for CMHC-insured mortgages?
- What creditworthiness and debt service requirements are required for CMHC-insured mortgages?
- What CMHC programs can benefit you, and how do they work?