BRRRR Mortgage Rules Canada 2026: OSFI B-20, CMHC & Refinance Strategy for Investors

Discover how Canadian lenders use two distinct methods — the offset method and the add-back method — to assess rental income when qualifying you for a mortgage in 2026. This guide breaks down qualification rules, income percentages, and key differences for investors, first-time buyers, and homeowners with secondary suites.

Thinking about buying a duplex or triplex in Canada? This guide covers everything you need to qualify in 2026 — including minimum down payments (as low as 5% for owner-occupied properties), how lenders treat rental income offsets (typically 50–80% of gross rents), CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation) mortgage insurance eligibility for multi-unit properties, and the new 30-year amortization rules for insured mortgages. Whether you're a first-time buyer house-hacking a duplex or an investor scaling a small portfolio, get the numbers and rules you need to move forward with confidence.

Navigate Canada's 2026 investment property mortgage landscape with confidence. This guide covers the essential rules every investor must know: minimum 20% down payment requirements, CMHC mortgage default insurance ineligibility, OSFI (Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions) B-20 stress test obligations, loan-to-value (LTV) limits, how lenders calculate rental income offsets, and amortization strategies to maximize long-term cash flow.