How to Handle a Low Appraisal in Canada: Proven Strategies for 2026 Buyers
A low property appraisal can derail your mortgage approval — but it doesn't have to.
TL;DR
You have the right to request a second appraisal or submit a formal rebuttal with stronger comparable sales; under OSFI Guideline B-20, federally regulated lenders must use a reasonable and defensible property valuation process.
If your lender won't reconsider, a mortgage broker can help you approach alternative lenders or monoline lenders who may apply different appraisal methodologies or accept a second independent appraisal.
Challenge inaccurate valuations with evidence: appraisers rely on comparable sales (comps), and if outdated or mismatched properties were used, you have the right to submit a rebuttal with stronger comps to your lender for reconsideration.
A realistic appraisal protects your long-term investment: overpaying relative to appraised value means your home equity starts lower than expected, which can limit your refinancing options and increase your financial exposure if property values soften.
Expert Research FAQ
What happens if my property is appraised lower than my offer price?
FRFIs base mortgage amounts on your ability to repay and the property's value as security. Thorough property assessments mitigate risks, so FRFIs have valuation policies to protect themselves.
Lenders use different ways to figure out your home's value, balancing risk and cost.
Figuring out value can include a home visit, a professional appraisal, or using computer programs.
Your lender should have a way to double-check if the home's value seems off.
The home's value should match what similar homes are selling for and how much the bank could get if they had to sell it.
Can I challenge a low appraisal?
FRFIs must have a framework to review and challenge valuation assumptions, so provide supporting documentation and comparable sales data.
Your lender should have a process to double-check the appraiser's work if the valuation seems off.
The appraiser your lender uses needs to be properly qualified to make sure they know what they're doing.
The appraisal needs to be done carefully and without influence from the lending decision.
How does a low appraisal affect my loan-to-value (LTV) ratio and down payment?
Your LTV ratio is your mortgage amount divided by the appraised property value. (LTV = mortgage amount ÷ appraised value × 100.) FRFIs adjust property value for LTV calculations and use conservative approaches in rapidly increasing markets.
Your lender looks at location, property type, and current market to determine your home's value for your mortgage.
If home prices are rising quickly in your area, your lender might use a more careful estimate of your home's value.
Your down payment needs to come from your own savings to ensure you can afford your mortgage.
How do reverse mortgages handle low property values?
FRFIs appraise the properties at regular intervals and monitor major urban centers for valuation trends.
To make sure your home's value is accurate, appraisals can't include guesses about future price increases.
Your lender should regularly check your home's value to make sure it reflects current market conditions.
Lenders must carefully review your mortgage application, including how long you plan to live there and potential changes to interest rates, to ensure you can afford your mortgage.
Primary sources
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