2026 First-Time Home Buyer Rebates, Tax Credits & Incentives in Canada

Understand the critical legal and financial differences between a co-signer and a guarantor on a Canadian mortgage. This 2026 guide covers liability triggers, credit bureau impact, GDS/TDS ratio thresholds, stress test rules, and how each role affects your ability to qualify for future financing — essential reading for first-time buyers and anyone supporting a loved one's mortgage application.

Self-employed Canadians can absolutely qualify for a mortgage in 2026 — but the path looks different than it does for salaried borrowers. Federally Regulated Financial Institutions (FRFIs) must follow OSFI (Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions) Guideline B-20, which requires rigorous income verification using documents like the Notice of Assessment (NOA) and T1 General tax return. Traditional 'Stated Income' programs are not compliant under B-20. However, mortgage insurers like Sagen offer the Business for Self (Alt.A) Program, which provides alternative income verification pathways for self-employed applicants with complex income profiles. Strategies such as adding a guarantor or co-signor can further strengthen an application. This guide explains exactly what documentation you need, how lenders assess self-employed income, and how to maximize your approval odds in today's Canadian mortgage market.

Everything Canadian homebuyers need to know about down payment rules in 2026: acceptable sources, borrowed fund restrictions, the $1.5M insured mortgage cap, 30-year amortization eligibility for first-time buyers, stress test requirements, and how borrowed down payments affect your GDS and TDS ratios.