Financing.

Most Canadian mortgages allow 15-20% annual prepayment and a payment-amount increase of up to 15-20%. Using both saves the average borrower $80k+ over a 25-year amortization.

Switching lenders at renewal no longer triggers the stress test (since Nov 2024). Here's the 3-month renewal checklist that consistently saves Ontario borrowers $5k-$15k.

HELOC at prime + 0.5% is cheaper than most second mortgages and revolves like a credit line. But second mortgages still beat HELOCs in three specific scenarios.

Min 20% down (most lenders 25-35%). Rate premium of 25-75 bps over owner-occupied. Rental income shaved to 50-80% for qualification. Here's the full underwrite picture.

Private lenders price at 8-13% with 1-3% fees. Used appropriately, they bridge real liquidity gaps. Used inappropriately, they cost borrowers $40k+ on a 12-month bridge.

Federally regulated lenders must qualify uninsured mortgages at the greater of the contract rate + 2% or 5.25%. Here's what that means for your purchasing power in 2026.