Down Payment
How much will I need for my initial investment in my new home?
You'll need a combination of a down payment and closing costs.
Down payment
The money that you pay up front for a house is the down payment. These payments typically range from 5 to 25% of the total value of the home. The obvious source of money for your down payment is either your savings or the proceeds from the sale of a home you already own.
While it is possible to buy a home with as little as 5% down, the amount of your down payment will determine whether you will have a conventional mortgage or an insured, high-ratio mortgage.
What's the difference?
- Conventional mortgage: Your down payment is at least 20% of the purchase price.
- High-ratio mortgage: Your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price and must be insured by CMHC or GEMI. An insurance premium will apply.
Closing Costs
For high-ratio or insured mortgages, the mortgage provider requires the borrower to demonstrate his or her ability to cover closing costs in the amount of 1.5% of the value of the property. Closing costs can be as high as 3% of the value of the property being purchased and can vary widely depending on:
- The property being purchased
- Services required
- Taxes
- Applicable insurances
- Whether the home is new or old
- Closing dates affecting interest adjustments
- The balances of any prepaid expenses
