Mortgage Insurance

Explore mortgage insurance in Canadian real estate — how it works, who it protects, and what homebuyers need to know when putting less than 20% down.

Mortgage Insurance

May 22, 2025


What is Mortgage Insurance?

Mortgage insurance protects the lender—not the borrower—in case the borrower defaults on a high-ratio mortgage with a down payment under 20%.

Why Mortgage Broker Fees Matter in Real Estate

In Canada, mortgage insurance is mandatory for insured mortgages. It is typically provided through the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Sagen, or Canada Guaranty.

Key characteristics include:
  • Required for down payments between 5% and 19.99%
  • Premiums are based on the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio
  • Cost is often added to the mortgage principal

Although it protects the lender, it enables buyers to enter the housing market with less capital. Premiums are non-refundable and do not reduce mortgage interest.

Understanding mortgage insurance helps buyers plan for total costs and choose between insured and conventional mortgages.

Example of Mortgage Insurance in Action

A buyer with a 10% down payment pays a 3.1% CMHC insurance premium, which is added to their mortgage balance.

Key Takeaways

  • Required for down payments under 20%.
  • Protects lenders, not borrowers.
  • Premium varies with LTV ratio.
  • Enables lower entry costs for buyers.
  • Offered through approved insurers.

Related Terms

Additional Terms

Construction Loan

A construction loan is a short-term, interim financing option used to fund the building or major renovation of a property, with funds disbursed in. more

Certificate of Occupancy

A certificate of occupancy is an official document issued by a municipal authority confirming that a building complies with applicable codes and is. more

Bylaw Variance

A bylaw variance is official permission granted by a municipal authority allowing a property owner to deviate from local zoning or building bylaw. more

Absorption Rate

Absorption rate is a metric that measures the rate at which available properties are sold or leased in a specific market over a given period.. more

Corporate Restructuring

Corporate restructuring refers to the reorganization of a company’s operations, assets, or liabilities, often under court supervision, to improve. more

Consumer Proposal

A consumer proposal is a formal, legally binding agreement in Canada between an individual and their creditors to repay a portion of their debt over. more

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