Mortgage & home
Is my down payment enough?
Check the minimum down payment and what reaching 20% could change.
✓ 2026 rules · Last verified August 2026 · Based on official Canadian sourcesAmount above or below the minimum
Planning estimate — not financial advice.
Understand the result
What this estimate means
Check the minimum down payment and what reaching 20% could change.
Insured mortgage: A mortgage with less than 20% down usually requires default insurance that protects the lender.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum down payment for a house in Canada?
The minimum depends on the purchase price and the mortgage rules in effect. For eligible insured purchases, the calculation uses graduated minimum percentages, while homes outside insured-mortgage limits generally require at least 20% down.
How much down payment do I need to avoid CMHC insurance?
A down payment of at least 20% generally allows the mortgage to be treated as conventional and avoids mortgage default insurance. Other lender and qualification rules still apply.
How much is a 5% down payment on a house?
Multiply the applicable portion of the purchase price by 5%. For homes above the first minimum-down-payment tier, additional portions can require a higher percentage, so the calculator applies the Canadian graduated formula where relevant.
Can first-time home buyers buy with less than 20% down in Canada?
Yes, eligible first-time buyers can purchase many homes with less than 20% down if they meet insured-mortgage requirements. Mortgage default insurance will generally apply.
Does a bigger down payment lower my mortgage payment?
Yes. A larger down payment reduces the amount financed, which normally lowers the mortgage payment and total interest. It may also reduce or eliminate mortgage default insurance.
Official sources and rule record+
Methodology & official sources
How this estimate works
Applies Canada’s tiered minimum down-payment rule and the active insured-mortgage premium schedule.
Eligibility, source-of-funds and property rules still apply.
ca.portfolio.2026.v1 · Effective 2026-01-01 · 2026 rules · Last verified August 2026 · Based on official Canadian sources
