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 sources

Your assumptions

Amount above or below the minimum

$14,000

Planning estimate — not financial advice.

Minimum down payment$51,000
20% down payment$152,000
Estimated insurance premium$27,800
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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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Helpful answers

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