Getting your down payment ready

Buying a house? If you don’t buy property regularly—and most people don’t—you may need a refresher on the rules for mortgages and down payment sources. Not only will you need to prove that you can afford the mortgage, you’ll need to show your lender where you’re getting the money for your down payment.

DOWN PAYMENTS IN CANADA: HOW MUCH TO PUT DOWN?

The following table shows the minimum down payment rules for insured mortgages in Canada. if your down payment is less than 20% of the purchase price, you’ll need to purchase mortgage default insurance. This is another cost to factor into your budget.

Purchase price for homeMinimum down payment required
$500,000 or less5% of the purchase price
Over $500,000 and under $1 million5% on the first $500,000 of the purchase price10% on the amount over $500,000
$1 million or more20% of the purchase price

Depending on the type of mortgage you are applying for, your lender could ask you for a down payment of 20% or more as a condition of the mortgage.

DOWN PAYMENT SOURCES: 4 THINGS TO PROVIDE THE LENDER

You need to know what your down payment options are because this will help you decide whether to buy now, save more money, or find another source of funds for the down payment.

There are several ways to secure the funds you need. The lender will typically require that the first 5 to 10% of the down payment come from your own resources. Except for borrowing money, all of the options below are considered to be your own resources.

Here’s what you’ll need to provide to show your lender you have the down payment:

1. You have the money in your account

If you have the money in your account (or will soon), you may be asked to show the source of income to prove that it is not a loan that you are required to repay. Depending on where the money comes from, you may be asked to provide:

  • Three or more months of bank statements.
  • Investment statements
  • Notice of Assessment (to show an income tax refund)
  • The purchase agreement from your previous home, if you’re using the money from the sale for your down payment.
  • Transaction documents showing the sale of an asset, such as other property or investments.
  • Transaction documents showing you’ve taken equity from another secured property you own.
2. You’re taking advantage of the Home Buyers’ Plan

If you meet the criteria to participate in the Government of Canada’s Home Buyers’ Plan, you can withdraw up to $35,000 from your Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) ($70,000 for a couple) for your down payment. Keep in mind that you must repay this amount within 15 years, so be sure you factor this into your budget. Provide your lender with the approval documents from Revenue Canada as proof of where your funds came from.

3. You’re receiving the money as a gift

An immediate family member can give you the money for a down payment. An immediate family member can be a parent, child, brother, sister, grandparent or guardian. Non immediate family members can also gift the money to you. To prove the money is a gift, and not a loan, they will need to provide a gift letter that includes the following information:

  • The giftor’s personal information (name, address, phone number)
  • The giftor’s relationship to you
  • The dollar amount of the gift
  • The date they gave you the money (to be verified in your bank statements)
  • A declaration that the money is a gift and does not need to be repaid

Your lender or mortgage broker may also have a standard form that the giftor can complete instead of providing a letter.

4. You’re borrowing some of the money

Property is expensive, and there are many reasons why you may not have the full amount of your down payment saved when you see a property you wish to buy. There are some circumstances in which you may be able to use borrowed funds, such as a credit card, line of credit or other loan to get the balance of your down payment. Please keep in mind that any credit must be calculated as part of your debt servicing ratio and may lower the amount you are eligible to borrow for a mortgage.

GETTING YOUR DOWN PAYMENT READY

As you get ready to close on your new house, there will be documents to sign and other conditions to be met. Some of these conditions will be time-sensitive, so you don’t want a delay caused by missing paperwork. Having your down payment ready to go is one less thing for you to worry about—ideally 90 days before you need it.

You’ll also want your down payment amount confirmed before you discuss mortgage insurance. The amount will influence whether you even need mortgage insurance; it’s not required with a 20% down payment.

Talk to me about the source of your down payment. I can advise you on any rules you must follow and documents you must collect.


At Lang Financial, we service customers across Canada. Primarily, we offer Financial Advice in Southern Manitoba and Northwestern Ontario areas.

I work with Castle Insurance Group Inc.