Mortgage

    Can an AI help me understand my mortgage borrowing options in Canada?

    Last updated: April 21, 2026
    Reviewed against Bank of Canada, Equifax & FCAC sources

    What the AI evaluates for mortgages

    • Maximum mortgage amount stress-tested at qualifying rate (5.25% or contract + 2%)
    • GDS ratio (housing costs ÷ income — must be under 39%)
    • TDS ratio (all debts ÷ income — must be under 44%)
    • Down payment requirements (5% on first $500K, 10% on $500K–$1M, 20% above)
    • CMHC insurance requirement (mandatory if down payment under 20%)

    Lender categories the AI matches you against

    Lender TypeBest ForTypical 2026 5-Year Fixed
    Big 5 BanksStrong credit, salaried, banking relationship4.79%–5.99%
    Monoline lenders (MCAP, First National, RFA)Best rates for prime borrowers4.49%–5.49%
    Credit unionsProvincial flexibility, member benefits4.69%–5.79%
    B-lenders (Equitable, Home Trust)Self-employed, lower credit5.99%–7.99%
    Private lendersFast close, complex situations7.99%–12.99%

    Two-strategy output

    The AI shows you both:

    • Strategy A — Best Rate: lowest cost of capital lender match
    • Strategy B — Best Approval: highest probability of getting funded

    Why AI estimates beat generic comparison sites

    • No credit check required — uses self-reported credit ranges + lender pattern matching
    • Personalized to your province (different lender pools by province)
    • Includes stress test automatically (most calculators don't)
    • Surfaces non-bank options that generic sites ignore
    • Free + no email required to see results

    Pair with the Affordability Calculator to model your full payment scenario.

    Sources

    Related resources

    Got your answer? Now see what you qualify for.

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