Buying a Home
Step-by-step guides for buying in the GTA: pre-approval, showings, offers, conditions, closing, and the programs that save first-time buyers thousands.
December 15, 2025 · The Couple Estates
30-Year Amortization for First-Time Home Buyers: A One-Year Retrospective on Canada's 2024 Mortgage Rule Changes
One year since the December 15, 2024 CMHC rule changes introduced 30-year insured amortizations for first-time buyers and a $1.5M insurable price cap. Here's who qualifies, what it saves, and the traps buyers keep missing.
November 21, 2025 · The Couple Estates
The Canadian Mortgage Stress Test in 2026: When It Applies, When OSFI Waives It, and How to Pass
A complete 2026 guide to Canada's mortgage stress test — the minimum qualifying rate, OSFI's November 2024 waiver for uninsured straight-switch renewals, loan-to-income caps, and how to qualify in today's 4%+ rate environment.
November 6, 2025 · The Couple Estates
Ontario Matches the Federal HST Rebate: First-Time Home Buyers Can Now Save Up to $130,000 on a New Build
Ontario's 2025 Fall Economic Statement adds an 8% provincial HST rebate on new homes for first-time buyers, stacking with the federal GST rebate for a combined saving of up to $130,000. Full eligibility, dates, and math explained.
Buying a Home — frequently asked questions
Most insured mortgages require a minimum 680 score from at least one applicant. Conventional lenders typically want 660+, but the best-tier rates start at 720+. Below 600 you may need a B-lender or alternative lender, which carries a 1–3% rate premium.
5% on the first $500,000 and 10% on the portion from $500K to $1.5M for insured mortgages. A $900,000 home needs $65,000 down ($25K + $40K). Homes over $1.5M require 20% minimum.
Pre-qualified is an estimate based on what you tell the lender. Pre-approval is a formal review of your income, credit, and debts that locks a rate for 90–120 days. Sellers in the GTA expect a pre-approval letter before they take an offer seriously.
From offer accepted to keys: usually 30–60 days. Pre-approval to closing including search time: typically 60–120 days. Pre-construction is its own timeline — interim occupancy can be 6–24 months after firm.