Find the best mortgage rate in Nova Scotia
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Current Nova Scotia mortgage rates
The rate table shows 5-year fixed mortgage rates in Nova Scotia. To compare other rate types and terms, click on the filters icon beside the down payment percentage.
As of:
Nova Scotia mortgage rates: FAQ
How much can I save by comparing mortgage rates in Nova Scotia?
When you're trying to get a mortgage in Nova Scotia, one of the best things you can do is to compare mortgage rates from multiple lenders. This ensures you don't miss out on the best deal. Comparing mortgages from multiple providers can help you find a lower mortgage rate, which can save you thousands of dollars over the course of your mortgage.
Let's look at an example. For a $500,000 mortgage with a 20-year amortization period, a 3.50% rate will see you pay $79,028 in interest over your first 5-year term. With a 3.25% rate, you'll pay just $73,250, a savings of $5,778.
Why compare Nova Scotia mortgage rates on Ratehub.ca?
The process of comparing mortgage rates, terms, and conditions between multiple providers can be a confusing one. However, it's one of the most important steps you should take to get the right mortgage for you. With Ratehub.ca, you can compare rates from the big banks, top mortgage brokers, credit unions and smaller lenders around the country, all in one place. All this, at no cost to you.
What’s the difference between fixed and variable mortgage rates?
A fixed-rate mortgage sets your rate in stone for your entire term, which can be from 1 to 10 years. This gives you steady monthly payments for the length of your term.
A variable-rate mortgage, on the other hand, changes alongside the prime rate of your lender. That means when the prime rate goes up or down, your personal rate will also increase or decrease. Historically, variable rates have averaged out to be lower than fixed-rates over time, but they do carry more risk.
Which is better: fixed or variable mortgage rates?
The choice between fixed or variable rates depends on your personal circumstances. Fixed rates offer more stability than variable rates, as they have steady monthly payments, and protect you from changes to the prime rate.
Variable rates have been historically cheaper over the long term. However, they carry more risk than fixed rates. If you're worried that your household budget won't be able to accommodate increased mortgage payments, variable rates might not be the best option. However, if you think rates are likely to drop, and your budget has enough space to increase your monthly payments in case you're wrong, variable rates might suit you.
Read our guide on fixed vs. variable mortgage rates for more details.
What are pre-payment options?
Your pre-payment options determine how much you are able to increase your monthly payments during your term, as well as how many (if any) lump-sum payments you are allowed to make without penalty. For example, if you sold your house halfway through your mortgage, your pre-payment options would determine whether you can use the sale proceeds to pay off your mortgage early.
You'll have the option of a closed or open mortgage, which will determine your pre-payment options, by and large. A closed mortgage will have lower rates, but limited pre-payment options, while open mortgages are the reverse.
Should I get an open or closed mortgage in Nova Scotia?
Open mortgages offer more pre-payment options but have higher rates. Closed mortgages have lower rates but limit your pre-payment options. Both have their place, and they have different applications.
Open mortgages can be especially useful if you plan to sell your home within your next mortgage term, or if you expect to receive more money soon, such as a pay rise or inheritance. An open mortgage will allow you to use that cash to pay more off your mortgage without penalty.
Closed mortgages are more popular in Canada, because most people don't plan to sell their homes or receive additional cash during their mortgage term.
What is a mortgage rate hold?
A rate hold allows you to hold a mortgage rate for a certain period of time, typically between 60-120 days, depending on the lender and offer. For variable rates, you won’t lock in the rate itself, but its relation to prime. It’s important to note that though a rate hold guarantees you a mortgage rate for a specific timeframe, it doesn’t guarantee that your mortgage application will be approved.
With mortgage rates in Nova Scotia and across the country on the rise, you may want to find a mortgage with a rate hold until your renewal or closing date.
Should I use a mortgage broker in Nova Scotia?
The job of a mortgage broker is to compare the products and rates of multiple mortgage providers on behalf of their clients. This means that by using a mortgage broker, you'll have access to multiple mortgage products without having to do the hard work yourself. Brokers are mortgage experts, and can quickly identify the products that are available on the market that will suit your needs.
Mortgage brokers also have access to a range of mortgage rates that are not accessible to the retail market. This is because they are often given volume discounts from lenders, along with unique, broker-exclusive products.
It may be convenient to apply for a mortgage directly with your current bank, but it will only be able to offer you its own products. This means you could be missing out on a mortgage with lower rates, or that better suits your needs.
So should you use a broker when you compare mortgage rates in Nova Scotia? Consultations with mortgage brokers are free, so you have nothing to lose by speaking with one.
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Finding the best mortgage rates in Nova Scotia
Jamie David, Sr. Director of Marketing and Mortgages
Getting a mortgage is a big financial commitment, and finding a great mortgage rate is one of the best things you can do to make your mortgage more manageable. Luckily, how to get a lower mortgage rate isn’t a secret - all you need to do is plan ahead.
Our mission at Ratehub.ca is to make it easy to compare rates from Canada's big banks, credit unions and smaller lenders, making it simple for you to choose better. Read on to learn how to get a lower mortgage rate in Nova Scotia.
Best mortgage rates in Nova Scotia +
Rates updated:
Rate | Term | Type | Provider |
---|---|---|---|
4.19% | 5 years | Fixed | Canadian Lender |
4.44% | 3 years | Fixed | Canwise |
4.54% | 4 years | Fixed | Big 6 Bank |
5.06% | 7 years | Fixed | CIBC |
5.14% | 6 years | Fixed | Bank of Montreal |
5.48% | 10 years | Fixed | Bank of Montreal |
5.49% | 2 years | Fixed | Canadian Lender |
5.99% | 1 year | Fixed | Big 6 Bank |
7.49% | 25 years | Fixed | CIBC |
Nova Scotia at a glance
- Population: 1 million
- Average Home Price: $400,500 in May 2023, a -3.2% year-over-year decrease
- Average Household Income: $60,764
- Percentage of Homeowners: 69%
Fun Facts About Nova Scotia
- Nova Scotia is almost entirely surrounded by ocean, except for a 24 km land border with New Brunswick. It has some 13,300 km of coastline, more than twice the width of Canada.
- Nova Scotia is famous for its lobster, and the largest lobster in the world - weighing 20.14 kg - was caught here.
What is the best mortgage rate in Nova Scotia?
The best mortgage for you is the one that best suits your needs, and offers a great rate. It's important to remember that the best mortgage is not always the mortgage with the lowest rate. While a low rate is important and can save you thousands of dollars, you also need to make sure that the term, conditions, and features of your mortgage suit your needs.
What factors affect the mortgage rate I get?
While comparing mortgage products is an important part of getting the best possible mortgage rate, you’ll still need to personally qualify for your final offer. There are several factors that will affect the rate you’re able to qualify for. Here are some of the major ones:
- Down payment: In Canada, property purchases require a minimum down payment of between 5% and 20%, depending on the purchase price. However, if your down payment is less than 20%, you’ll have to pay for mortgage default insurance. This will cost you more, but it will make your mortgage less risky, from your lender’s perspective. This generally results in a lower mortgage rate. Note that even with a lower mortgage rate, it's still worth avoiding the cost of mortgage default insurance, so you should always aim to have a down payment of at least 20%.
- Amortization period: Mortgages with amortization periods of more than 25 years generally have higher interest rates. This is because this type of mortgage can't be insured with mortgage default insurance. Despite this, mortgages with longer amortization periods can be more financially manageable, because they have lower monthly payments.
- The purpose of the property: You’ll generally be offered a higher rate on a mortgage for a property that you don’t plan to personally live in.
- Mortgage type: A refinanced mortgage, or a mortgage with features like a HELOC, will typically come with a higher rate than a mortgage for a renewal or new purchase.
- Credit score: A low credit score may mean you cannot get approved by an ‘A lender’, like a big bank or credit union. If you’re forced to take a mortgage from a ‘B lender’, you’ll probably be charged a higher rate.
Nova Scotia mortgage rates: Historical trends
Nova Scotia mortgage rates rise and fall, as do rates across Canada. Here’s a quick snapshot of the lowest mortgage rates in Canada over the past few years, to give you an idea of where we are today.
Source: Ratehub Historical Rate Chart
Land Transfer Tax Nova Scotia
Nova Scotia, like most Canadian provinces, charges a land transfer tax on every property purchase. However, unlike most provinces, the government of Nova Scotia allows municipalities to set their own land transfer tax rate. Additionally, land transfer taxes in Nova Scotia use flat tax rates, rather than marginal tax rates.
Land transfer tax rates range from 0.5% to 1.5%*, which is due in cash, up front. That means you'll need to factor land transfer taxes into your closing costs.
Below are the land transfer tax rates for the ten largest municipalities in Nova Scotia.
Municipal land transfer tax in Nova Scotia
Source: Government of Nova Scotia
*Two municipalities have zero land transfer tax rates: the Municipality of the County of Kings and the Town of Kentville.
Nova Scotia first-time home buyers
Unlike some provinces, Nova Scotia doesn't offer a rebate of the land transfer tax for first-time home buyers. However, Nova Scotia's first-time home buyers are still eligible for first-time home buyer programs at the federal level. These can still result in thousands of dollars of savings, so it's well worth checking them out.
Sources:
Jamie David, Director of Marketing and Head of Mortgages
Jamie has 15+ years of business and marketing experience. She contributes her mortgage expertise to The Globe and Mail and authors Ratehub’s mortgage and homebuying guides. read full bio