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Find the best mortgage rate in Ontario

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Current Ontario mortgage rates

The rate table shows 5-year fixed mortgage rates in Ontario. To compare other rate types and terms, click on the filters icon beside the down payment percentage.

As of:

RateProviderPayment

Canadian Lender

$2,109

Meridian Credit Union

$2,141

Desjardins

$2,141

CIBC

$2,152

CMLS Financial

$2,152

Canwise

A Ratehub Company

$2,152

Ontario mortgage rates: FAQ

Will mortgage rates continue to go down in 2024?


Will mortgage rates continue to go down if inflation decreases more?


What are the current mortgage rates in Ontario in 2024?


What bank currently has the best mortgage rate in Ontario?


What is today’s prime rate and how does it affect mortgage rates in Ontario in 2024?


What is the average 5-year mortgage rate in Ontario?


WATCH: September 4, 2024 Bank of Canada announcement

See today's best mortgage rates

Compare current mortgage rates across the Big 5 Banks and top Canadian lenders. Take 2 minutes to answer a few questions and discover the lowest rates available to you.

4.14%

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Getting the best mortgage rates in Ontario

Using our rate tables, you can compare today's best mortgage rates in Ontario from the Big 5 Banks, small banks, credit unions and top mortgage brokers, instantly, all in one place. Shopping around is critical if you want to find the best mortgage for your needs, and can save you thousands of dollars. 

Best mortgage rates in Ontario +

Ontario at a glance

  • Population: 14.83 million - most populous province in Canada, with just over 38% of the country’s population
  • Average Household Income: $74,287
  • Percentage of Homeowners: 70%

Ontario housing market: September 2024 update

On September 16, 2024, the Canadian Real Estate Association released the data on the national housing market for August, covering sales activity, average price trends, and overall supply and inventory.

According to the CREA, home sales experienced a modest year-over-year decline, with 13,484 properties sold—a drop of -3.7%. While buyer activity slowed, sellers appeared slightly more eager to enter the market. New listings surged, with 29,837 homes hitting the market, an increase of 0.7% compared to the same period last year. The overall inventory now stands at 4.3 months. This growing supply has eased pressure on prices, with Ontario's average home price falling by -1.2% to $817,915.

Market conditions are notably softer compared to last August, with the sales-to-new-listings ratio dropping to 45.2%, down -2.1% from last year. This slight decline signals a continued shift toward more balanced market conditions. CREA considers a ratio between 40 - 60% to represent a balanced housing market, with above and below that threshold reflecting sellers’ and buyers’ markets, respectively.

Read more: Canadian real estate remained in "holding pattern" in August

September 4, 2024: Bank of Canada announcement highlights

On September 4, 2024, the Bank of Canada lowered the target for the overnight rate by -0.25%, taking it from 4.5% to 4.25%. This marks the third consecutive time that the Bank of Canada has cut its benchmark rate since March 2020, having carried out identical rate cuts in June and July of this year. 

  • In its accompanying commentary, the Bank cited falling inflation as the main driver of its decision to cut the overnight lending rate, noting that July’s CPI of 2.5% was in line with expectations and that inflation in the United States and elsewhere was declining as well. 
  • Canadians with variable-rate mortgages and home equity lines of credit (HELOC) will undoubtedly be thrilled to see their rates and payments fall for the third month in a row.  
  • While fixed mortgage rates are tied to the bond market rather than to the Bank of Canada’s policy rate, some lenders had already begun lowering their fixed rates in anticipation of a rate cut in the days leading up to the Bank’s announcement. With the rate cut now implemented, more lenders are sure to reduce their fixed rates. 
  • It remains to be seen how much of an effect this announcement will have on the housing market, which has been rather sluggish in 2024. This third rate reduction brings us to a cumulative 75-basis-point reduction, which could well entice more buyers to come in off the sidelines.

How do I get the best mortgage rate in Ontario?

 As home to Canada's financial capital, Toronto, Ontario naturally has an extremely competitive mortgage market. All of the Big 5 Banks have their headquarters in Toronto, as do major Canadian credit unions including Meridian Credit Union, DUCA Financial Services Credit Union and Alterna Savings and Credit Union. Many other smaller lenders, credit unions and mortgage brokerages are also located in Ontario. 

With such a variety of options, it's important to remember that the best mortgage rate is not always the lowest rate; rather, it's the one that meets your needs and best suits your financial situation. That makes it all the more crucial that you compare multiple lenders and speak with a mortgage broker. They can walk you through different mortgage products and help you understand the benefits and drawbacks of each so that you can make an informed decision.  

What factors affect the mortgage rate I get?

The mortgage rate that you qualify for will depend on a number of factors, some of the most important of which are: 

  • Your down payment - The size of your down payment will determine the amount of insurance your mortgage will require. The larger your down payment, the less insurance your mortgage will require. Though it may seem counter-intuitive, uninsured mortgages actually have higher rates. This is because lenders take on more risk for these mortgages since they cannot get insurance on them. Though you may not get the lowest rate, it is usually always better to put a larger down payment if you can afford it because you won’t have to pay for mortgage insurance. 
  • Your amortization period - Mortgages with amortization periods greater than 25 years are not usually insurable and therefore come at a higher rate. However, a longer amortization period allows you to have a lower monthly payment.
  • What the property will be used for - Will you be living in the property? Mortgage rates for rental properties are typically higher than for those that are owner-occupied. 
  • Mortgage type - Mortgage rates for refinances are usually higher than rates for renewals and purchases.
  • Your employment status - You need to provide proof of income in the form of paystubs and/or tax documents such as your Notice of Assessment (NOA). If you're self-employed, work on commission, or otherwise do not have a steady income, it can be more complicated and/or expensive. 
  • Your credit score - Your credit score may affect the type of lenders that will work with you. If you have bad credit, you may not qualify for a Big Bank mortgage.
  • Your debts - Lenders will look at your debt service ratio when considering whether to approve your mortgage. Carrying an excessively high amount of debt negatively impacts your debt service ratio as well as lowering your credit score. 

Historical trends in Ontario mortgage rates 

Ontario mortgage rates rise and fall, as do rates across Canada. Here’s an interactive chart showing the lowest mortgage rates in Canada over the past few years to give you an idea of where we are today.

Land transfer tax in Ontario

Land transfer taxes are often overlooked, despite being one of the biggest closing costs when purchasing a home. For people in Toronto, a land transfer tax is levied by the City of Toronto, in addition to Ontario’s provincial land transfer tax.

Ontario land transfer tax

In Ontario, land transfer taxes are based on the purchase price of the property, with the tax rate increasing as the price of the home rises. Here’s a breakdown of the rates:

Source: Ontario Ministry of Finance

*The $2 million bracket was introduced on January 1st, 2020.

 

Toronto Land Transfer Tax

When purchasing a home in Toronto, you’ll also pay a municipal land transfer tax. Toronto’s land transfer tax applies within certain boundaries: Steeles Avenue to the North, Etobicoke to the West, Scarborough to the East, and Lake Ontario to the South.

Here are the current Toronto land transfer tax rates:

Source: City of Toronto

 

Ontario first-time home buyer programs

In an effort to make it easier for first-time home buyers to get into the market, there are several programs and rebates available in Ontario. These are available to citizens or permanent residents of Canada who haven’t owned property before. 

Ontario’s Land Transfer Tax Rebate for First-Time Home Buyers provides a rebate of the full amount of your land transfer tax, up to a maximum of $4,000. If you are buying with a spouse who does not qualify, you will only be eligible for 50% of the refund. 

Toronto’s First-Time Home Buyers Land Transfer Tax Rebate provides a rebate of the full amount of your municipal land transfer tax, up to a maximum of  $4,475. This rebate is available regardless of whether you buy a townhouse, house, or condo. You can use the Toronto land transfer tax rebate in addition to the Ontario land transfer tax rebate. 

Learn more by reading our guide to First-Time Home Buyer programs in Canada.

Ontario non-resident speculation tax

In an effort to prevent foreign investors from inflating housing prices in Ontario, the Ontario government places a 15% tax on all purchases of residential properties by foreign buyers in the Greater Golden Horseshoe area. This is on top of any land transfer taxes. Foreign buyers include overseas corporations, as well as individuals who aren’t Canadian citizens or permanent residents.

More Homes Built Faster Act

On October 25, 2022, the government of Ontario introduced the More Homes Built Faster Act, which is part of a long-term strategy to increase the housing supply and ensure that affordable housing options exist for Ontarians. Significantly, the provincial government aims to facilitate the construction of 1.5 million new homes over the next decade.

More recently, on May 10, 2023, the City of Toronto adopted two amendments - the Official Plan Amendment and the Zoning By-law Amendment - to permit multiplexes of up to fourplexes on residential lots across the city. These amendments are not yet in effect, but have the potential to create a significant amount of sorely needed new housing options for Toronto residents.

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

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