Make the Most Informed
Real Estate Decision of Your Life
Live mortgage rates, market intelligence, and powerful tools to find and finance your next home — all in one place.
Your Complete Real Estate Toolkit
Find a Home
Search all Canadian listings, browse new construction projects, and explore city planning maps to find your perfect neighbourhood.
Get Informed
Live news from 10+ sources — Bank of Canada, BNN Bloomberg, CBC, MPA Magazine. Rate changes and market shifts, every day.
Check Your Options
Compare live rates from 22 lenders, run mortgage and affordability calculations, and find every government program you qualify for.
Today's Best Rates
Latest Market News
Intelligence Features — Coming Soon
We're building what no Canadian real estate platform has built. Subscribe below to get early access.
Neighbourhood Profiles
Price/sqft trends, avg days on market, school ratings, and a buyer verdict for every neighbourhood across Canada.
Market Sentiment Score
NLP-powered weekly score from 10+ news sources. Know if the market is bullish or bearish before you act.
Power of Sales Tracker
Distressed listings monitor — find motivated sellers and below-market opportunities across Canada.
Completed Sales Trends
24-month rolling price/sqft by neighbourhood. What homes actually sell for — not just list prices.
From First Dollar to Front Door
Click any step to jump directly to that tool.
Learn Government Programs (FHSA, HBP, Rebates)
Canada offers thousands in tax savings. Most first-time buyers don't claim everything they're entitled to.
Build Your Down Payment
Learn the minimum you need, the accounts to use, and how to save faster — even on a tight income.
Calculate What You Can Afford
Use our stress-test affordability calculator to find your real maximum — including CMHC and closing costs.
Browse New Builds & Pre-Construction
Explore hundreds of new construction projects across Canada — filter by city, price, type, and occupancy date.
Search All Listings
Search resale homes across Canada via Realtor.ca with all your filters pre-applied instantly.
Close With Confidence
Follow our 40-item interactive checklist so nothing falls through the cracks on closing day.
Everything in One Place
New Builds Hub
Browse & compare new construction projects across Canada with maps and filters.
Financial Programs
FHSA, RRSP HBP, First-Time Buyer tax credits, and provincial rebates fully explained.
Market Guide
Seasonality, price drivers, city tiers, and a complete closing cost breakdown.
Mortgage Rates Live
Live rates from 22 lenders — Big Banks, monolines, and brokers compared side by side.
Savings Planner
Down payment strategy, savings hierarchy, and a timeline calculator.
Calculators
Mortgage, CMHC, land transfer tax, affordability, and Rent vs Buy — all in one place.
Buyer Checklist
40+ interactive checklist items across 4 phases from prep to closing.
Glossary
Every real estate term explained in plain English — searchable and filterable.
City Plans Map
Interactive Official Plan & zoning maps — see future developments and land use.
New Construction Projects
Across Canada
Browse pre-construction and move-in ready new homes from top builders. Filter by city, price, occupancy date, and type. Compare projects side by side.
What Every Buyer Must Know About New Construction
10-Day Cooling Off (Ontario)
After signing a new condo agreement in Ontario, you have 10 days to cancel for any reason. Always have a lawyer review before this window closes.
Expect Delays of 1–3 Years
Builder delays are extremely common. Your mortgage rate hold expires long before occupancy. Budget for bridge financing and rate uncertainty.
Tarion Warranty (Ontario)
1-year defects, 2-year systems (water/heat/electrical), 7-year major structural. Deposits up to $100K protected if builder becomes insolvent.
HST on New Homes
New Ontario homes include 13% HST. Builders usually include the rebate — verify this explicitly in your Agreement of Purchase and Sale.
Uncapped Development Charges
Some contracts allow builders to pass on development charge increases — potentially adding $20K–$60K to your final closing price. Always negotiate a cap.
Upgrades Are Overpriced
Builder upgrades carry 30–50% margins. Price-compare with third-party quotes. Do upgrades yourself after closing to save significantly.
Government Programs That Put
Money Back in Your Pocket
Canada offers thousands in grants, tax credits, and tax-free savings for first-time buyers. Here's every program — fully explained.
First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
The most powerful homebuying tool in Canada
Contributions are tax-deductible (like an RRSP) AND withdrawals are completely tax-free (like a TFSA). Open one today even if you're years from buying — room builds from the year you open it.
Contribution Room
Up to $8,000/year. Unused room carries forward by $8,000 — max $16,000 in one year if you missed last year.
Per Person, Tax-Free
$40,000 per person. A couple can access $80,000 combined — all completely tax-free on withdrawal.
In Your Pocket
At a 33% marginal rate, an $8,000 contribution returns ~$2,640 as a tax refund. Reinvest that to compound your savings cycle.
The Clock Starts on Open
Room accumulates from the year you open the account — not from contributions. Open with even $1 to start the clock immediately.
Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)
RRSP Withdrawal Limit
Up to $60,000 from your RRSP per person. Couples get $120,000 combined — a massive addition on top of FHSA savings.
Repay Interest-Free
Repay over 15 years starting 2 years after withdrawal. It's your own money — no interest. Missed repayments are added to that year's taxable income.
⚠️ RRSP 90-Day Rule
Funds must be in your RRSP for at least 90 days before withdrawal. Start contributing now so the clock begins.
Tax Credits & Grants
Home Buyers' Amount
Claim up to $10,000 on your return the year you buy — worth up to $1,500 back. Both partners can split it.
Greener Homes Grant
Up to $5,600 in grants for energy upgrades (heat pumps, insulation, windows) plus $600 for evaluations.
Home Accessibility Credit
Up to $20,000 in eligible renovation costs — worth $3,000 in tax savings.
Land Transfer Tax Rebates
| Province | FTB Rebate? | Max Rebate | Limit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🏙️ Ontario | ✓ Yes | $4,000 | No limit | On first $368K of purchase price |
| 🏙️ Toronto (City) | ✓ Yes | $4,475 | No limit | Additional to Ontario rebate |
| 🏔️ BC | ✓ Yes | $8,000 | ≤$835K | Partial rebate up to $860K |
| 🌊 PEI | ✓ Full | Full amount | — | Complete LTT rebate |
| 🌾 Alberta/SK | No LTT | N/A | N/A | No land transfer tax at all |
| 🌿 Manitoba | ⚠️ Partial | ~$4,500 | ≤$200K | Check with province |
💡 Stack All Programs
A couple buying a $650K Toronto home could access: $80K FHSA + $120K HBP + $3K Home Buyers' Amount + $8,475 LTT rebate = over $211K in combined tax-free savings and government support.
Understanding the
Canadian Market
Know when to buy, what drives prices, and what fees to expect — so you make an informed decision, not an emotional one.
Best Time to Buy in Canada
Spring (Mar–May)
Peak inventory but peak competition. Bidding wars common in Toronto, Vancouver, Ottawa. Prices peak in April–May. Great selection, tough on budget.
Summer (Jun–Aug)
Market slows in July–August as families vacation. Late August is often a hidden gem — motivated sellers, less competition.
Fall (Sep–Nov)
Second busiest season. Good balance of inventory vs. competition. Sellers want to close before winter — leverage is improving.
Winter (Dec–Feb)
Fewest listings, least competition. Prices 5–10% lower than spring peak. Motivated sellers. Best season for first-time buyers on a budget.
What Moves Prices Up or Down?
Bank of Canada Rate
Every 0.25% rate change shifts affordability by roughly 2–3%. BoC cuts → demand surges. BoC hikes → prices cool. Watch the rate announcement calendar.
Canada's Housing Shortage
CMHC says Canada needs 3.5M more homes by 2030 to restore affordability. This chronic undersupply is the primary driver of long-term price appreciation.
Immigration & Population
Canada targets 400,000–500,000 new residents annually. This directly increases housing demand — especially in Toronto, Vancouver, and Calgary.
Government Regulation
Stress tests, foreign buyer bans, speculation taxes, and zoning changes all shift the market. Policy changes can move prices 5–15% within a year.
Where Can You Afford to Buy?
🏙️ Vancouver & Toronto
Avg: $900K–$1.3M+
Condos are the entry point. Suburbs offer better value. High competition.
🌆 Victoria, Ottawa, Hamilton
Avg: $600K–$900K
Strong demand, good livability. Detached homes still attainable in some areas.
🏘️ Calgary, Edmonton, Halifax
Avg: $400K–$650K
Growing cities. Good affordability ratio with strong long-term fundamentals.
🌾 Winnipeg, Regina, Moncton
Avg: $250K–$400K
Most affordable major cities. Detached homes accessible on modest incomes.
🌊 Kitchener, London, Barrie
Avg: $500K–$750K
Toronto overflow markets. Strong growth potential, good transit connectivity.
🏡 Smaller Communities
Avg: $150K–$350K
Remote work has boosted demand. Excellent value with lifestyle tradeoffs.
All the Fees — Complete Breakdown
Budget 3–5% of the purchase price on top of your down payment for closing costs.
| Cost | Typical Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Land Transfer Tax | 0.5–2% of price | FTB rebates available in most provinces |
| Legal / Notary Fees | $1,500–$2,500 | Required — shop around for competitive rates |
| Home Inspection | $400–$600 | Never skip this — always include as a condition |
| CMHC Insurance | 2.8–4.0% of mortgage | Added to mortgage balance if down payment <20% |
| Title Insurance | $200–$400 | One-time, strongly recommended |
| Home Insurance | $1,200–$3,000/yr | Required by lender before funds are released |
| Moving Costs | $800–$3,000 | Get 3 quotes; book early in spring/summer |
| Property Tax Adjustment | Varies | Reimburse seller for pre-paid taxes at closing |
Today's Best Canadian
Mortgage Rates
Live rates from 22 lenders — Big Banks, monoline lenders, credit unions & brokers compared side by side.
Peak 5.00% → Now 2.75%
Understanding the Canadian Mortgage Market
🏦 Big Banks vs. Brokers
Big banks typically post rates 0.5–0.9% higher than mortgage brokers and monoline lenders. Going with your bank's posted rate without negotiating is one of the most expensive mortgage mistakes Canadians make.
🔒 Fixed vs. Variable — 2026
After 7 consecutive BoC rate cuts, fixed rates are near 3-year lows. Variable rates remain attractive but offer less discount over fixed than in 2020–2022. The rate curve is relatively flat — less reward for taking variable rate risk today.
📋 Insured vs. Uninsured
If your down payment is under 20%, you pay CMHC insurance — but your mortgage rate is actually lower. Lenders see insured mortgages as lower risk. With 20%+ down, you skip CMHC premiums but pay a slightly higher rate.
Your Mortgage Journey — From Saving to Keys 🔑
Every step, explained. Tap any step for the tool you need.
Common Mortgage Rate Questions
How often do mortgage rates change?
Fixed rates can change daily based on Government of Canada bond yields. Variable rates change only when the Bank of Canada adjusts its overnight rate — announced roughly 8 times per year. This page is updated every business day.
What is a rate hold?
A rate hold locks in today's rate for 90–150 days while you search for a home. If rates rise, you keep the lower locked rate. If rates fall, most lenders will let you take the lower rate at closing.
What's the difference between insured and uninsured rates?
Insured mortgages have under 20% down and require CMHC insurance — but qualify for lower rates. Uninsured mortgages have 20%+ down, no insurance premium, but slightly higher rates. For homes over $1M, only uninsured mortgages are available.
Should I get pre-approved before shopping?
Yes. A pre-approval locks in your rate hold, confirms your qualification, and shows sellers you're serious. It typically takes 1–2 business days. Multiple mortgage inquiries within 14 days count as a single hard inquiry on your credit report.
What is the mortgage stress test?
A federal rule requiring you to prove you can afford your mortgage at your contract rate + 2% (or 5.25%, whichever is higher). Even if you're renewing with your existing lender, the stress test may apply if you switch lenders.
What are mortgage break penalties?
Breaking a fixed-rate mortgage early typically costs the greater of 3 months' interest or the Interest Rate Differential (IRD). Big bank IRD penalties can reach $20,000+. Monolines typically calculate IRD differently and often have lower penalties. Use our Penalty Calculator before breaking your mortgage.
Latest Mortgage Rate News
Curated from 10+ Canadian sources — updated daily.
🔔 Get Rate Drop Alerts
Be the first to know when mortgage rates drop. We monitor 22 lenders daily and send you a summary every time rates move — so you never miss a better deal at renewal.
Every Number You Need
Before You Buy
Mortgage payment, affordability, CMHC, land transfer tax, savings planner, and rent vs buy — all in one place.
🏦 Mortgage Calculator
📘 Canadian Mortgage Facts
- Max 25-yr amortization for insured mortgages (<20% down)
- 30-yr allowed for uninsured mortgages (20%+ down)
- Canadian mortgages compound semi-annually, not monthly
- Most Canadians renew their mortgage term every 5 years
- Variable rates move with Bank of Canada; fixed rates are locked
💰 Affordability (Stress Test)
Stress Test
Must qualify at contract rate +2% or 5.25% — whichever is higher.
GDS
Housing costs ÷ gross income. Max 32%.
TDS
All debts ÷ gross income. Max 44%.
🛡️ CMHC Insurance
CMHC Rates
| Down Payment | Rate |
|---|---|
| 5–9.99% | 4.00% |
| 10–14.99% | 3.10% |
| 15–19.99% | 2.80% |
| 20%+ | None |
🏛️ Land Transfer Tax
- Alberta & SK: no LTT at all
- Ontario FTB: up to $4,000
- Toronto FTB adds up to $4,475
- BC FTB: up to $8,000 (homes ≤$835K)
- Paid at closing through your lawyer
How Much Do You Actually Need?
| Home Price | Min Down Payment | CMHC Premium | Ideal Target |
|---|---|---|---|
| Under $500K | 5% | 4.0% of mortgage | 10–20% |
| $500K–$999K | 5% on first $500K + 10% on remainder | 2.8–3.1% | 20% |
| $1M+ | 20% — mandatory | None | 20% |
Where to Put Your Money — In This Order
Max FHSA ($8,000/year first)
Every dollar is tax-deductible going in and tax-free coming out for your home. No other account does both.
Contribute to RRSP (for HBP withdrawal)
After maxing FHSA, contribute to RRSP. Withdraw up to $60K per person tax-free under the Home Buyers' Plan. Funds need 90 days seasoning.
TFSA for overflow savings
After FHSA and RRSP, direct additional savings to your TFSA. Tax-free growth and withdrawals — ideal for your closing cost fund.
HISA for emergency fund
Keep 3–6 months of expenses in a High-Interest Savings Account. Don't use this for your down payment.
Savings Timeline Planner
🪙 Down Payment Planner
📊 Milestones
🚀 FHSA Accelerator Effect
At a 33% tax bracket, an $8,000 FHSA contribution returns ~$2,640 in your tax refund. Reinvest that and you're effectively saving $10,640/year toward your home.
Buying
- Equity grows with every payment
- Stable costs with a fixed-rate mortgage
- Freedom to renovate and personalize
- Principal residence is capital-gains exempt
- Forced savings mechanism
- Large upfront capital required
- Responsible for all maintenance costs
- Less geographic flexibility
Renting
- No large down payment required
- Easy to move for jobs or lifestyle changes
- No maintenance responsibility
- Can invest down payment savings elsewhere
- No equity building — rent leaves you with nothing
- Landlord can raise rent or not renew lease
- No customization of your space
When Does Buying Beat Renting?
✅ Buy if…
- Stable income and employment
- Planning to stay in same area 5+ years
- Have 5–20% down + closing costs saved
- Mortgage payment ≤ 32% of gross income
⏳ Keep Renting if…
- May relocate within 2–3 years
- Income is variable or newly self-employed
- Actively building credit or savings
⚡ Prepayment Savings Calculator
See how extra payments dramatically cut your amortization and interest costs.
💡 Why prepayments matter
Most Canadian mortgages allow 10–20% annual prepayments penalty-free. An extra $500/month on a $400K mortgage can shave 5+ years off your amortization and save tens of thousands in interest.
Check your prepayment privileges
Brokers and monolines typically allow 20%/year. Big banks allow 10–15%. Always check your mortgage contract — exceeding the limit triggers a penalty.
Annual Lump Sum Option
Many lenders also allow a one-time annual lump sum payment (10–20% of original balance). Put your tax refund, bonus, or inheritance directly onto your mortgage principal.
⚠️ Mortgage Break Penalty
Estimate the cost to break your fixed-rate mortgage early. Always verify with your lender.
⚠️ Big Bank vs. Monoline Penalties
Big banks calculate IRD using their posted rates (inflated by 1–2%), making penalties much larger. A monoline uses the discounted rate — often resulting in penalties 50–70% lower for the same mortgage.
When does breaking make sense?
If the rate difference saves you more over the remaining term than the penalty costs, breaking may be worthwhile. Factor in legal fees ($1,000–$2,000) and setup fees at the new lender.
Penalty-Free Alternatives
- Port your mortgage when moving
- Blend and extend with your existing lender
- Wait for renewal (no penalty)
- Make max prepayments before breaking
Your Complete
Buying Checklist
40+ interactive items across 4 phases. Check them off as you go — from financial prep to getting your keys.
Every Real Estate Term
In Plain English
From FHSA to Tarion — every term you'll encounter in Canadian homebuying, explained clearly.
Search Canadian
Resale Listings
Search homes across Canada. Your filters open instantly on Realtor.ca with everything pre-applied.
Side-by-Side Comparison
Canadian Real Estate Explained Simply
Market updates, mortgage news, buyer guides, and Ottawa housing intel — written in plain English for first-time buyers.
About ClearDoor
We believe every Canadian deserves a fair shot at homeownership. ClearDoor makes the process transparent, simple, and free.
Canada's First-Time Buyer Platform
ClearDoor was built for Canadians who feel overwhelmed by the homebuying process — and want straight answers, not sales pitches.
Our Mission
Make homeownership accessible to every Canadian first-time buyer by providing the tools, information, and guidance they need — completely free.
Our Vision
A Canada where no one gives up on homeownership because the process felt too complicated or the information too hard to find.
Why ClearDoor?
Most real estate platforms are built for agents and investors. ClearDoor is built exclusively for first-time buyers — with plain language and zero upsells.
Always Free
Every tool, calculator, checklist, and guide on ClearDoor is free forever. We believe access to information shouldn't depend on your budget.
Everything Built for First-Time Buyers
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