What Percentage Of Canadian Mortgages Are Insured?

For many Canadians, purchasing a home is the largest investment they will make in their lifetime. Due to the high cost of real estate, most homebuyers require a mortgage to finance their purchase. In Canada, mortgage insurance is a common requirement for many homebuyers, particularly those who are unable to make a down payment of at least 20% of the purchase price.

Mortgage insurance helps protect lenders in the event of default, and it can also provide additional benefits to homebuyers. In this article, we will explore the percentage of Canadian mortgages that are insured, the benefits and drawbacks of insured mortgages, and the factors that affect the use of mortgage insurance in Canada.

Whether you are a current or prospective homeowner, understanding the role of mortgage insurance in the Canadian housing market can help you make informed decisions about your mortgage options.

Contents

What Percentage Of Canadian Mortgages Are Insured?

In Canada, the majority of mortgages are insured. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), approximately 41% of all outstanding residential mortgages in Canada were insured. However, this percentage varies depending on the type of mortgage and the lender.

Insured mortgages are typically those with a down payment of less than 20% of the purchase price. These mortgages are required to have mortgage insurance, which is provided by the CMHC or other private mortgage insurers. The CMHC reported that approximately 73% of high-ratio mortgages (those with a down payment of less than 20%) were insured.

On the other hand, mortgages with a down payment of 20% or more are not required to have mortgage insurance. These mortgages are considered “conventional” and are typically offered by banks or other lenders without the involvement of the CMHC or other mortgage insurers. In 2020, the CMHC reported that approximately 28% of all outstanding residential mortgages in Canada were conventional mortgages.

It is worth noting that the percentage of insured mortgages in Canada has been declining in recent years. This is due in part to changes in mortgage insurance rules and regulations, which have made it more difficult for some borrowers to qualify for insured mortgages. Additionally, some lenders have started to offer uninsured mortgages with more flexible lending terms, which may be appealing to some borrowers.

Overall, approximately 41% of all outstanding residential mortgages in Canada are insured, with the majority of these mortgages having a down payment of less than 20%. However, the percentage of insured mortgages in Canada has been declining in recent years, as some borrowers opt for uninsured mortgages or are unable to qualify for mortgage insurance.

The Significance Of Mortgage Insurance In Canada

Mortgage insurance plays a significant role in the Canadian housing market by helping to mitigate the risk for lenders and borrowers. For borrowers who are unable to make a down payment of at least 20%, mortgage insurance is typically required by the lender to protect against the risk of default. By insuring the mortgage, the lender can recover some or all of the outstanding balance in the event of a default, which reduces their risk and makes it easier for them to lend to higher-risk borrowers.

Mortgage insurance also provides additional benefits to homebuyers. For example, insured mortgages typically have lower interest rates than uninsured mortgages, which can save borrowers thousands of dollars over the life of their mortgage. In addition, mortgage insurance allows borrowers to purchase a home with a smaller down payment, which can make homeownership more accessible and affordable for many Canadians.

Overall, mortgage insurance is an important tool that helps make homeownership more accessible and affordable for many Canadians, while also reducing risk for lenders. By understanding the role of mortgage insurance in the housing market, homebuyers can make informed decisions about their mortgage options and lenders can make more informed lending decisions.

Overview Of The Canadian Housing Market

The Canadian housing market is a significant driver of the country’s economy and is characterized by high levels of homeownership and stable property values. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), as of 2021, the national homeownership rate was 68.6%, which is among the highest in the world.

The Canadian housing market is also heavily influenced by factors such as population growth, immigration, interest rates, and economic conditions. In recent years, there has been significant growth in urban areas, particularly in Toronto and Vancouver, which has driven up housing prices in those regions.

However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a significant impact on the housing market in Canada. While demand for housing remains high, supply chain disruptions and increased construction costs have led to a shortage of new homes, which has further driven up prices.

Overall, the Canadian housing market remains an important aspect of the country’s economy and plays a significant role in the financial well-being of many Canadians.

What Is Mortgage Insurance?

Mortgage insurance is a type of insurance that protects lenders in the event of a borrower defaulting on a mortgage. It is typically required by lenders for homebuyers who are unable to make a down payment of at least 20% of the purchase price.

Mortgage insurance can be provided by private insurers, such as Genworth or Canada Guaranty, or by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), a federal government agency. The cost of mortgage insurance is typically added to the borrower’s monthly mortgage payments and can vary depending on the amount of the mortgage, the down payment amount, and the lender’s requirements.

If the borrower defaults on the mortgage, the lender can claim on the mortgage insurance policy to recover some or all of the outstanding balance. This reduces the lender’s risk and makes it easier for them to lend to higher-risk borrowers.

In addition to protecting lenders, mortgage insurance can also provide benefits to borrowers, such as lower interest rates and the ability to purchase a home with a smaller down payment. However, it’s important to note that mortgage insurance only protects the lender and does not provide any financial protection to the borrower in the event of default.

The Difference Between Cmhc, Genworth, And Canada Guaranty

The three main providers of mortgage insurance in Canada are the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), Genworth Financial Canada, and Canada Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company. While all three provide similar services, some differences between them are worth noting.

CMHC is a federal government agency that provides mortgage insurance to lenders across Canada. As a government agency, CMHC’s mortgage insurance premiums are set by the government and are typically higher than those charged by private insurers. CMHC also has strict underwriting guidelines that must be met by borrowers, which can make it more difficult for some borrowers to qualify for CMHC-insured mortgages.

Genworth Financial Canada is a private insurer that provides mortgage insurance to lenders across Canada. Genworth’s premiums are typically lower than those charged by CMHC, and they have more flexible underwriting guidelines, which can make it easier for some borrowers to qualify for Genworth-insured mortgages.

Canada Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company is also a private insurer that provides mortgage insurance to lenders across Canada. Canada Guaranty’s premiums are competitive with those charged by Genworth, and they also have flexible underwriting guidelines.

Overall, the main differences between CMHC, Genworth, and Canada Guaranty are the cost of premiums and the underwriting guidelines. Borrowers should carefully consider all options before choosing a mortgage insurer and work with their mortgage professional to determine the best option for their specific needs.

How Mortgage Insurance Works In Canada

In Canada, mortgage insurance is typically required by lenders for homebuyers who are unable to make a down payment of at least 20% of the purchase price. The insurance is designed to protect the lender in the event of a borrower default on the mortgage.

It’s important to note that mortgage insurance only protects the lender and does not provide any financial protection to the borrower in the event of default. In addition, mortgage insurance premiums are not refundable, even if the borrower pays off the mortgage before the end of the mortgage term.

To qualify for mortgage insurance, borrowers must meet certain criteria, including a maximum purchase price and a maximum loan-to-value ratio. The specific requirements can vary depending on the insurer and the lender.

Overall, mortgage insurance plays an important role in the Canadian housing market, allowing borrowers to purchase homes with a smaller down payment and helping lenders manage their risk. Borrowers should carefully consider their options and work with their mortgage professional to determine the best mortgage insurance option for their specific needs.

The Percentage Of Canadian Mortgages That Are Insured

Statistics On Insured Mortgages In Canada

According to the latest data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), as of the end of 2022, approximately 47% of all outstanding mortgages in Canada were insured. This represents a slight decrease from the previous year when 48% of mortgages were insured.

Of the insured mortgages, the vast majority (over 90%) were insured by either CMHC, Genworth Financial Canada, or Canada Guaranty Mortgage Insurance Company. CMHC remains the largest provider of mortgage insurance in Canada, with approximately 63% of insured mortgages in 2021.

The proportion of insured mortgages varies by region, with the highest percentage of insured mortgages found in Atlantic Canada (over 60%), and the lowest in British Columbia (just over 30%). Ontario and Quebec both have insured mortgage rates of around 50%.

The data also shows that insured mortgages tend to be more common among first-time homebuyers, with over 60% of insured mortgages going to first-time buyers. This reflects the fact that many first-time buyers may not have the necessary down payment to purchase a home without mortgage insurance.

Overall, these statistics highlight the significant role that mortgage insurance plays in the Canadian housing market, allowing more Canadians to enter the housing market and helping to mitigate risk for lenders.

Factors Affecting The Percentage Of Insured Mortgages In Canada

Several factors can impact the percentage of insured mortgages in Canada, including economic conditions, government policies, and changes in the housing market.

One of the main drivers of insured mortgages is the level of interest rates. When interest rates are low, it can be more affordable for borrowers to purchase a home and take on a mortgage, which can lead to an increase in demand for housing and a higher percentage of insured mortgages. On the other hand, when interest rates are high, the cost of borrowing increases, which can reduce demand for housing and lead to a decrease in insured mortgages.

Government policies can also impact the percentage of insured mortgages in Canada. For example, changes to mortgage insurance rules, such as the recent increase in the minimum down payment requirement for homes priced over $500,000, can impact the number of borrowers who are eligible for mortgage insurance and the overall demand for insured mortgages.

Changes in the housing market, such as fluctuations in home prices or changes in housing supply and demand, can also impact the percentage of insured mortgages. For example, if home prices are increasing rapidly, it may be more difficult for borrowers to save for a down payment, which could lead to a higher percentage of insured mortgages.

Finally, the availability and competitiveness of mortgage insurance options can also impact the percentage of insured mortgages. Borrowers may choose to seek out alternative options, such as private mortgage insurance if they find that the premiums and underwriting guidelines of CMHC and other government-backed insurers do not meet their needs.

Overall, a variety of factors that impact the percentage of insured mortgages in Canada, and borrowers and lenders alike must remain aware of these factors to make informed decisions about mortgage insurance.

Regional Differences In The Percentage Of Insured Mortgages In Canada

There are significant regional differences in the percentage of insured mortgages in Canada. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), as of the end of 2022, the percentage of insured mortgages varied from province to province.

In Atlantic Canada, over 60% of mortgages were insured, making it the region with the highest percentage of insured mortgages in the country. This is likely due to a combination of lower incomes and higher unemployment rates in the region, which can make it more difficult for borrowers to save for a down payment.

Ontario and Quebec both had insured mortgage rates of around 50%, reflecting the fact that these provinces are home to some of the largest and most expensive housing markets in the country.

In British Columbia, just over 30% of mortgages were insured, the lowest percentage in the country. This is likely due in part to the high home prices in the province, which can make it difficult for borrowers to qualify for mortgage insurance based on the maximum purchase price and loan-to-value ratio criteria.

It’s worth noting that while insured mortgages are more common among first-time homebuyers across the country, there are also regional differences in this regard. In Ontario and British Columbia, for example, insured mortgages made up a slightly smaller share of mortgages taken out by first-time buyers compared to other provinces.

Overall, these regional differences in the percentage of insured mortgages in Canada highlight the importance of considering local market conditions and economic factors when making decisions about mortgage financing. Borrowers should work with their mortgage professionals to understand their options and determine the best mortgage insurance option for their specific needs and circumstances.

Benefits and Drawbacks of Insured Mortgages In Canada

Benefits Of Insured Mortgages In Canada

Insured mortgages in Canada are home loans that are backed by mortgage insurance provided by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) or other private mortgage insurance companies. While insured mortgages may come with some drawbacks, they also offer several benefits to borrowers. Here are some of the benefits of insured mortgages in Canada:

Lower Down Payment Requirements: Insured mortgages in Canada allow borrowers to purchase a home with a down payment as low as 5% of the purchase price. This can make homeownership more accessible to those who may not have enough savings for a larger down payment. In contrast, uninsured mortgages typically require a down payment of at least 20%.
More Flexible Lending Terms: Insured mortgages in Canada may offer more flexible lending terms than uninsured mortgages. Borrowers may be able to choose between fixed or variable interest rates, and may have access to longer amortization periods. This can make it easier for borrowers to manage their monthly payments and budget more effectively.
Easier Qualification: Insured mortgages in Canada may be easier to qualify for than uninsured mortgages. Since the lender’s risk is partially covered by the mortgage insurance, borrowers with lower credit scores or less income may still be able to qualify for an insured mortgage.
Protection for Lenders: Mortgage insurance provides protection to lenders in the event of default by the borrower. This allows lenders to offer lower interest rates and more flexible lending terms, knowing that their investment is protected.
Higher Loan-to-Value Ratio: Insured mortgages in Canada may offer a higher loan-to-value ratio than uninsured mortgages. This means that borrowers can borrow a higher percentage of the home’s purchase price, which can make homeownership more affordable.
Portability: Insured mortgages in Canada may be portable, which means that borrowers can transfer their mortgage to a new property without penalty. This can be beneficial for those who need to move before their mortgage term is up.

Overall, insured mortgages in Canada offer several benefits to borrowers, including lower down payment requirements, more flexible lending terms, easier qualification, protection for lenders, higher loan-to-value ratios, and portability. Borrowers should carefully consider their financial situation and goals to determine whether an insured mortgage is the right choice for them.

Drawbacks Of Insured Mortgages In Canada

Insured mortgages in Canada are home loans that are backed by mortgage insurance provided by the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) or other private mortgage insurance companies. While insured mortgages offer many benefits to borrowers, such as lower down payment requirements and more flexible lending terms, they also come with some drawbacks that borrowers should be aware of. Here are some of the drawbacks of insured mortgages in Canada:

Increased Costs: Insured mortgages in Canada come with an insurance premium that is typically added to the mortgage amount. This premium can range from 0.6% to 4.5% of the total mortgage amount, depending on the down payment amount and the length of the mortgage term. This additional cost can add up over time and increase the overall cost of borrowing.
Limited Flexibility: Insured mortgages in Canada are subject to stricter lending requirements and guidelines compared to uninsured mortgages. Borrowers may face limitations in terms of the type of property they can purchase or the amount they can borrow. Additionally, the CMHC has set rules regarding the maximum debt-to-income ratio that borrowers can have, which can limit their ability to borrow.
Restrictions on Rental Properties: Insured mortgages in Canada are not available for rental properties. This means that borrowers who want to purchase an investment property or a second home for rental purposes will not be able to get an insured mortgage. They will need to qualify for an uninsured mortgage or use other financing options.
Potential for Longer Processing Times: Insured mortgages in Canada are subject to additional approval processes, such as mortgage insurance underwriting, which can take longer than traditional mortgage approvals. This can be a disadvantage for borrowers who need to close on their home purchase quickly.
Limited Competition: Since the CMHC is the largest provider of mortgage insurance in Canada, there is less competition among insurers, which can limit borrowers’ ability to shop around for the best rates and terms. This can result in higher costs and fewer options for borrowers.

Overall, insured mortgages in Canada offer many benefits to borrowers, but they also come with some drawbacks that borrowers should consider before choosing this type of financing. These drawbacks include increased costs, limited flexibility, restrictions on rental properties, potential for longer processing times, and limited competition among insurers. Borrowers should carefully evaluate their financial situation and goals to determine whether an insured mortgage is the right choice for them.

Comparison Of Insured And Uninsured Mortgages

Insured and uninsured mortgages in Canada have some key differences in terms of down payment requirements, qualification criteria, and costs.

One of the main differences between insured and uninsured mortgages is the down payment requirement. Insured mortgages allow borrowers to purchase a home with a down payment as low as 5%, while uninsured mortgages typically require a down payment of at least 20%. This means that borrowers who are unable to save up a large down payment may be able to qualify for an insured mortgage but not an uninsured mortgage.

In terms of qualification criteria, insured mortgages may be more lenient than uninsured mortgages. Insured mortgages are generally easier to qualify for, particularly for borrowers with lower credit scores or higher debt-to-income ratios. This is because the mortgage insurance provider provides a guarantee to the lender, which helps to mitigate the lender’s risk.

However, insured mortgages also come with additional costs. Borrowers are required to pay mortgage insurance premiums, which can add thousands of dollars to the overall cost of the mortgage. These premiums are typically added to the mortgage amount and paid over the life of the loan, which can result in higher monthly payments and interest costs.

Uninsured mortgages, on the other hand, do not require mortgage insurance premiums, which can make them a more affordable option over the long term. Uninsured mortgages may also offer more flexibility in terms of lender options, as borrowers are not restricted to working with lenders who offer mortgage insurance.

However, uninsured mortgages typically require a larger down payment and may have more stringent qualification criteria, which can make them more difficult to obtain for some borrowers.

Overall, the choice between an insured and uninsured mortgage depends on a variety of factors, including the borrower’s financial situation, down payment amount, credit score, and the lender’s requirements. It’s important for borrowers to carefully consider their options and work with a qualified mortgage professional to determine the best financing strategy for their specific needs and circumstances.

Conclusion

In conclusion, while the percentage of insured mortgages in Canada has been declining in recent years, the majority of mortgages in Canada are still insured. This reflects the importance of mortgage insurance in the Canadian housing market, which provides protection to both lenders and borrowers.

Insured mortgages have played a critical role in making homeownership more accessible to Canadians, particularly for first-time buyers who may not have the savings for a large down payment. The lower down payment requirements and more flexible lending terms that come with insured mortgages have helped many Canadians achieve their dream of homeownership.

At the same time, it is worth noting that the decline in the percentage of insured mortgages in Canada may reflect a shift towards more conventional mortgages with larger down payments. This may be a positive development in terms of overall financial stability, as borrowers with larger down payments are less likely to default on their mortgages.

What Percentage Of Canadian Mortgages Are Insured?

What Percentage Of Canadian Mortgages Are Insured?