Top Dollar: How High Can You Go?

Martin Jensen • May 16, 2018

Affordability is a major concern for today’s aspiring first-time homebuyers. In hot real estate markets like the Greater Toronto and Greater Vancouver regions, however, the desire for affordability can be challenged by the competitive fervour caused by escalating prices and bidding wars. As anyone who has researched homeownership in these markets knows, it’s easy to feel the pressure to bid higher than you’d like.

Resist the urge. It’s important to go house hunting with a firm price range in mind. If something is outside of your budget, it’s not affordable – period. A successful home purchase isn’t about beating out 20 other offers; it’s about sealing the deal on a home you can afford, with money left over each month after your mortgage is paid, to cover your other expenses, savings and a little bit of fun, too.

It’s a tall order, but there is a formula to help you find that sweet spot.

Find Your Right Price

Lenders and mortgage insurers look at two debt service ratios when qualifying you for a mortgage (and mortgage insurance, which you will need if you make a down payment of less than 20 per cent the cost of the home).

  • Gross debt service (GDS)
    The carrying costs of your home, such as mortgage payments, taxes, heating, etc., relative to your income.
  • Total debt service (TDS)
    Home carrying costs (mortgage payments, taxes, heating, etc.) plus your debt payments (credit cards, student loans, car loans, etc.), again relative to your income.

The highest allowable GDS ratio is 39 per cent, and the highest allowable TDS ratio is 44 per cent.

Want a shortcut to determining affordability? Use Genworth.ca’s “What Can I Afford?” online mortgage calculator. Input your income, current monthly debt payments and other details for an instant result that shows how much mortgage you can comfortably afford. (Note: For the interest rate, be sure to input the Bank of Canada’s conventional five-year mortgage rate, as that is what lenders use when determining GDS and TDS.)

Down Payment Strategies

Once you know how much mortgage you can manage, limit your house hunt to homes that keep you in that price range. That way, you won’t panic or find yourself in financial trouble if interest rates go up in the future.

You can buy “more house” for the same total mortgage if you have a larger down payment. Saving aggressively is one way to do that. Pair that with other strategies, such as the following:

  • Borrowing money from your RRSP under the government’s Home Buyers’ Plan.
  • Asking family for help via gifts or loans. (Don’t be embarrassed: 23 per cent of respondents in the 2017 Genworth Canada First-Time Homeownership Study say they’d do it!)
  • Taking on a side gig or second job.
  • Gulp! Moving back home with your parents so you can save on rent.

Location, Location, Location

The other way to end up with a smaller mortgage is to buy a less pricey house. Fixer-uppers help, but the most dramatic payoff may come from expanding your search to a wider radius.

Consider buying in a nearby city or suburb that you can commute to work from. Or blaze new ground by moving farther afield in search of a new home and new adventures – with the spare cash to enjoy them both!

This article is part of Genworth Canada's Guide for Millennial Homebuyers. It was originally published online here.

RECENT POSTS

What You Need to Know About Porting a Mortgage When Moving

By Martin Jensen • November 4, 2026
Porting Your Mortgage: What You Need to Know Before You Rely on It Porting a mortgage means transferring your existing interest rate, remaining term, and outstanding balance from your current home to a new one when you sell and buy again. While some lenders—especially big banks—make porting sound simple, the reality is that porting a mortgage is often complex and far from guaranteed . It’s not a magic solution, and it doesn’t mean you automatically get to keep your old mortgage on your new home. In many ways, porting a mortgage feels like applying for a brand-new one—often with more conditions . Here’s why. 1. You Still Have to Re-Qualify Even though you already have the mortgage, the lender will reassess you. If you: Changed jobs Moved to a new city Are on probation Switched industries or income types …the lender may decline the port. Your previous approval does not carry over automatically. 2. The New Property Must Be Approved The lender also reassesses the new property . Just because they accepted your previous home as collateral doesn’t mean they’ll approve the next one. Expect: A new appraisal A review of the property’s condition Scrutiny around marketability and value If the lender isn’t comfortable with the property, the port can fail. 3. Property Values Rarely Line Up Perfectly Most moves involve a price difference. Buying a more expensive home: You’ll likely need additional funds at a blended rate, which can increase your payment. Buying a less expensive home: You may face a penalty for reducing the mortgage balance. Either scenario can affect your costs. 4. You Still Need a Down Payment Porting doesn’t mean you “swap houses” without cash. You still need: A down payment on the new purchase Closing costs Funds available at the right time This often surprises buyers. 5. Penalties Usually Still Apply (At First) Most lenders: Charge the full mortgage penalty when you sell Refund it only after the port is successfully completed If you’re relying on sale proceeds for your down payment, this temporary penalty can create a cash-flow issue. 6. Timelines Rarely Line Up Perfectly Real estate markets don’t cooperate. You might: Sell quickly but struggle to buy Find a home quickly but wait months to sell Closing dates rarely align, which complicates porting even further. 7. Port Periods Vary by Lender This is where the fine print matters. Depending on the lender, the port window may be: Same day only 30 days 90 days Up to 6 months If the port window is short, both transactions must close within that timeframe—or the port fails. Longer port periods offer flexibility, but also carry the risk of selling first and not finding a replacement property in time. The Bottom Line Porting your mortgage can make sense—especially if you have a strong rate and are buying a similar-priced home. But it is not guaranteed , and it comes with conditions, risks, and timing challenges. Portability is a feature, not a promise. Before you rely on it, it’s important to review all your options , including whether staying with your lender actually makes financial sense. If you’re planning to sell and buy, I’d be happy to walk you through the process, explain your options clearly, and help you decide whether porting is the right move—or if another strategy makes more sense.

Bank of Canada Raises Rate to 2.5% — October 28, 2026

By Martin Jensen • October 28, 2026
On October 28, 2026, the Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate by 0.25%, bringing it to 2.5%. If you have a mortgage, are shopping for a home, or have a renewal coming up, this decision matters. Here is a plain-language look at what changed, why it happened, and what it could mean for you.

What Mortgage Lenders Need to Know About Your Down Payment Source

By Martin Jensen • October 21, 2026
Why the Source of Your Down Payment Matters More Than You Think When buying a home, most people focus on how much they need for a down payment. What often gets overlooked is that where the down payment comes from matters just as much to the lender . The source of your down payment affects approval, risk assessment, and how your mortgage is structured. Here’s why lenders care—and what you need to know. 1. Anti–Money Laundering Requirements Lenders aren’t just being cautious—they’re legally required to verify the source of your down payment. To comply with anti–money laundering regulations, lenders must document where every dollar of the down payment came from on every purchase. Acceptable Down Payment Sources Down payments can come from: Your own savings or investments Borrowed funds through an insured program (such as FlexDown) A gift from an immediate family member How You Prove the Source Personal savings: You’ll need bank statements showing the funds have been in your account for at least 90 days , or proof they were accumulated through payroll deposits or other acceptable sources. Borrowed funds: Any borrowed portion must be included in your debt service ratios , since you’re responsible for repayment. Gifted funds: A signed gift letter is required confirming the money is a true gift with no repayment obligation , along with proof the funds were deposited into your account. 2. Financial Suitability and Risk The source of your down payment also tells the lender a lot about your financial habits. Down payments coming from your own savings demonstrate: Positive cash flow The ability to save consistently Strong financial management This reassures lenders that you’re more likely to keep up with mortgage payments. If the down payment is borrowed or gifted, lenders may look more closely at the rest of your application to ensure the mortgage remains affordable. Why a Larger Down Payment Helps From a lender’s perspective, more equity equals lower risk. The more money you have invested in the property, the less likely you are to walk away from the mortgage. This reduces the lender’s exposure and can sometimes result in better terms. 3. Down Payment and Loan-to-Value (LTV) Your down payment directly establishes your loan-to-value ratio (LTV)—the percentage of the property’s value being financed. In Canada: Lenders can finance up to 95% of a property’s value The buyer must contribute at least 5% as a down payment Example: On a $400,000 purchase: Maximum mortgage = $380,000 Minimum down payment = $20,000 How the Source Affects LTV Property value must be genuine and independently supported. Lenders rely on appraisals and comparable sales—not artificial price inflation. If: The seller provides money back The buyer doesn’t bring the full down payment independently Funds move “behind the scenes” …the lender considers this a change to the LTV and may decline the mortgage. All financial details of the purchase must be fully disclosed. Non-disclosure is mortgage fraud , and lenders will not proceed if the numbers don’t align. Final Thoughts Lenders ask for detailed documentation about your down payment source for good reason—it affects legality, risk, and the structure of your mortgage. Understanding these rules upfront helps avoid delays, declined applications, and last-minute surprises. If you’d like to review your down payment options or talk through mortgage financing, feel free to connect anytime. I’d be happy to walk you through the process and help you plan with confidence.