Example $250,000:
$52,800 × 0.5% = $264
($250,000 − $52,800) × 1% = $1,972
Total = $2,236
Payment frequency formulas
Frequency
Formula
Monthly
PMT formula at monthly rate
Bi-weekly accelerated
Monthly ÷ 2 (26 payments/yr)
Weekly accelerated
Monthly ÷ 4 (52 payments/yr)
Accelerated payments save significant interest — equivalent to making one extra monthly payment per year.
Same model as the Planiprêt qualification guide: GDS = (mortgage payment + taxes + heating + 50% of condo fees) ÷ gross income | TDS = GDS + other debts ÷ gross income | the lower of the two caps the mortgage payment | Qualifying rate: 5.25%, 25-yr amortization
Step 1 — Down payment
Insured mortgage
5% – 19.9%
down payment
Mandatory insurance premium
Insurers: CMHC, Sagen, Canada Guaranty
Maximum amortization: 25 years
Min. down payment for $500k: 5%
For $500k–$999k: tiered 5% + 10%
Conventional mortgage
20%+
down payment
No insurance premium required
No mortgage insurer
Possible amortization: 30 years
Savings: thousands of dollars
Greater flexibility with the lender
CMHC / Sagen insurance premiums
Down payment
Premium (≤25yr)
Premium (30yr)
Example — $400,000
5%
4.00%
4.20%
$15,200
10%
3.10%
3.30%
$11,160
15%
2.80%
3.00%
$9,520
20%+
N/A
N/A
$0
The premium is added to the mortgage amount — it is not paid in cash at closing with the notary. It is financed over the full amortization period.
Minimum 5% of the purchase price. At 20%+, you eliminate the CMHC premium entirely and unlock 30-year amortization — meaningful long-term savings.
2
Aim for a Beacon score of 680+
Pay down existing debts and avoid new credit applications before your file is submitted. A strong score unlocks the best GDS/TDS ratios (39% / 44%).
3
Reduce your monthly debts
Every $100 less in monthly debt ≈ $18,000 more mortgage capacity (test rate 5.25%, 25-year amortization). Try it above — drop the debts field and watch the capacity move.
4
Consult a Planiprêt broker
Access to 20+ lenders, negotiation on your behalf, support all the way to the notary. Serving Greater Montreal & the Laurentides.