Ontario Mortgage Payment Calculator

Frequently Asked Questions!

How do I calculate my mortgage payments?

Calculating mortgage payments used to be complex, but mortgage payment calculators have made it much easier. Our mortgage payment calculator gives you everything you need to test different scenarios, to help you decide what mortgage is right for you. Here’s a little more information on how the calculator works.

There are several factors that go into estimating how much your regular mortgage payments will be. These 3 numbers are particularly important:

1. The total mortgage amount: This is the price of your new home, less the down payment, plus mortgage insurance, if applicable.

2. The amortization period: This is the total life of your mortgage, and the number of years the mortgage payments will be spread across.

3. The mortgage rate: This is the rate of interest you pay on your mortgage.

How do I use the mortgage payment calculator?

To use the calculator, start by entering the purchase price, then select an amortization period and mortgage rate. The calculator shows the best rates available in your province, but you can also add a different rate. The calculator will now show you what your mortgage payments will be.

By default, the mortgage payment calculator will show four different monthly payments, depending on the size of your down payment. It will automatically calculate the cost of CMHC insurance. You can change the size of your down payment and the payment frequency to see how your regular payment will be affected.

Our calculator also shows you what the land transfer tax will be, and approximately how much cash you’ll need for closing costs. You can also use the calculator to estimate your total monthly expenses, see what your payments would be if mortgage rates go up, and show what your outstanding balance will be over time.

If you’re buying a new home, it’s a good idea to use the calculator to determine what you can afford before you start looking at real estate listings. If you’re renewing or refinancing and know the total amount of the mortgage, use the “Renewal or Refinance” tab to estimate mortgage payments without accounting for a down payment.

How can I lower my mortgage payments?

There are a few ways to lower your monthly mortgage payments. You can reduce the purchase price, make a bigger down payment, extend the amortization period, or find a lower mortgage rate. Use the calculator to see what your payment would be in different scenarios.

Keep in mind that if your down payment is less than 20%, your maximum amortization period is 25 years. As for finding a lower mortgage rate, it’s a good idea to speak to a mortgage broker for assistance.

Why does the monthly calculator have four columns?

We think it’s important for you to compare your options side by side. We start the calculator by outlining the four most common options for down payment scenarios, but you are not limited to those options. We also allow you to vary amortization period as well as interest rates, so you’ll know how a variable vs. fixed mortgage rate changes your payment.

What is Canada Mortgage Housing Corporation (CMHC) Insurance?

CMHC insurance (or mortgage default insurance) protects lenders from mortgages that default. CMHC insurance is mandatory for all mortgages in Canada with down payments of less than 20% (high-ratio mortgages). This is an additional cost to you, and is calculated as a percentage of your total mortgage amount.

What is an amortization schedule?

An amortization schedule shows your monthly payments over time and also indicates the portion of each payment paying down your principal vs. interest. The maximum amortization in Canada is 25 years on down payments less than 20%. The maximum amortization period for all mortgages is 35 years.

Though your amortization may be 25 years, your term will be much shorter. With the most common term in Canada being 5 years, your amortization will be up for renewal before your mortgage is paid off, which is why our amortization schedule shows you the balance of your mortgage at the end of your term.

* Rates may vary.

* Using this or any online Mortgage Calculator does not constitute a pre-approval. This is a tool to use before you make an appointment with a Mortgage Specialist.*

*Calculator is brought to you by home.ca*