
CMHC mortgage insurance is calculated based on the borrower's loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which is the total mortgage amount divided by the property's purchase price. The insurance cost is calculated as a percentage of the loan size and is based on the size of the down payment. The higher the LTV ratio (meaning the smaller the down payment), the higher the insurance premium percentage. For example, if a homebuyer puts down 5% as a down payment, resulting in a 95% LTV ratio, the insurance premium is typically around 4% of the total mortgage amount. CMHC insurance calculators are available online to help buyers estimate their mortgage insurance costs based on their specific circumstances.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Basis of calculation | Borrower's loan-to-value (LTV) ratio |
| LTV ratio calculation | Total mortgage amount/property's purchase price |
| Insurance premium | Higher for a smaller down payment |
| Minimum down payment | 5% for properties costing $500,000 or less |
| Minimum down payment | 5% for the first $500,000 and 10% for the remainder if the property costs more than $500,000 |
| Maximum property value for CMHC insurance | $1 million |
| Maximum property value for mortgage loan insurance | $1,500,000 |
| Premium calculation | Down payment as a percentage of the purchase price |
| Premium payment | One-time payment |
| Premium payment options | Upfront or through mortgage payments |
| Provincial sales tax | Applicable in Manitoba, Quebec, Ontario, and Saskatchewan |
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What You'll Learn

CMHC insurance is calculated as a percentage of the loan
The CMHC insurance rate is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price, with the premium being smaller for larger down payments. The CMHC premium is a one-time charge on the amount of the insured mortgage. The down payment percentage is calculated by dividing the down payment amount by the home price. For example, a down payment of $40,000 on a home price of $300,000 results in a down payment percentage of 13.33%.
The CMHC insurance premium is then calculated by multiplying the mortgage amount before CMHC insurance by the CMHC tax rate. In the above example, the mortgage amount before CMHC insurance is $260,000 ($300,000 home price minus $40,000 down payment), and the CMHC tax rate is 3.10%. Multiplying these two values together results in a CMHC insurance premium of $8,060.
It is important to note that the CMHC insurance premium rate depends on the loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which is the total mortgage amount divided by the property's purchase price. A higher LTV ratio, or a smaller down payment, results in a higher insurance premium percentage. For example, a 5% down payment (95% LTV ratio) would result in a higher insurance premium of 4.00% compared to a 15% down payment (85% LTV ratio), which would have a lower premium of 2.80%.
Additionally, CMHC insurance may be required even if the down payment is greater than 20%, depending on the lender's requirements. In such cases, the premium rate is lower compared to high-ratio mortgages with a down payment of less than 20%.
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The percentage depends on the down payment amount
The percentage of CMHC mortgage insurance depends on the down payment amount. The CMHC insurance rate is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price of a home. The higher the percentage of the total house price/value borrowed, the higher the percentage paid in insurance premiums. The down payment amount is calculated as a percentage of the home's purchase price. The CMHC premium is a one-time charge on the amount of the insured mortgage.
CMHC mortgage insurance is calculated based on the borrower's loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which is the total mortgage amount divided by the property's purchase price. The higher the LTV ratio, the higher the insurance premium percentage. For example, if a homebuyer puts down 5% (resulting in a 95% LTV ratio), the insurance premium is 4.00% of the total mortgage amount. In contrast, a homebuyer who puts down 15% (resulting in an 85% LTV ratio) will pay a lower premium of 2.80%.
The minimum down payment depends on the purchase price of the home. For a purchase price of $500,000 or less, the minimum down payment is 5%. When the purchase price exceeds $500,000, the minimum down payment is 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% of the remainder. If the home costs $1,500,000 or more, mortgage loan insurance is not available. Mortgage insurance is required for all home purchases with down payments of less than 20% of a property's value.
To calculate the insurance cost, select the down payment percentage, the amortization payment, and the asking price of the potential new home. CMHC mortgage insurance calculators are available online to help determine the cost of mortgage insurance.
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The higher the loan-to-value ratio, the higher the premium
The loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is the total mortgage amount divided by the property's purchase price. The higher the LTV ratio, the smaller the down payment, and consequently, the higher the insurance premium percentage. This is because CMHC mortgage insurance is calculated based on the borrower's LTV ratio.
For instance, if a homebuyer puts down 5% as a down payment, resulting in a 95% LTV ratio, the insurance premium is 4.00% of the total mortgage amount. On the other hand, if a homebuyer can put down 15% as a down payment, resulting in an 85% LTV ratio, they will pay a lower premium of 2.80%.
The CMHC premium that you will be charged is based on the lower of two values: the CMHC premium on the whole mortgage amount or the CMHC portability premium on the increased amount. For example, if you increase your loan amount within 12 months, you may be eligible for a 50% credit on your old mortgage, thereby reducing your CMHC premium.
The CMHC insurance rate is calculated as a percentage of the purchase price, with the premium being smaller for larger down payments. This percentage is dependent on the down payment amount and is a one-time charge on the amount of the insured mortgage.
In addition to the insurance premium, you may also need to pay provincial sales tax (PST) on your premiums if you live in certain provinces. PST cannot be added to your mortgage, so it must be paid upfront in cash.
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CMHC insurance is mandatory for buyers who pay less than 20% upfront
In Canada, mortgage default insurance, or CMHC insurance, is required for buyers who have paid less than 20% upfront for their property. This is calculated based on the borrower's loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which is the total mortgage amount divided by the property's purchase price. The LTV ratio is also referred to as the down payment percentage.
For example, if a buyer puts down a 5% down payment, the LTV ratio is 95%, and the insurance premium will be higher, at 4% of the total mortgage amount. In contrast, a 15% down payment results in an 85% LTV ratio and a lower premium of 2.80%. The CMHC insurance premium is a one-time fee calculated as a percentage of the loan, based on the size of the down payment. The higher the percentage of the total house price borrowed, the higher the insurance premium.
CMHC insurance is beneficial for buyers as it allows them to purchase a home with a lower down payment, often years earlier than if they had to save up 20%. It also ensures reasonable interest rates, even with smaller down payments. Additionally, CMHC-insured mortgages generally have lower mortgage rates compared to uninsured mortgages.
While CMHC insurance is mandatory for buyers paying less than 20% upfront, it can also be required by lenders for higher down payments in certain cases, such as purchasing in remote locations. Buyers can choose to pay the CMHC premium upfront in full or gradually through their mortgage payments, although this results in higher monthly payments.
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You can pay the CMHC premium upfront or add it to your mortgage
CMHC mortgage insurance is calculated based on the borrower's loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which is the total mortgage amount divided by the property's purchase price. The higher the LTV ratio (meaning the smaller the down payment), the higher the insurance premium percentage. For example, if a homebuyer puts down 5% (resulting in a 95% LTV ratio), the insurance premium is 4.00% of the total mortgage amount. In contrast, someone who puts down 15% (resulting in an 85% LTV ratio) will pay a lower premium of 2.80%. Mortgage default insurance is mandatory in Canada for buyers who have paid less than 20% down on their home's purchase.
When it comes to paying your CMHC premium, you have two main options: paying it upfront or adding it to your mortgage. If you choose to pay the entire amount upfront, you will need to have the cash available to cover this payment. This option can be beneficial if you want to avoid including the insurance costs in your mortgage payments. Additionally, paying upfront may provide certain benefits, such as avoiding CMHC fees when renewing your mortgage or potentially qualifying for a refund through the CMHC Eco Plus program if you purchase an energy-efficient home.
On the other hand, you can choose to add the CMHC premium to your mortgage principal balance. This option allows you to pay off the insurance cost gradually through your mortgage payments. While this approach may result in higher monthly mortgage payments, it can be more manageable if you don't have the funds available to pay the premium in full upfront. It's important to note that if your property is located in a province that charges provincial sales tax on the premium amount, you will need to pay this sales tax upfront, as it cannot be added to your mortgage.
The decision between paying the CMHC premium upfront or adding it to your mortgage depends on your financial situation and preferences. Paying upfront requires liquid cash but can help keep your monthly mortgage payments lower. Adding it to your mortgage provides the flexibility of paying over time but will increase your monthly payments. It's always recommended to consult with a licensed professional or financial advisor to determine the best option for your specific circumstances.
Additionally, it's worth mentioning that CMHC mortgage insurance offers benefits beyond being a requirement for loans with a down payment of less than 20%. It protects lenders in case of borrower default and, as a result, can make it easier for homebuyers to qualify for a mortgage. Furthermore, insured mortgages typically come with lower interest rates compared to uninsured mortgages, which can result in significant savings over the life of the loan.
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Frequently asked questions
CMHC mortgage insurance is calculated based on the borrower’s loan-to-value (LTV) ratio, which is the total mortgage amount divided by the property’s purchase price.
The higher the LTV ratio, the higher the insurance premium. For example, a 95% LTV ratio results in a 4.00% insurance premium, while an 85% LTV ratio results in a lower premium of 2.80%.
The LTV ratio is calculated by dividing the amount borrowed by the appraised value or purchase price of the property, whichever is lower.



































