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Rate cuts may be done, and the focus is now on choosing the right mortgage plan.
Summary
Mortgage rates have stabilized and some lenders are adjusting pricing upward; borrowers are being encouraged to compare mortgage features such as portability, prepayment limits and whether a home equity line is offered rather than wait for lower rates.
Content
Mortgage rates in Canada have moved toward a more stable, normalized range, and some lenders are reported to be adjusting pricing upward. Experts quoted in the article say there is no clear signal that rates will move materially lower. The housing market is described as favouring buyers in many areas, and data cited from Zoocasa shows only about a third of major markets have seen price increases since January 2025. The discussion shifts from timing rate cuts to choosing mortgage features that fit a borrower’s long-term plans.
Key points:
- Leah Zlatkin, a mortgage broker at Mortgage Outlet and a LowestRates.ca expert, said rates are in a more normalized environment and there is no clear sign they will fall materially lower.
- Some lenders are already adjusting mortgage pricing upward in certain cases.
- Zoocasa data is cited showing only one-third of Canada’s major markets have recorded price gains since January 2025, a sign the market is currently more favourable to buyers in many areas.
- Important mortgage features to compare include portability, prepayment limits (reported commonly around 10–20 percent), and options for a home equity line of credit tied to the mortgage.
- The article notes that homeowners with variable-rate mortgages can experience stress around each Bank of Canada rate decision, while fixed rates offer more predictability.
Summary:
Stabilizing rates and some lender repricing mean the emphasis is shifting from waiting for lower rates to assessing mortgage features and long-term fit. The immediate impact is that prospective borrowers are being urged to focus on which combination of predictability and flexibility suits their plans, and the housing market conditions cited suggest buyer opportunities in some areas. Undetermined at this time
