Ottawa Mortgage Rates, Options and Brokers – Compared Simply
Buying, refinancing or renewing in Ottawa? Learn how mortgages work in Ontario, run the numbers with our free calculators, and get matched with a licensed mortgage professional who shops the market for you.
Get matched with a broker Try the mortgage calculatorFree to use · No obligation · Independent Ottawa mortgage guide
Choose what you need
Buying a home
Down payments, the stress test, closing costs and first-time buyer programs for Ottawa purchases.
First-time buyer guide →Refinancing
Access home equity, consolidate debt or lower your payment. Know the costs before you switch.
Refinance guide →Renewing
Your term is ending. Learn when to start shopping and why the first offer is rarely the best.
Renewal guide →Self-employed
Income proof, stated income options and how lenders assess business owners in Ontario.
Self-employed guide →Commercial & investment
Commercial, multi-family and rental property financing, with a DSCR calculator.
Commercial mortgage guide →Lenders & brokers
Banks, credit unions and monoline lenders compared, plus how to find and verify a broker.
Compare lenders →Featured Ottawa mortgage professionals
Mortgage brokers and brokerages serving Ottawa, based on each business’s public website. We are verifying licences one by one, so check any licence on the FSRA register yourself. Listing is not an endorsement.
Andrew Hill
Andrew Thake
Capital Mortgages
Chris Allard Mortgage Team
Jason Anbara
Jeff Cody
See all Ottawa mortgage brokers
How Ottawa Mortgages works
- Tell us about your situation. Answer a few quick questions about buying, refinancing or renewing.
- Get matched. We connect you with a licensed Ontario mortgage professional who can compare lenders for you.
- Compare and decide. Review the options, ask questions and choose what fits. You are never obliged to go ahead.
Free Ottawa mortgage tools
Mortgage calculator
Estimate your payment, default insurance and interest over the term.
Open the calculator →Land transfer tax calculator
See the Ontario land transfer tax and first-time buyer rebate on your purchase price.
Calculate your tax →Mortgage rates explained
What drives Ottawa mortgage rates and how to compare offers properly.
Rates guide →Choosing a broker
What a mortgage broker does, what it costs and how to check a licence.
Broker guide →Why Ottawa homebuyers use a mortgage broker
- More choice. A broker can compare banks, credit unions and monoline lenders in one conversation.
- Rate holds. Many lenders will hold a rate for up to 120 days while you shop for a home.
- Help with complex files. Self-employed income, new to Canada, or a recent credit dip? Some lenders specialize in these files.
- No cost to most borrowers. Lenders typically pay the broker on funded mortgages. Always ask up front whether any fee applies.
Ottawa mortgage questions, answered
What do I need to qualify for a mortgage in Ottawa?
Lenders look at your income, employment history, credit score, existing debts, down payment and the property. In Canada, most buyers must also pass the mortgage stress test, which means qualifying at a higher rate than the one you are offered.
How much down payment do I need in Ontario?
The minimum is 5% on the first $500,000 of the price and 10% on the portion between $500,000 and $1.5 million. Homes priced at $1.5 million or more need at least 20% down. With less than 20% down, mortgage default insurance is required.
Do I pay a land transfer tax when buying in Ottawa?
Yes, Ontario charges a provincial land transfer tax. Ottawa does not charge an additional municipal land transfer tax. First-time buyers may qualify for a rebate of up to $4,000.
Is it better to use a mortgage broker or a bank?
A bank can only offer its own products. A broker can compare many lenders and negotiate on your behalf. The best choice depends on your situation, so it is worth comparing at least one broker quote with your bank’s offer.
Are you a mortgage broker or a lender?
No. Ottawa Mortgages is an independent information and referral service. We do not lend money or give mortgage advice. We connect you with licensed Ontario mortgage professionals.
Ready to compare Ottawa mortgage options?
Answer a few quick questions and we will connect you with a licensed Ontario mortgage professional. It is free to use and there is no obligation.
Get matched nowImportant: Ottawa Mortgages is an independent information and referral service. We are not a lender, mortgage broker or mortgage brokerage, and we do not give mortgage advice or make credit decisions. If you ask to be connected, your details may be shared with a licensed Ontario mortgage professional, who may compensate us. Rates, rules and eligibility change often. Confirm details with a licensed professional and official sources, and check any Ontario mortgage broker’s licence with FSRA. Read our full disclosure.