Renters across Canada have been struggling with rising rent costs and wondering how they will be able to save for a down payment while renting. However, with some money management tricks and adjustments to your daily living, you can save for a down payment. It might go slowly, but every little bit helps. Here are some tips to save for a down payment while renting. 1. Make a Budget and Stick to It Making a budget is the easiest way to make your financial goals happen. When you... [read more]

You’ve assessed your finances and the housing market, and researched the various financial options open to you and your household. Then, you took the leap in applying for a mortgage – quite possibly the most significant money-related decision of your life. Now you play the waiting game. This waiting period is perhaps one of the hardest parts of the home-buying process, determining if you have been approved or rejected for a home loan. While it can be challenging, especially in... [read more]

So, how much is a down payment on a house, anyway? The purchasing process usually starts years before the actual purchase, because that’s how long it can take to save up for a down payment, depending on where you’re planning to buy a home, your income and expenses, and of course, the home price. In Canada, when the purchase price is $500,000 or less, the minimum down payment is 5%. For homes priced over $500,000, the minimum down payment is 5% for the first $500,000 and 10% for... [read more]

Saving a down payment for a house can be a daunting task. In this day and age, it can take years to save up enough money to afford a home, depending on various personal and economic factors. However, the Canadian government has created a Home Buyers’ Plan program, which allows first-time homebuyers to withdraw up to $35,000 from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to increase their down payment. If you’re buying with someone who also qualifies for the program, that... [read more]