Mortgage Stress Test Calculator
See your qualifying rate under OSFI B-20, the GDS/TDS limits, and the maximum home price you can afford in 2026.
Your Finances
Before tax, all applicants combined.
Car loans, student loans, lines of credit, support payments — plus ~3% of credit card balances.
You must qualify at the greater of this + 2% or the 5.25% floor.
Lenders count 50% of condo fees in the ratios.
MQR floor 5.25% per OSFI, unchanged at the latest annual review (page updated January 2026).
Results
Maximum Purchase Price
$400,603 mortgage (incl. financed CMHC premium) + $50,000 down
Qualifying Rate
Contract rate + 2% buffer
Max Mortgage
Qualified at 6.50% over 25 years
Max Payment (Stress-Tested)
TDS ratio binds (GDS 39% / TDS 44%)
Actual Monthly Payment
What you'd really pay at 4.50%
Renewing? Since November 21, 2024, OSFI no longer requires the stress test for straight switches — moving an uninsured mortgage to a new lender at renewal with the same amount and amortization. Insured mortgages were already exempt when switching lenders.
Estimate only — lenders also weigh credit score (CMHC recommends 680+), employment history and the property itself. See payments at your real rate with the Canadian mortgage calculator.
Guide & Information
Overview / Aperçu
Canadian financial planning involves understanding interest rates, investment accounts, and tax-advantaged savings. The Mortgage Stress Test Calculator helps with financial decisions in Canada / Canada.
💡 Tips
- •Bank of Canada sets the overnight rate affecting all lending
- •RRSP contributions reduce current year taxable income
- •TFSA allows tax-free growth and withdrawals
- •Consider mortgage vs investment opportunity costs
Why Use This Calculator / Pourquoi utiliser cette calculatrice
Financial planning is crucial for retirement security, major purchases, and building wealth while taking advantage of Canadian tax-sheltered accounts.
Regulations: Follows Bank of Canada regulations.
- • Loan amount: $100,000
- • Interest rates vary by institution
- • Terms typically range from 12-360 months
Related Calculators
Frequently Asked Questions
How do Canadian interest rates work? / Comment fonctionnent les taux d'intérêt canadiens ?
Canadian financial calculations use Bank of Canada overnight rate as reference. Mortgage rates, loans, and savings accounts are influenced by this benchmark. / Les calculs financiers canadiens utilisent le taux directeur de la Banque du Canada comme référence. Les taux hypothécaires, prêts et comptes d'épargne sont influencés par ce repère.
What about RRSP and TFSA contributions? / Qu'en est-il des cotisations REER et CELI ?
RRSP contributions are tax-deductible with annual limits (18% of income, max $31,560 in 2024). TFSA contributions ($7,000 limit in 2024) grow tax-free. / Les cotisations REER sont déductibles d'impôt avec des limites annuelles (18% du revenu, max 31 560$ en 2024). Les cotisations CELI (limite de 7 000$ en 2024) croissent libres d'impôt.
Frequently asked questions
What is the mortgage stress test rate in 2026?
You must qualify at the greater of your contract rate plus 2%, or the 5.25% minimum qualifying rate floor. OSFI reviews the floor and buffer at least annually and has left both unchanged. So a 4.5% mortgage is tested at 6.5%, while a 3% mortgage is tested at the 5.25% floor.
What are GDS and TDS ratios?
Gross debt service (GDS) is your stress-tested mortgage payment plus property tax, heating and half of any condo fees, divided by gross income. Total debt service (TDS) adds all other debt payments. CMHC caps insured mortgages at 39% GDS and 44% TDS; conventional lenders set their own limits — many use the same 39/44, while the traditional conservative benchmark is 35/42.
Do I still face the stress test when renewing my mortgage?
Not for a straight switch. Since November 21, 2024, OSFI no longer requires re-qualification at the minimum qualifying rate when you move an uninsured mortgage to a new lender at renewal without increasing the amount or amortization. Insured mortgages were already exempt. Refinancing (borrowing more) still triggers the full test.
Does the stress test apply with 20% or more down?
Yes. OSFI Guideline B-20 applies the test to uninsured mortgages at federally regulated lenders, and the Department of Finance applies the same rule to insured mortgages. Credit unions are provincially regulated and some apply different criteria, but most follow equivalent rules.
How much income do I need for a $500,000 mortgage?
At a 4.5% contract rate (tested at 6.5%) over 25 years, a $500,000 mortgage needs roughly $3,350/month of stress-tested payment room. With typical property tax and heat and no other debts, that requires household income of about $115,000–$125,000 under the 39% GDS limit. Use the calculator to test your exact numbers.