With interest rates as low as they are, for as long as they have been, many Canadians who once mulled over the idea of buying an investment property are now seriously considering taking the plunge with a rental income property.
Rental property or second home?
Don't confuse a rental property with a second home and vice versa. There's an important distinction between the two when it comes to getting the right type of financing. From a lender's perspective, a rental property is a property you are buying to rent out to tenants and generate income. On the other hand, a second home is for the exclusive use of you and your family to either live in or use for leisure.
What are the rental income property mortgage down payments?
As a buyer, you are expected to pay for a portion of the property yourself. This portion is called a down payment. If your lender requires that you have government-backed mortgage insurance, the minimum amount you need for a down payment will vary on the type of property you are planning on purchasing.
If you are getting a mortgage for an owner-occupied property--like a duplex or triplex and you plan to live in one of the units--you will need to have a down payment of at least five per cent.
If you are looking to purchase a property and will not be living at the address (often referred to as a non-owner-occupied property), you will need to have at least 20 per cent.
What is government-back mortgage loan insurance?
Just like when you buy your own home, buying a house or a condominium to rent to others typically requires that you get a mortgage. Getting a mortgage for investment properties is common as few people have the means to purchase additional real estate on their own, without the aid of a lender.
If you are looking for a mortgage of more than 80 per cent of the property's purchase price, then your lender will require that you have government-backed mortgage insurance. Your lender will obtain mortgage insurance on your behalf and insurance premiums are typically added to your monthly mortgage payments.
Mortgage loan insurance protects the lender (not the property owner) from losses that may arise. For example, if the property owner defaults on their mortgage and the lender forecloses on the property, the lender will submit a claim to the insurer if the proceeds of the foreclosure do not cover the lender's losses.
Mortgage rates for rental income properties
If you are still thinking that the time is right for you to jump into the rental income property ring, you can take advantage of the mortgage rate comparison service offered through Kanetix.ca to help you research the mortgage rates available.
Compare mortgage rates today.
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