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Investment Property

If you’re looking to acquire a rental property to build income and equity, you’re in the right place. Lower gets you qualified and organized, so you can secure your next property with confidence at a competitive rate.

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Lower is Canada’s premium mortgage broker offering mortgages for every type of new property investment.

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  • Brian Molnar
    Brian Molnar

    Google

    Buying a home for your family is so important. Ammar made us feel comfortable with at ease with this process. He took his time to understand our needs but was very quick with the process.

  • Karen Austin
    Karen Austin

    Comparewise

    I bought my first home a few years back and used @lowerdotca. It was a great experience so I called them when I was ready to purchase my second house. Ammar and his team go above and beyond.

  • Valerie Fincher
    Valerie Fincher

    Comparewise

    We had a great experience with Ammar and his team. He explained us all of our options without us feeling the pressure or rushed. I highly recommend.

  • Jeff Mahlum
    Jeff Mahlum

    Comparewise

    I was extremely nervous being a first time home buyer in Toronto. With prices skyrocketing I wasn't sure this was the right move but after speaking to Ammar, he made me feel confident.

  • Clementine Mason
    Clementine Mason

    Google

    Ammar went above and beyond our expectations, answering all of our questions and securing us an even better rate that we'd hoped for! The entire process was very smooth and we will be recommending his mortgage services.

  • Averi Blackwell
    Averi Blackwell

    Comparewise

    I was working with a broker before and it was a nightmare. Thank goodness I found Ammar. He was always quick to respond to help us. We will definitely be using Ammar when it’s time to renew our home.

  • Melissa Dodds
    Melissa Dodds

    Twitter

    I was anxious being a first-time home buyer in the Toronto market. Ammar was referred to me by a friend of the family and he definitely made the process much easier to work through!

  • John Hartman
    John Hartman

    Comparewise

    We really appreciated Damien’s patience and compassion through this entire process. We are very happy with our rate and how easy he made our experience.

  • Ruben Gonzalez
    Ruben Gonzalez

    Comparewise

    Ammar was amazing to work with from start to finish. Found us such an excellent rate. He went above and beyond for us.

  • Nicola Weber
    Nicola Weber

    Twitter

    @lowerdotca helped me with my purchase of my third business property. He found us the best rates. I would recommend Shawn if you need to speak to anyone.

  • Brooke Cheng
    Brooke Cheng

    Twitter

    My family member recommend @lowerdotca and to speak to Ammar. He doesn't disappoint. I was very satisfied with his service.

  • Fredy Pollich
    Fredy Pollich

    Comparewise

    My previous mortgage broker retired so I had to find a new one. When I contacted Lower. The whole team is amazing. I was impressed right off the bat. Very professional.

  • Tricia Seward
    Tricia Seward

    Twitter

    @lowerdotca was recommended to me by a fellow business owner who used their services to refinance their property. I found Ammar to be knowledgeable and efficient in helping us to reduce our rate and liquidate the capital we needed to expand our business.

  • Judson Flatley
    Judson Flatley

    Google

    So glad I found Damien and Lower. The last time I had to renew my mortgage was a headache. Damine is familar with the challenges of applying as a self-employed individual and got our re-financing done without any trouble.

  • Josephine R
    Josephine R

    Google

    Lower gave us confidence in our purchase. I won’t even hesitate calling because they are just that great! Very easy to understand and work with.

  • Albert Taylor
    Albert Taylor

    Comparewise

    I've worked with Lower many times. I highly recommend them to my clients who are in need. They work hard to get the best rates.

  • William Westley
    William Westley

    Comparewise

    I was referred to Damien because I wanted to purchase the building my business is in when my landlord decided to sell. We went over all of my options and I ended up not only managing to purchase the building but also get extra funds to

  • Javier Garcia
    Javier Garcia

    Google

    Very reliable team. They are straight forward which I liked. They are honest but they also work very hard to find the best rates for you.

  • Michele Peers
    Michele Peers

    Google

    I had the pleasure of speaking to Shawn about a few things. Including purchasing property for my business and we got approved very quick. I will be using his services for my business in the future.

  • Donal Lynch
    Donal Lynch

    Twitter

    I used @lowerdotca to help with the purchase of my second investment property. Damien made the process quick and straightforward, which I appreciated as I have a hectic schedule.

FAQs about Investment Property Mortgages

Have a different question? Contact us today.

Can You Deduct Interest on an Investment Property?

No, you can’t deduct interest on an investment property. You can use the mortgage interest deduction to reduce your taxable income by the total mortgage interest you paid. Also, the mortgage interest can be written off as a business expense. It helps reduce taxable income.

Can You Get a 30-Year Mortgage for an Investment Property?

Yes, you can get a 30-year mortgage for an investment property. The financing for second houses is a 30-year mortgage. You can still have other options for terms of 10 or 20 years. The best loan term for your investment mortgage can also be affected by interest fees, investment costs, and daily spending. A 30-year loan will offer lower monthly payments. But it comes with higher interest costs.

Can I Get a Mortgage for an Investment Property?

You can get a mortgage for an investment property based on your financial situation. You can gain a mortgage with a low-interest rate if you score over 650. You'll also need a significant financial budget and a down payment.

How Much Higher Are Mortgage Rates for Investment Properties?

You will get a lower mortgage rate than those for owner-occupied mortgages when you make a big down payment. The minimum down payment for a loan for an investment property mortgage rate is 20 percent. You will only get lower rates when it is over 30 percent.

How Can I Get a Second Mortgage on an Investment Property?

Business loan companies have stricter requirements for a second mortgage on an investment property than a first mortgage. You’ll need to verify that you can make two mortgage payments.

About Investment Property Mortgages

An investment property mortgage can be a valuable financial tool for individuals looking to build long-term wealth through real estate. However, getting an investment property loan is different from obtaining a mortgage for a primary residence, as lenders apply stricter qualification criteria and higher down payment requirements.

Investment property mortgages are loans provided by banks or private lenders to purchase real estate intended for income generation. These properties can generate returns through rental income or long-term appreciation when sold at a higher value.

Unlike mortgages for primary residences, investment property mortgages typically require a larger down payment (usually 20% or more) and may come with stricter approval requirements due to increased lender risk.

This article will explain what investment property mortgages are, the different types, their pros and cons, how to qualify, key factors that influence approval in Canada, and important considerations for new investors.

investment property mortgage - source mortgages

What is an Investment Property Mortgage?

An investment property mortgage is a loan used to buy equity with the intention of generating income or capital growth. Unlike a primary residence mortgage, the property is not intended for personal living purposes.

Income from an investment property can be earned in two main ways:

  • Renting the property to tenants
  • Selling the property later at a higher value after appreciation or improvements

For example, an investor might purchase a home, rent it out for several years, and later sell it for a profit once its value increases.

The type of property purchased can also affect mortgage terms, interest rates, and down payment requirements.

Types of Investment Property Mortgages

Investment properties generally fall into three main categories:

Residential Property Mortgage

These include single-family homes, duplexes, and multi-unit residential buildings. Investors typically earn income by renting these properties or selling them after value appreciation.

Commercial Property Mortgage

Commercial properties are used for business purposes and may include office buildings, retail spaces, warehouses, and mixed commercial units. These properties often require larger investments and can involve more complex financing.

Mixed-use Property

Mixed-use properties combine residential and commercial spaces. For example, a building may have retail space on the ground floor and residential units above. These properties can offer diversified income streams.

How Investment Property Mortgages Work in Practice

Understanding the mechanics of these mortgages can help investors make better decisions.

When you apply for an investment property mortgage, lenders typically assess:

  • Your income stability
  • Your credit history
  • Your existing debt obligations
  • The expected rental income from the property

In many cases, lenders may include a portion of expected rental income when calculating affordability. This is known as rental offsetting, and it can help improve your borrowing capacity if the property is expected to generate strong rental returns.

However, lenders usually apply a rental income stress test, meaning they only count a percentage of projected rent to account for vacancy risks.

Pros and Cons of Investment Property Mortgages

Like any financial product, investment property mortgages come with advantages and risks.

Pros of Investment Property Mortgages

  • Potential for steady rental income
  • Long-term property value appreciation
  • Possible tax deductions on eligible expenses (such as mortgage interest, maintenance, and property management fees)
  • Portfolio diversification through real estate investment
  • Opportunity to build equity over time

Cons of Investment Property Mortgages

  • Higher down payment requirements (typically 20% or more)
  • Stricter lending requirements compared to primary residences
  • Property maintenance and management responsibilities
  • Rental income can fluctuate based on market demand
  • Interest rates may be higher depending on risk factors
second property mortgage - source mortgages

Common Costs Investors Should Expect

Beyond the mortgage itself, investors should budget for ongoing expenses, including:

  • Property taxes
  • Insurance (often higher for rental properties)
  • Maintenance and repairs
  • Property management fees (if using a manager)
  • Vacancy periods (when the unit is not rented)
  • Utilities (depending on lease structure)

Understanding these costs is essential because they directly impact cash flow, which is one of the most important measures of investment success.

Requirements and Qualifications for an Investment Property Mortgage

To qualify for an investment property mortgage in Canada, lenders typically assess your financial stability and ability to repay the loan.

Common requirements include:

  • Being at least 18 years old
  • Being a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (or meeting lender-specific criteria)
  • Strong credit history and manageable debt levels
  • Stable and verifiable income

Required Documentation

When applying, you may be asked to provide:

Proof of Down Payment

Evidence that you have sufficient savings or funds for the required down payment and closing costs.

Property Details

Information such as listings, purchase agreements, and zoning details.

Credit Information

Lenders will review your credit report to assess your borrowing history and risk level.

Proof of Income

Employment letters, pay stubs, or tax documents to verify income stability.

Government-Issued Identification

Valid identification such as a driver’s licence or passport.

Tips to Improve Your Approval Chances

If you’re preparing to apply, these strategies can help strengthen your application:

  • Reduce existing debt before applying
  • Improve your credit score by paying bills on time
  • Save a larger down payment (20-30% can improve lender confidence)
  • Maintain stable employment history
  • Avoid taking on new debt before applying
  • Consider rental income potential when selecting a property

Even small improvements in these areas can affect both approval odds and interest rates.

Factors That Influence Your Investment Property Mortgage

Several key factors affect your mortgage eligibility and interest rate:

Loan Amount

Larger loans may receive more competitive rates depending on lender policies, though risk assessment is based on multiple factors.

Amortization Period

In Canada, amortization is typically up to 25 years for most investment property mortgages. Longer amortization periods may result in higher total interest costs.

Credit Score

A higher credit score generally improves your chances of approval and may help you secure better interest rates, though it is only one part of the lender’s assessment.

Debt-to-Income Ratio

Lenders evaluate your debt-to-income ratio (DTI) to ensure you can manage additional mortgage payments alongside existing obligations.

Down Payment Size

A larger down payment (20% or more) can improve approval chances and may help you avoid mortgage default insurance requirements.

Investment Property Strategies

Different investment strategies can influence the type of mortgage you choose:

Buy and Hold Strategy

Purchase a property and rent it long-term to generate steady cash flow and benefit from appreciation.

Fix and Flip Strategy

Buy undervalued properties, renovate them, and sell them for a profit. These often require shorter-term financing or specialized lending.

Multi-Unit Investing

Buying duplexes or small apartment buildings can increase rental income stability by diversifying tenants within one property.

Where to Get an Investment Property Mortgage in Canada

Lower is one of Canada’s leading mortgage brokers and the ideal company to assist with your mortgage needs. This broker’s experience spans various mortgage types, from residential to commercial. It also offers clients mortgage refinancing, home equity loans, and debt consolidation solutions.

Pursuing an investment property mortgage can be tricky, especially if it’s your first. Which is why consulting with an expert is advisable. Lower’ experts will quickly set you on the right path to your property investment dreams.

Final Thoughts on Investment Property Mortgages

Investment property mortgages can be a powerful tool for building long-term wealth through real estate, but they require careful financial planning and a clear understanding of the risks involved.

Before investing, it is important to:

  • Understand down payment and qualification requirements
  • Evaluate potential rental income and expenses
  • Consider market risks and cash flow variability
  • Compare mortgage options to find suitable financing

With the right strategy and financing approach, investment properties can become a valuable part of a long-term wealth-building plan.