Rules before ratios

Mortgage stress test calculator

See the informational qualifying rate, then check whether the rule applies to the mortgage move you are making.

Informational qualifying rate6.5%

Informational for newly underwritten mortgages and refinances. Same-lender renewals and eligible straight switches do not require the MQR.

Educational estimate, not financial or mortgage advice. Confirm figures with your lender or a licensed mortgage professional.

How the qualifying rate works

MQR = max(contract rate + 2.00%, 5.25%)

The MQR applies to newly underwritten mortgages, including purchases and refinances. It is an affordability test rate, not necessarily the rate used to calculate your actual payment.

Moving from a provincially regulated credit union or private lender to a federally regulated lender may not qualify as an exempt straight switch. Confirm the underwriting path before relying on the exemption.

Renewing a variable-rate mortgage? The stress test is one check — your trigger rate is another worth knowing before you decide what to renew into.