Mortgage Insurance Rule Changes Enable Homeowners to Add Secondary Suites

Deb Burnstein • January 2, 2025

As housing affordability challenges persist across Canada, innovative solutions are reshaping the way homeowners can contribute to housing supply. Starting January 15, 2025, new mortgage insurance rule changes will allow Canadian homeowners to access insured refinancing options to create secondary suites, such as basement apartments or laneway homes.


This move, announced in Budget 2024 and detailed by the Department of Finance Canada, is part of a broader strategy to increase housing density and improve affordability while offering homeowners the chance to generate additional income.


Why These Changes Matter

Historically, converting extra space into rental units has been both costly and mired in municipal red tape. Recent zoning reforms across Canada’s major cities, driven by Housing Accelerator Fund agreements, are reducing these barriers. The creation of secondary suites not only expands housing supply but also provides financial benefits to homeowners, such as offering seniors additional income to support aging in place.


Key Parameters for the New Rules

The new mortgage insurance program is designed to enable homeowners to build legal, self-contained secondary suites that comply with municipal requirements.


Here are the essential details:

Eligibility Requirements

Homeowners must already own the property.

The homeowner or a close relative must occupy one of the existing units.

Additional units must not be used as short-term rentals.


Project Specifications

New units must be fully self-contained with separate entrances (e.g., basement suites, laneway homes).

Up to four total dwelling units are allowed, including existing units.


Financial Parameters

The “as improved” property value must be less than $2 million.

Homeowners can refinance up to 90% of the property’s value, including the enhanced value from secondary suites.

The maximum amortization period is 30 years.

Additional financing must not exceed the project’s costs.


When Do These Rules Take Effect?

Starting January 15, 2025, lenders can submit applications for mortgage insurance under these updated parameters. This applies to all eligible properties across Canada, provided the new units align with municipal zoning requirements.


What This Means for Homeowners

For homeowners with underutilized space, such as basements or detached garages, this new program offers an opportunity to increase property value and create a source of long-term income. By building legal secondary suites, homeowners can contribute to Canada’s rental housing market while gaining financial security.


A Step Toward Housing Solutions

As housing supply remains a pressing issue, these mortgage insurance changes reflect a commitment to practical, homeowner-driven solutions. Whether you’re a senior looking to age in place or a family seeking to maximize your property’s potential, these changes represent an exciting opportunity to invest in your home and your community.

Stay informed and explore your options with your lender to determine if this program is right for you. The path to unlocking your property’s potential begins in 2025.


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Smart Strategies to Save for Your Down Payment

By Deb Burnstein • September 10, 2025
How to Start Saving for a Down Payment (Without Overhauling Your Life) Let’s face it—saving money isn’t always easy. Life is expensive, and setting aside extra cash takes discipline and a clear plan. Whether your goal is to buy your first home or make a move to something new, building up a down payment is one of the biggest financial hurdles. The good news? You don’t have to do it alone—and it might be simpler than you think. Step 1: Know Your Numbers Before you can start saving, you need to know where you stand. That means getting clear on two things: how much money you bring in and how much of it is going out. Figure out your monthly income. Use your net (after-tax) income, not your gross. If you’re self-employed or your income fluctuates, take an average over the last few months. Don’t forget to include occasional income like tax returns, bonuses, or government benefits. Track your spending. Go through your last 2–3 months of bank and credit card statements. List out your regular bills (rent, phone, groceries), then your extras (dining out, subscriptions, impulse buys). You might be surprised where your money’s going. This part isn’t always fun—but it’s empowering. You can’t change what you don’t see. Step 2: Create a Plan That Works for You Once you have the full picture, it’s time to make a plan. The basic formula for saving is simple: Spend less than you earn. Save the difference. But in real life, it’s more about small adjustments than major sacrifices. Cut what doesn’t matter. Cancel unused subscriptions or set a dining-out limit. Automate your savings. Set up a separate “down payment” account and auto-transfer money on payday—even if it’s just $50. Find ways to boost your income. Can you pick up a side job, sell unused stuff, or ask for a raise? Consistency matters more than big chunks. Start small and build momentum. Step 3: Think Bigger Than Just Saving A lot of people assume saving for a down payment is the first—and only—step toward buying a home. But there’s more to it. When you apply for a mortgage, lenders look at: Your income Your debt Your credit score Your down payment That means even while you’re saving, you can (and should) be doing things like: Building your credit score Paying down high-interest debt Gathering documents for pre-approval That’s where we come in. Step 4: Get Advice Early Saving up for a home doesn’t have to be a solo mission. In fact, talking to a mortgage professional early in the process can help you avoid missteps and reach your goal faster. We can: Help you calculate how much you actually need to save Offer tips to strengthen your application while you save Explore alternate down payment options (like gifts or programs for first-time buyers) Build a step-by-step plan to get you mortgage-ready Ready to get serious about buying a home? We’d love to help you build a plan that fits your life—and your goals. Reach out anytime for a no-pressure conversation.
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4 Signs You’re Ready for Homeownership

By Deb Burnstein • September 3, 2025
Buying your first home is a big deal. And while you may feel like you’re ready to take that step, here are 4 things that will prove it out. 1. You have at least 5% available for a downpayment. To buy your first home, you need to come up with at least 5% for a downpayment. From there, you’ll be expected to have roughly 1.5% of the purchase price set aside for closing costs. If you’ve saved your downpayment by accumulating your own funds, it means you have a positive cash flow which is a good thing. However, if you don’t quite have enough saved up on your own, but you have a family member who is willing to give you a gift to assist you, that works too. 2. You have established credit. Building a credit score takes some time. Before any lender considers you for mortgage financing, they want to see that you have an established history of repaying the money you’ve already borrowed. Typically two trade lines, for a period of two years, with a minimum amount of $2000, should work! Now, if you’ve had some credit issues in the past, it doesn’t mean you aren’t ready to be a homeowner. However, it might mean a little more planning is required! A co-signor can be considered here as well. 3. You have the income to make your mortgage payments. And then some. If you’re going to borrow money to buy a house, the lender wants to make sure that you have the ability to pay it back. Plus interest. The ideal situation is to have a permanent full-time position where you’re past probation. Now, if you rely on any inconsistent forms of income, having a two-year history is required. A good rule of thumb is to keep the costs of homeownership to under a third of your gross income, leaving you with two-thirds of your income to pay for your life. 4. You’ve discussed mortgage financing with a professional. Buying your first home can be quite a process. With all the information available online, it’s hard to know where to start. While you might feel ready, there are lots of steps to take; way more than can be outlined in a simple article like this one. So if you think you’re ready to buy your first home, the best place to start is with a preapproval! Let's discuss your financial situation, talk through your downpayment options, look at your credit score, assess your income and liabilities, and ultimately see what kind of mortgage you can qualify for to become a homeowner! Please connect anytime; it would be a pleasure to work with you!