Determining Your Down Payment Amount
A down payment of 20% or more of the purchase price of your future property is highly recommended to avoid paying mortgage insurance. However, if your initial contribution is less than 20%, you can still benefit from advantageous interest rates by subscribing to mortgage insurance offered by institutions such as the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC), SAGEN, or Canada Guaranty.
Mortgage insurance offers buyers the opportunity to achieve their dream of homeownership even with a smaller down payment. You may also consider using your Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) or Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to help fund your property purchase. Both tools can support your real estate project, although they have different tax implications.
1.TFSA (Tax-Free Savings Account):
- The TFSA is often used for savings but can also be used for a home purchase.
- Contributions are not tax-deductible, but investment growth and withdrawals are tax-free.
- If you withdraw money from your TFSA, you can recontribute it later without penalty.
2.RRSP (Registered Retirement Savings Plan):
- The RRSP is typically intended for long-term retirement savings but also offers benefits for first-time homebuyers.
- You can use the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) to withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP to finance the purchase of your first home without paying tax on these withdrawals, provided you repay the amount to your RRSP over 15 years.
- RRSP contributions are tax-deductible, which can reduce your taxable income.
It is highly recommended to consult a professional for personalized advice based on your specific situation, as tax rules and benefits may vary depending on your financial status and real estate project.