More than half of Canadians renewing a mortgage this year expect their monthly payment to increase: Royal LePage® Survey
1 in 10 are considering downsizing, relocating to a more affordable region or renting out a portion of their home to combat higher borrowing costs
Highlights:
- 57% of Canadians whose mortgage is renewing in 2025 anticipate their monthly payment will increase, while 40% expect their payment will stay the same or decrease.
- Among those who expect their monthly payment to increase upon renewal, 81% say it will put financial strain on their household.
- Respondents in the province of
Quebec are least likely to expect increased monthly mortgage payments and financial strain upon renewal. - More Canadians are looking to sign variable-rate mortgages upon renewal, as interest rates continue to decline.
- As the trade conflict between
the United States andCanada intensifies, more aggressive rate cuts by theBank of Canada are possible to stave off a potential recession.
According to a recent
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Residential Mortgage Industry Report, Fall 2024, |
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Hill & Knowlton used the Leger Opinion online panel to survey 1,340 Canadians renewing their mortgage in 2025, aged 18+. The survey was completed |
"When it comes to post-pandemic mortgage renewals, many Canadians have avoided the worst-case scenario of having to sell their homes due to the inability to cover the cost of their mortgage, thanks to solid employment trends and declining interest rates," said
Of those who expect their monthly mortgage payment to rise upon renewal, 81 per cent say the increase will put financial strain on their household; 47 per cent expect a slight strain, while 34 per cent expect a significant strain. Among them, 60 per cent of respondents say they will reduce or eliminate discretionary spending to help cope with the impact of increased monthly mortgage payments; 43 per cent say they will reduce or eliminate travel; 36 per cent say they will reduce or eliminate saving or investing; 34 per cent say they will reduce spending on essentials, such as gas and groceries; and 23 per cent say they will obtain a second job or find another source of income. Respondents were able to select more than one answer.
"Even in challenging financial times, Canadians continue to prioritize home ownership and paying down their mortgages – cutting back on other spending, and even savings, if absolutely necessary," said Soper. "Delinquency rates in
"With so many homeowners set to renew their mortgages at higher rates in 2025, many are already preparing to tighten their budgets, redirecting funds from savings, hobbies or vacations to ensure they can meet their mortgage obligations."
According to the
Though many Canadians will see their monthly mortgage payment rise this year, most see no reason to make preemptive major lifestyle changes to cope with increased housing expenses. A majority (62%) of respondents say they will not change their living arrangements to avoid potentially higher monthly mortgage costs. Respondents in
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Mortgage Delinquency Rate: |
Popularity of variable-rate loans rises as borrowing costs fall
With interest rates on a downward trajectory, variable-rate mortgages are gaining in popularity. According to the survey, 66 per cent of Canadians with a mortgage renewing this year say they plan to obtain a fixed-rate loan upon renewal (down from the 75% who currently hold fixed-rate mortgages), and 29 per cent say they will choose a variable-rate loan (up from the 24% who currently hold variable-rate mortgages).
While most Canadians with pending renewals in 2025 plan to stick with the same type of mortgage product they currently have, a sizable shift toward variable-rate loans has emerged. Of those who currently have a fixed-rate mortgage renewing this year – the most popular mortgage product overall in
More than one third (37%) of all respondents say they plan to obtain a five-year mortgage term upon renewal, followed by 19 per cent who plan to sign on to a three-year term. Eighty-six per cent of respondents who will renew their mortgage in 2025 currently use a prime lender.
"Since last summer, the
In
Prairie homeowners most concerned about financial pressure from higher payments
Respondents across
Respondents in the province of
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OSFI to drop mortgage stress test for uninsured borrowers who switch lenders at renewal, |
Key lending rate trajectory uncertain amid tariff tit-for-tat
Escalating political turmoil at the hands of the newly-elected
"The increased cost of building materials puts the construction industry as a whole – and desperately-needed new housing developments – at risk. Fewer projects will make it off the blueprint, be they delayed or cancelled entirely. And, higher costs will eventually trickle down to the end-user."
In its first policy rate announcement of 2025, the
"While a trade war with our southern neighbour offers little economic benefit, new homebuyers and those renewing a mortgage this year may find a silver lining: lower borrowing rates. If the
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REGIONAL SUMMARIES
In the province of
Of those who expect their monthly mortgage payment to rise upon renewal, 81 per cent say the increase will put financial strain on their household. Among them, 55 per cent of respondents say they will reduce or eliminate discretionary spending to help cope with the impact of increased monthly mortgage payments; 46 per cent say they will reduce or eliminate travel; and 39 per cent say they will reduce or eliminate saving or investing. Respondents were able to select more than one answer.
"When faced with higher mortgage payments at renewal, homeowners typically fall into two categories: those with primary residences, who adjust their budgets and make financial sacrifices to absorb the increased costs, and investors, who take a business-minded approach and are willing to sell a real estate asset if rising monthly expenses cut too deeply into their returns," said
Storey noted that many move-up buyers are strategically timing their next home purchase around their upcoming renewal, weighing whether to wait out their current mortgage term before upsizing or renew early.
According to the survey, 71 per cent of Ontarians with a mortgage renewing this year currently hold a fixed-rate mortgage, while 27 per cent have a variable rate. When asked what type of mortgage they plan to obtain upon renewal, 64 per cent say they will opt for a fixed-rate loan, while 31 per cent say they will choose a variable-rate mortgage. Respondents in this region were among the most likely to say they plan to obtain a variable-rate mortgage upon renewal. Thirty-six per cent of all respondents in the province say they plan to obtain a five-year mortgage term upon renewal, followed by 19 per cent who plan to sign on to a three-year term.
"Fixed-rate mortgages have historically been the most popular option among Canadians, and as their loans come up for renewal, I expect many will make the same choice. This product has provided financial stability during the rate rollercoaster of the past few years. First-time buyers, however, tend to be the ones opting for variable-rate loans today, prioritizing affordability over predictability," said Storey. "When you receive a mortgage renewal notice from your lender, it's best not to accept the first offer outright. Instead, explore alternative payment plans and compare options from different financial institutions to secure the best deal. With stress testing no longer required for uninsured borrowers switching lenders at renewal, Canadians now have more flexibility."
Additional data for the province of
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In the province of
Of those who expect their monthly mortgage payment to rise upon renewal, 73 per cent say the increase will put financial strain on their household, also the lowest proportion among the provinces. Among them, 70 per cent of respondents say they will reduce or eliminate discretionary spending to help cope with the impact of increased monthly mortgage payments; 31 per cent say they will reduce or eliminate saving or investing; and 29 per cent say they will reduce or eliminate travel. Respondents were able to select more than one answer.
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The survey also reveals that nearly four out of five respondents (78%) in the province do not intend to change their living arrangements to avoid potentially higher mortgage costs.
"Over the past few months, economists have raised concerns about rising mortgage payments leading to increased financial strain for homeowners, but the data suggests that
According to the
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Mortgage Delinquency Rate: |
According to the survey, 78 per cent of Quebecers with a mortgage renewing this year currently hold a fixed-rate mortgage, while 21 per cent have a variable rate. When asked what type of mortgage they plan to obtain upon renewal, 63 per cent say they will opt for a fixed-rate loan, while 31 per cent say they will choose a variable-rate mortgage. Respondents in this region were among the most likely to say they plan to obtain a variable-rate mortgage upon renewal. Thirty-two per cent of all respondents in the province say they plan to obtain a five-year mortgage term upon renewal, followed by 23 per cent who plan to sign on to a two-year term.
Meanwhile in
"Mortgage renewals do not seem to be a major concern for homeowners in the
"In 2024, the
Additional data for the province of
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6 Rates, regulations and renewed demand: Driving revival of |
Royal LePage 2025
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In the province of
Of those who expect their monthly mortgage payment to rise upon renewal, 82 per cent say the increase will put financial strain on their household. Among them, 60 per cent of respondents say they will reduce or eliminate discretionary spending to help cope with the impact of increased monthly mortgage payments; 42 per cent say they will reduce or eliminate travel; and 37 per cent say they will reduce or eliminate saving or investing. Respondents were able to select more than one answer.
"With interest rates trending lower in recent months, some homeowners with upcoming renewals are breathing a sigh of relief. As the prime lending rate offered by
Dinani noted that some homebuyers who were previously sidelined by higher borrowing costs – particularly move-up purchasers locked into favourable rates – are gradually returning to the market as rates have continued to come down.
According to the survey, 74 per cent of British Columbians with a mortgage renewing this year currently hold a fixed-rate mortgage, while 25 per cent have a variable rate. When asked what type of mortgage they plan to obtain upon renewal, 67 per cent say they will opt for a fixed-rate loan, while 29 per cent say they will choose a variable-rate mortgage. Forty-one per cent of all respondents in the province say they plan to obtain a five-year mortgage term upon renewal, followed by 18 per cent who plan to sign on to a three-year term.
"Consumer confidence has improved as interest rates have declined, but it remains fragile. Economic uncertainty, driven mostly by international trade conflicts, is causing concern among buyers and sellers alike. As a result, many homeowners continue to choose the stability of a fixed-rate mortgage, while others look to take advantage of monthly savings currently offered by variable rates," said Dinani. "While it may be tempting to try and predict where rates are headed, it's not advisable. Instead, selecting a mortgage product that aligns with your risk tolerance and financial capacity is the best approach."
Additional data for the province of British Coulmbia and the city of
Royal LePage 2025
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In the province of
Of those who expect their monthly mortgage payment to rise upon renewal, 86 per cent say the increase will put financial strain on their household. Among them, 62 per cent of respondents say they will reduce or eliminate discretionary spending to help cope with the impact of increased monthly mortgage payments; 42 per cent say they will reduce or eliminate travel; and 42 per cent say they will reduce spending on essentials, such as groceries or gas. Respondents were able to select more than one answer.
"While almost half of Albertans with mortgages coming up for renewal are not expecting their payments to increase, many homeowners are exploring opportunities to reduce their monthly carrying costs by right-sizing their homes and looking at properties in more affordable regions," said
Wareham-Bakker noted that buyers have begun to re-engage with the market as interest rates come down. "There's been a noticeable uptick in market activity in recent months, as both buyers and sellers begin to feel more confident in the trajectory of lending rates."
According to the survey, 79 per cent of Albertans with a mortgage renewing this year currently hold a fixed-rate mortgage, while 20 per cent have a variable rate. When asked what type of mortgage they plan to obtain upon renewal, 66 per cent say they will opt for a fixed-rate loan, while 27 per cent say they will choose a variable-rate mortgage. Thirty-nine per cent of all respondents in the province say they plan to obtain a five-year mortgage term upon renewal, followed by 18 per cent who plan to sign on to a three-year term.
"With the right information and a clear financial strategy, our clients have been able to manage higher interest rates without panic. By reassessing their budgets and their wishlists, and taking the time to explore various mortgage options, they've been able to remain in control," she noted.
Additional data for the province of
Royal LePage 2025
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In the provinces of
Of those who expect their monthly mortgage payment to rise upon renewal, 89 per cent say the increase will put financial strain on their household, the highest instance among the provinces. Among them, 57 per cent of respondents say they will reduce or eliminate discretionary spending to help cope with the impact of increased monthly mortgage payments; 49 per cent say they will reduce or eliminate travel; and 36 per cent say they will reduce spending on essentials, such as groceries or gas. Respondents were able to select more than one answer.
"Consumer confidence is higher compared to the past two years when interest rates were on the rise. However, in the Prairies – where resource-based industries can bring income uncertainty – borrowers tend to feel the impact of major financial changes, such as mortgage renewals, more acutely," said
According to the survey, 79 per cent of homeowners in
Didomenicantonio added that move-up buyers have recently moved into the market in greater numbers, looking to capitalize on falling borrowing rates to upgrade their living space. Further expected decreases should coax more first-time buyers off the sidelines.
"My advice to anyone with a mortgage renewing this year – if payments are set to rise, your first step should be to explore competitive rates and consult with your lender to review your options. In the event that financial adjustments are necessary, reducing discretionary spending can help create additional flexibility in your budget."
Additional data for the province of
Royal LePage 2025
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In
"Despite higher borrowing rates and an increase in carrying costs for most, homeowners are not panicking. With rates continuing to trend down, the increase is far more manageable today than it would have been a year or two ago," said
A majority (61%) of respondents say they will not change their living arrangements to avoid potentially higher monthly mortgage costs. However, 13 per cent say they are considering downsizing; 12 per cent say they are considering relocating to a more affordable region; and eight per cent say they are considering renting out a portion of their home to subsidize expenses. Respondents were able to select more than one answer.
"Luckily, we have not seen many distressed sales in our market, largely because Maritimers have built up substantial equity in their homes over the last several years. Many are leveraging that equity to consolidate debt or add secondary units to their properties to offset costs," noted Colbo. "Looking ahead, we expect a surge in buyer activity. With interest rates expected to continue decreasing and new policies that will improve affordability, especially for first-time buyers, more people will come off the sidelines this year."
According to the survey, 79 per cent of homeowners in
Additional data for the
Royal LePage 2025
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Royal LePage resources for homeowners renewing their mortgage:
Renewing your mortgage this year? Royal LePage has published a number of online resources available at the following links:
- OSFI to drop mortgage stress test for uninsured borrowers who switch lenders at renewal
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Federal government announces landmark adjustments to mortgage rules for first-time buyers in
Canada - 30-year amortizations on insured mortgages for new build homes now available for first-time buyers
- Fixed or variable rate? Here's how to prepare for your mortgage renewal
About the Survey
Hill & Knowlton used the Leger Opinion online panel to survey 1,340 Canadians renewing their mortgage in 2025, aged 18+. The survey was completed
About Royal LePage
Serving Canadians since 1913, Royal LePage is the country's leading provider of services to real estate brokerages, with a network of approximately 20,000 real estate professionals in over 670 locations nationwide. Royal LePage is the only Canadian real estate company to have its own charitable foundation, the Royal LePage®
Royal LePage® is a registered trademark of Royal Bank of Canada and is used under licence by
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