Sajid Karamally

Slide 1

Most Canadians think banks run housing—CMHC quietly backs mortgages, affordability programs, and billions in housing funding nationwide.

Slide 2

CMHC started helping war veterans in 1946, then evolved into Canada’s biggest force behind affordable housing and mortgage insurance.

Slide 3

Hidden advantage: CMHC-insured mortgages let buyers enter homes with just 5% down instead of massive savings upfront.

Slide 4

CMHC’s hardship programs can pause payments, extend timelines, or switch variable mortgages fixed when homeowners feel financially squeezed.

Slide 5

Canada plans spending $115 billion on housing because the country’s supply shortage became too big for private builders alone.

Canada's National Housing Agency Explained

Planning to sell within 12 mo? Renewal decisions should prioritize flexibility, because fixed terms can trigger costly penalties if broken after signing.
Fixed mortgages can suit long-term owners, but sellers should review penalty math carefully; interest differential charges vary by lender and product type.
A home equity line may work as a short-term bridge, often offering no prepayment penalties, interest-only payments, and more timeline control before sale.
If a home equity line is not practical, a variable-rate mortgage can preserve flexibility; many closed variables charge 3 mo interest to break.
Even if variable rates move, modest short-term changes may cost less than a major fixed penalty; align the mortgage with your timeline.