New 2025 Program Allows Homeowners to Refinance Up to 90% for Secondary Suites: What You Need to Know

Diane Buchanan • October 18, 2024

On October 8, 2024, the government announced a new program that will take effect on January 15, 2025, allowing homeowners to refinance up to 90% of their home’s value to create secondary suites. This is a significant increase from the current refinancing limit of 80%. The program aims to provide homeowners with more flexibility to unlock their home equity and add additional legal units like basement suites or laneway homes, provided they meet municipal zoning requirements and are not used for short-term rentals.


The program comes with specific guidelines, outlined by CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation), that include:

  • Eligibility: Homeowners must already own their property, live in one of the existing units, and plan to add additional fully self-contained suites.
  • Refinancing Details: Homeowners can refinance up to 90% of the property's value, including the value added by the new units. The maximum property value, once the new units are built, must not exceed $2 million.
  • Loan Parameters: The loan-to-value limit will be 90%, and the maximum amortization period is 30 years. Any additional financing must not exceed project costs.


To give an example, under this new program, if a home is valued at $800,000, homeowners could now refinance up to $720,000 for building a secondary suite—$80,000 more than the previous limit of $640,000.


This program could be particularly beneficial for homeowners who have recently purchased their property and built up a moderate amount of equity, offering them an opportunity to create an income-generating suite or expand their home without needing to sell. As housing affordability continues to be a pressing issue in many parts of Canada, adding secondary suites could also contribute to easing the rental supply shortage.


While this program represents a significant step forward in unlocking home equity for homeowners, we are still awaiting specific guidelines from lenders. These rules will clarify how lenders will approach refinancing applications under this program. Stay tuned for further updates as more information becomes available from financial institutions.


This program is expected to spark significant interest, particularly from younger homeowners or those with growing families, as it offers a pathway to enhance both living space and long-term financial stability. Homeowners looking to leverage this new opportunity should consult with mortgage experts to fully understand the potential benefits and ensure they are making informed decisions.


If you're interested in how this program could benefit you or want to explore refinancing options to add a secondary suite, get in touch with a mortgage professional today.


DIANE BUCHANAN
 Mortgage Broker

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Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — April 29, 2026

By Diane Buchanan • April 29, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. This decision comes against a backdrop of significant global uncertainty — and for Canadian homeowners, buyers, and anyone with a mortgage coming up for renewal, here's what it means.

Why a Mortgage Pre-Approval Protects Both Your Head and Your Heart

By Diane Buchanan • April 22, 2026
Why a Mortgage Pre-Approval Protects Both Your Head and Your Heart There’s no denying it—buying a home is an emotional journey. In a competitive market, it can feel like you need to stretch beyond your comfort zone or bid above asking just to have a chance. That pressure can make it hard to separate what you want from what you can realistically afford. One of the biggest pitfalls buyers face is falling in love with a home that’s outside their price range. Once that happens, every other property seems like a compromise—even the ones that might have been a perfect fit otherwise. The best way to avoid this heartache? Get pre-approved before you start shopping. What a Pre-Approval Does for You A mortgage pre-approval gives you more than just a number—it provides clarity, confidence, and protection: Know your buying power : Shop within your true price range and avoid disappointment. Spot potential roadblocks : Uncover issues like credit bureau errors before you make an offer. Get organized : Learn exactly what documentation you’ll need so there are no surprises. Lock in a rate : Many lenders hold your rate for 30–120 days, giving you peace of mind if rates rise. Save yourself heartache : Protect yourself from falling for a home you can’t afford. Head vs. Heart Buying a home is about balance. Your head tells you what’s financially sound, your heart tells you what feels right—and both matter. A pre-approval helps bring those two sides together, so you can make confident choices without emotional stress clouding your judgment. The Bottom Line Looking at properties for fun is one thing—but if you’re serious about buying, a pre-approval is the smartest first step you can take. It sets realistic expectations, saves time, and protects your emotions along the way. If you’d like to explore your options and get pre-approved, I’d be happy to walk through the process with you. Let’s make sure you’re ready to shop with confidence.