How to use the mortgage stress test calculator
- 1 Enter the home price and your down payment.
- 2 Enter the mortgage rate you were offered and the amortization.
- 3 Enter your gross household income.
- 4 Add property tax, heating and other debt payments, then read the result.
Worked example
A $700,000 home with $70,000 down at 4.20% over 25 years, $150,000 of household income, $4,800 property tax, $120 heating and $400 of other debts. With the CMHC premium the mortgage is $649,530. At the 6.20% qualifying rate the payment is $4,233.26, giving a GDS of 38.0% and TDS of 41.2%, so you pass. With $120,000 of income you would fail, needing about $146,254.
Passing the stress test
- Pay down car loans and cards to lower TDS.
- Add a co-borrower to raise income.
- Save a bigger down payment to cut the mortgage and premium.
- Choose 30 years if you are a first-time buyer.
Find your maximum with the Mortgage Affordability Calculator, the premium with the CMHC Insurance Calculator, and down payment help with the Home Buyers' Plan Calculator.
Features
2026 qualifying rate
Higher of your rate plus 2% or the 5.25% floor.
GDS and TDS
Housing and total debt ratios against the 39% and 44% limits.
CMHC premium
Adds mortgage insurance when you put down less than 20%.
When to use it
Before you make an offer
Check you can pass at the price you want. Find your maximum with the Mortgage Affordability Calculator.
Small down payments
See the premium added with the CMHC Insurance Calculator.
Renewals and switches
Straight switches at renewal no longer need the stress test. Compare penalties with the Mortgage Penalty Calculator.
Monthly budget
See the payment in detail with the Mortgage Calculator.
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Frequently asked questions
What is the mortgage stress test rate in 2026?
You must qualify at the higher of your contract rate plus 2 percentage points or 5.25%. With a 4.20% rate, the qualifying rate is 6.20%. OSFI confirmed in 2026 that the rule is unchanged.
What are GDS and TDS?
GDS (gross debt service) is your mortgage payment, property tax, heating and half of any condo fees as a share of gross income; the limit is 39%. TDS (total debt service) adds other debts such as car loans and cards; the limit is 44%.
Does the stress test apply when I renew?
Not if you stay with your lender, and since November 21, 2024 not if you switch lenders at renewal with the same loan amount and amortization.
Does it apply to insured and uninsured mortgages?
Yes. Both insured (under 20% down) and uninsured mortgages from federally regulated lenders use the same qualifying rate.
Can I get a 30-year amortization?
Since December 15, 2024, first-time buyers and buyers of new builds can get a 30-year amortization on an insured mortgage. A 30-year term lowers the payment but adds 0.20% to the CMHC premium.
What is the minimum down payment?
5% of the first $500,000, 10% of the part from $500,000 to $1.5 million, and 20% for homes of $1.5 million or more.
How can I pass the stress test?
Increase your down payment, pay off other debts, add a co-borrower's income, choose a longer amortization if eligible, or buy a lower-priced home.
Do credit unions use the stress test?
Provincially regulated credit unions are not bound by OSFI, but most apply a similar test.
Why is my real payment lower?
The stress test only checks you could afford higher rates. Your actual payment uses your contract rate.
Results are estimates based on the official rates linked above. Confirm important figures with the issuing authority or a qualified adviser before you act on them.
Built and reviewed by Hamza Farooq, founder and lead developer
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