Ontario mortgage help

Mortgage pre-approval in Ontario

A pre-approval can establish an estimated borrowing range and may hold a rate, but it is not a promise that a specific borrower and property will receive final approval.

Reviewed August 31, 2026Published by Ontario Mortgage HelpHow we review

What to do first

  1. Review income, debts, credit, down payment, and monthly housing costs before requesting a pre-approval.

  2. Ask which information was verified, which assumptions were used, and what documents remain outstanding.

  3. Confirm the rate-hold amount, expiry date, eligible term, and whether a lower available rate can be applied later.

  4. Before waiving a financing condition, obtain confirmation that the lender has reviewed the actual property and complete application.

Important considerations

Pre-approval is not final approvalChanges to income, debts, credit, down payment, interest rates, documents, or the property may change the result.

A rate hold has conditionsIts duration, eligible products, and treatment of rate changes vary. Ask for the terms in writing.

Maximum qualification is not a household budgetLeave room for maintenance, utilities, savings, income changes, and other expenses that debt-service calculations may not capture.

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