When it comes to choosing between fixed and variable mortgages in Canada, the numbers speak for themselves. Right now, high-ratio fixed rates are hovering around 4%, while variables are closer to 3%. On a $500,000 mortgage over 25 years, that means you’d pay about $211 more per month for the stability of a fixed rate. But here’s another angle: that lower variable rate can actually help you qualify more easily, since stress-test payments in this scenario are about $232 lighter each month—giving you more breathing room when it comes to debt service ratios at the outset.
Variable rates have remained steady lately because the central bank has held its policy rate. Meanwhile, five-year fixed rates are tracking with term funding costs and Canada bond yields. For the big banks, renewal time has become a strategic moment—borrowers are re-evaluating their terms, products, and amortizations, and that means plenty of opportunities for competitive pricing and retention, all while keeping risk focused at the individual level.
If the five-year Canada yield drops, we could see fixed rates ease; if there’s a policy move, variables will react more quickly. At the moment, variable rates offer lower payments, while fixed rates give you more peace of mind. My focus is always on helping you navigate these choices based on your unique circumstances, drawing on relationships with major lenders across BC and Alberta. There’s never a one-size-fits-all answer—just the best fit for you.
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