Homebuyer 95 Program

Enables qualified borrowers to become first-time homeowners with as little as a 5% down payment.

Front door and porch of a home

Buyers must owner occupy at least one unit of the property to qualify for this program.

Acceptable Loan Purpose and Applicable Loan-to-Value Limits

Purchase Transactions:

  • 1 and 2 units: 95% LTV
  • Property value ≤ $500,000 – 5% down payment required
  • Property value > $500,000 and < $1,000,000 – 5% down payment required up to $500,000, with an additional 10% down payment on the portion of the home value above $500,000
  • 3 and 4 units: 90% LTV

Loan Security

  • First and second mortgages

Eligible Properties

  • Maximum 4 units where 1 unit must be owner occupied
  • New construction covered by a Lender approved New Home Warranty Program*
  • Existing resale properties
  • Readily marketable residential dwellings, located in markets with demonstrated ongoing re-sale demand
  • Estimated remaining economic life of the property should be a minimum of 25 years
  • In addition, for 3 and 4 units, the property must meet the following criteria:
    • Municipal zoning
    • Fully self contained units

*For new construction properties in the territories (Yukon, Northwest and Nunavut Territories) where New Home Warranty is not an option, Lenders must obtain either the occupancy permit or a third-party report from a qualified professional such as: an inspector, architect or engineer. The qualified professional must carry the appropriate liability insurance and confirm construction in compliance with applicable bylaws and regulations.

Maximum Property Value

  • Property value must be less than $1,000,000

Qualifying Terms and Interest Rates

  • Fixed, standard variable, capped variable and adjustable rate mortgages are permitted
  • Maximum interest rate term of 25 years
  • The qualifying interest rate is the greater of the contract rate plus 2 % or 5.25 %.

Amortization options

Premium Rate

The premium payable will be the lesser of the premium as a % of the total new loan amount or the premium as a % of the top -up portion on the additional loan amount (if existing insured) based on the rates below:

Standard Premium Rate Chart

LTV Ratio Premium Rate Top-Up Premium
Up to 65% 0.60% 0.60%
65.01% - 75% 1.70% 5.90%
75.01% - 80% 2.40% 6.05%
80.01% - 85% 2.80% 6.20%
85.01% - 90% 3.10% 6.25%
90.01% - 95% 4.00% 6.30%

The above chart is for mortgages with an amortization that is 25 years or less. If a mortgage is eligible for an amortization greater than 25 years (up to 30 years) an additional premium of 0.20% will apply.

The mortgage insurance premium is non-refundable, paid at the time of closing and may be added onto the mortgage.

Borrower Qualification

Income and Employment

  • Standard income / employment verification requirements apply.

Credit

  • > 80% LTV: At least one applicant is required to have minimum credit bureau score of 600.
  • ≤ 80% LTV: At least one applicant should have a minimum recommended credit bureau score of 680.

Down Payment

Qualified home buyers may use traditional down payment sources including personal savings, RRSP withdrawal, a non-repayable gift from an individual related to the borrower through a familial or legal relationship, sweat equity, existing home equity, proceeds from sale of property. Government grants may be considered if pre -approved by Sagen.

GDS / TDS Guidelines

GDS TDS
39% 44%

Documentation Requirements

  • Standard documentation requirements apply.
  • Sagen may request that the Lender provide a copy of the required documentation on a case-by-case basis.
  • For 3 and 4 unit properties Sagen requires that the Lender obtains a general assignment of rents and leases or include this requirement in the Standard Charge Terms.

Portability

  • Mortgage insurance is portable, so homebuyers can take advantage of a Lender’s portability plan. For further details, refer to the Portability Feature product overview.

Assumptions / Assignments

  • Mortgage is assumable subject to meeting Lender guidelines.

Eligible Products*

  • Progress Advance Program (Maximum 2 units)
  • Purchase Plus Improvements Program
  • Family Plan Program
  • New to Canada Program
  • Vacation / Secondary Homes Program (Type A Properties)
  • Second Mortgage Program

For specific underwriting guidelines related to the above eligible products, please refer to the applicable product overview.

Ineligible Products

  • Business for Self (Alt. A) Program
  • Borrowed Down Payment Program
  • Secondary Homes Program (Type B Properties)
  • Investment Property Program

Premium Calculator

The Premium Calculator helps you calculate the mortgage insurance premium on any Sagen™ products.

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