Qualifying rate: 6.12% · Minimum down payment: $65,000 (7%) · Required gross income: approximately $236,325/year. CMHC eligible at this price range.
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The Canadian mortgage stress test requires all new mortgage applicants to qualify at a rate 2% above their contract rate, with a minimum qualifying rate of 5.25%. For a $$800K–$1M purchase at today's contract rate of approximately 4.12%, the qualifying rate is 6.12%.
The stress test applies to purchases, refinances, and lender switches. Straight renewals at the same lender are exempt.
| Item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Representative purchase price | $900,000 |
| Minimum down payment (7%) | $65,000 |
| Mortgage amount | $835,000 |
| Contract rate (broker floor) | 4.12% |
| Stress test qualifying rate | 6.12% |
| Monthly P&I at qualifying rate (25yr amort) | $5,402 |
| Annual PITH (P&I + tax + heat) | $75,624 |
| Required gross income (32% GDS) | $236,325 |
| CMHC eligibility | Eligible — 4% premium ($33,400 added to mortgage) |
The qualifying income figure above is calculated using the federal Gross Debt Service (GDS) ratio of 32%. This means your total annual housing costs — principal, interest, property tax, and heat (PITH) — cannot exceed 32% of your gross annual income.
For a $800K–$1M home in Alberta with the assumptions above:
Annual P&I at qualifying rate: $64,824 + property tax (estimate: $9,000/yr) + heat (estimate: $1,800/yr) = total PITH of $75,624/yr.
At 32% GDS: $75,624 ÷ 0.32 = $236,325.
This is an estimate. Your lender will use your exact balance, amortization, property tax assessment, and may apply a Total Debt Service (TDS) ratio (maximum 44%) if you have other debt obligations. Actual qualifying income may differ.
Alberta does not charge a provincial Land Transfer Tax. Only a land title transfer fee applies.
For a $800K–$1M home in Alberta at a representative price of $900,000, estimated land transfer tax is approximately $800. Total closing costs including legal fees and title insurance are approximately $5,300.
Budget your total required funds as: down payment ($65,000) + closing costs (~$5,300) = approximately $70,300 in available funds at closing.
A $800K–$1M home in Alberta at $900,000 with 7% down is eligible for CMHC mortgage default insurance. The CMHC premium is 4% of the mortgage amount ( $33,400), which is added to your mortgage principal at closing.
CMHC insurance allows you to purchase with less than 20% down. The premium cost is typically recovered within a few years through the benefit of entering the market earlier than saving a full 20% down payment — though this depends on individual circumstances.
Based on the 2026 stress test rules, a $800K–$1M home in Alberta at approximately $900,000 requires approximately $236,325 in gross annual household income. This assumes a 7% down payment and a 32% GDS ratio. Your lender calculates your exact figure.
The qualifying rate is 6.12% — your contract rate of approximately 4.12% plus 2%, with a minimum of 5.25%.
A $800K–$1M home in Alberta with 7% down is CMHC-eligible. The premium is 4% of the mortgage amount, added to your principal.
For a representative $800K–$1M purchase in Alberta at $900,000, estimated closing costs are approximately $5,300 (land transfer tax ~$800 + legal fees ~$3,000 + title insurance ~$1,500). Budget your down payment plus closing costs for total funds required at closing.