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Mortgage loan: should you choose a fixed rate or a variable rate?

#Mortgage broker #Financial questions

Last update : 2023-08-30 15:07:43

Real estate transactions involve several financial decisions, as well as various costs associated with the transaction. Although what immediately comes to mind is often related to transfer duties, notary fees or the cost of the pre-purchase inspection, make sure you don't forget about the costs involved in choosing between a fixed or variable mortgage rate.

While the financial impact of this decision will not be felt immediately, that does not mean it is not important.  On the contrary, it will be felt for many years after you've signed the mortgage contract. The question that then arises is the following: should you opt for a fixed rate or a variable rate mortgage?

Variable-rate mortgage (adjustable rate)

To understand how the variable rate is calculated, we should start by saying that it is determined by matching the prime rate of a financial institution. The latter is calculated using the Bank of Canada's key interest rate (the rate at which institutions lend money to each other). To this, the financial institution adds an extra percentage related to the interest rate.

Note that the Bank of Canada can decide to raise or lower its key interest rate eight times over the year. Each of these changes can affect the variable rate of your own mortgage.

Why choose a variable rate for your mortgage?

A variable-rate mortgage could be a good option for you if:

  • An interest rate decrease is expected in the short term;
  • You have a good tolerance for unforeseen events and market variations;
  • Your financial situation allows you to increase your monthly payments if rates rise.

The variable rate also has the advantage of being lower than a fixed rate.

Pot of money

The impact of interest rates going up on the cost of mortgages

What happens when interest rates go up? Unfortunately, the answer to this question is not as clear as one might hope. Indeed, financial institutions can decide whether they want to increase the mortgage rate or not. As a result, there is an element of uncertainty that homeowners who have chosen the variable rate option have to live with. How will this increase happen?

Variable rate with fixed payment

First, it should be mentioned that this does not necessarily imply a fluctuation in monthly repayments, although this may be the case with certain types of loans. Usually, the monthly repayment amount will be similar to that obtained with a fixed rate.

Instead, the difference will be reflected in the share of the repayment that is devoted to the main payment and that which is devoted to covering the interest, as the proportion that is devoted to one or the other will depend on market variations. Therefore, if your interest rate goes up, a bigger chunk of your monthly repayment will be used to pay this part of the loan, not the main one.

In that case, the amortization period of your loan will be extended, since the time required to settle the total amount of the debt is longer. However, it must be mentioned that the harmful impact can be modest overall if the increase is minimal (0.25%).

However, be aware that the situation could be more critical if your initial loan is so high that it leaves you with little leeway when it comes to managing your budget and if the rise in the interest rate is greater than that mentioned previously. You may even reach your trigger rate.

In return, a drop in the key rate will allow a larger share of the reimbursement to be spent on the principal amount of the mortgage, thereby reducing the sum that is intended to reimburse the interest rate. This will shorten the amortization period of your debt, with the principal amount being repaid more quickly.

Pot filled with coin

Variable rate with variable payment

With a variable-payment variable rate, your monthly payment fluctuates according to the current interest rate. If interest rises, so does your payment, and vice versa. If you opt for this solution, you'll need to make sure that your budget allows for any increases that may occur.

Fixed-rate mortgage

As indicated by the name, a fixed rate will remain stable and will not be affected by market fluctuations. In that case, the share of the monthly repayment intended for the main payment as well as that intended for the interest will be identical from one month to the next.

In general, those who opt for this type of mortgage appreciate the predictability that comes with it, since the interest rate is fixed for the whole term. This avoids unpleasant surprises and eliminates the possibility of seeing the debt amortization period being extended if interest rates increase. Therefore, you will know in advance when your debt is due, which allows you to plan your financial management accordingly.

Why choose a fixed rate for your mortgage?

A fixed-rate mortgage could be a good option for you if:

  • You don't have much leeway in your budget;
  • You prefer identical payments for the duration of your term;
  • You expect interest rates to rise in the short term.

Is the interest rate going down? You won’t be able to benefit.

Unlike those who have opted for a variable rate, you will not be able to take advantage of a potential drop in the interest rate. Therefore, it is impossible to shorten the period required for the repayment of your mortgage.

Statistic about mortgage interest rate

With that said, which is better: a fixed or variable-rate mortgage?

As illustrated in this article, each of these options has its pros and cons. However, it must be said in most cases and in the long run, the variable rate tends to be more advantageous than the fixed one.

In fact, a study carried out by a professor of finance at the University of York (Moshe A. Milevsly) revealed that over a 5-year term, those who had opted for a variable rate had paid less interest than those who had opted for a fixed rate. Over 15 years, the savings could represent $ 40,000 for a mortgage of $ 200,000.

Of course, it also depends on the current variable rate and the economic context you find yourself in when choosing your rate. If rates are expected to rise significantly over the next few years, a fixed rate may be preferable.

Opting for both a fixed rate and a variable rate: is it possible?

While there may be a tendency to believe that there are only two options available, there is a third one: choosing a rate that is both fixed and variable.

Remember that some financial institutions offer the possibility of dividing the mortgage into different terms. This may prove to be a good solution for those who would like to take advantage of both one-off interest rate cuts as well as the stability of the fixed rate. Also, it should be noted that this mixed strategy also helps to mitigate the impact of interest rate increases.

Do you want to know more about mortgages? Consult our practical guide to understanding your mortgage

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