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Overview Of The Best 6-Month Variable-Rate Mortgage In Canada
If you are looking for a short-term, variable-rate mortgage, a 6-month mortgage may be the right option. A 6-month mortgage is excellent for someone looking at a quick turnaround with a property, like a real estate investor or expecting to pay off the mortgage within the next six months.
This guide explains how a 6-month variable-rate mortgage differs from other variable-rate mortgage terms and other fixed-rate mortgage terms. Let’s start by understanding what this mortgage term is all about.
Understanding A 6-Month Variable-Rate Mortgage?
6-month variable-rate mortgages are loan products offered for a 6-month term with rates that change with the lender’s prime lending rate changes.
While your regular mortgage payment may not change, your interest rate will change if the lender’s prime rate changes.
Changes in your interest will not necessarily affect your regular mortgage payment. It will impact the payment portion to pay down the mortgage loan.
In a falling-rate environment, more of your payment will go towards paying down the mortgage loan. While in a rising rate environment, a more significant portion of your mortgage payment will go towards the interest expense.
How Does A Variable Mortgage Rate Work?
The rates on variable mortgages are tightly tied to the lender’s prime rate, directly linked to the Bank of Canada’s prime rate. Variable rates are quoted as Prime Rate (+/-) A Margin.
Let’s say a lender is quoting its 6-month variable-rate mortgage at Prime – 1.4%, and its current prime rate is 2.45%.
Your mortgage rate will be 1.05%, the lender’s prime rate of 2.45%, minus the margin rate of 1.4%.
If, after a year from today, the lender’s prime rate increases to 2.95%, your mortgage rate will be 1.55%. The new increased prime rate of 2.95%, minus the actual margin rate of 1.4%.
On the other hand, if the lender’s prime rate decreases to 2.15%, your mortgage rate will be 0.75%, the new lower prime rate of 2.15% minus the original rate margin of 1.40%.
In all the above scenarios, your rate margin does not change – only the prime rate changes.
Variable Rate Mortgage And Interest Rate Risk
The 6-month term has less exposure to interest rate risk than the other variable-rate mortgage terms.
There is a low probability that the interest rate will change before the end of your 6-month term compared to three-year and five-year variable-rate mortgage terms.
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At the end of the 6-month term, you can either renew or refinance the mortgage.
Refinancing The Mortgage
Refinancing the mortgage entails replacing the mortgage with a new one. Refinancing a mortgage allows you to customize your mortgage more, such as switching the rate type from fixed to variable, switching the terms from 6 months to other variable rate mortgage terms or fixed-rate mortgage terms.
Overall, the terms, interest rate, rate type, conditions, and probably lender, for the new mortgage will differ from those of your existing mortgage.
There are many reasons why you may choose to refinance your mortgage after the end of the 6-month term:
To pay off your mortgage sooner by shortening the amortization; or
To convert to a longer-term mortgage
Renew The Mortgage Or Switch Lenders
Renewing your mortgage extends your contract to a new term with your default mortgage insurer without changing your loan amount or amortization period. You can restore your mortgage to stay with your current lender or move to a new lender through a switch.
You will likely get a new rate when you renew or switch your mortgage.
Federally regulated lenders, such as TD, Haventree Bank,Scotia Bank, and EQB, are required to provide you with a renewal letter at least two days before the end of your current mortgage term.
The renewal statement will contain the following information:
the balance or remaining principal at the renewal date;
the new interest rate;
the payment frequency option;
the term options available;
any charges or fees that apply.
Is A 6-Month Variable Mortgage Rate Right For You?
A 6-month Variable-Rate mortgage will be right for you if you:
Want a standard 6-month term mortgage but at a lower rate
You are OK with the changes in the mortgage rates and their possible impacts on your mortgage balance
You want an option to switch to a fixed rate or extend your mortgage without incurring a penalty.
You will likely sell the property before the end without paying a considerable sum for the prepayment penalty.
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Which Is Better – A 6-month Variable-Rate Or A 6-month Fixed-Rate Mortgage?
A 6-month variable-rate mortgage is better if you:
Want a flexible mortgage term at a lower rate;
Are likely to pay off or refinance the mortgage before the end of the 6-month term. The penalty is much lower for variable-rate mortgages compared to fixed-rate mortgages.
Are likely to sell the property before the end of the term because of the lower penalty costs for variable-rate mortgages or
are financially capable of making a lump sum payment if required due to a rise in interest rate.
you want a predictable and consistent mortgage payment for the next six months;
you are on a tight budget;
You are not hoping for any significant expenses in the next six months that may cause you to break the mortgage contract. Note that you will be charged a penalty if you choose to end or break your mortgage contract before the end of the contract term; or
you want to know how much interest you’ll pay over the life of your loan.