Solutions in Case of a Mortgage Loan Refusal

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Securing financing for a home is a significant milestone in life, but sometimes a mortgage application is rejected. This often disappointing scenario raises many questions about the reasons behind the refusal and the options available afterward. Analyzing this setback can open the door to effective strategies that may help revive your real estate project.

What Are the Main Reasons for a Mortgage Loan Refusal?

A lender reviews several aspects before approving a mortgage. Specific criteria frequently recur in rejected applications, and understanding them better makes it easier to respond quickly or even anticipate potential issues before submitting your file.

The analysis always involves a combination of financial, professional, and property-related factors. Each of these elements influences the lender’s perception of risk.

The Impact of Credit History on Approval

Your credit score plays a central role in the evaluation of a mortgage application. A history marked by late payments, high debts, or a recent bankruptcy clearly reduces the chances of approval. The lower the credit score, the less attractive the file is to traditional banks, which seek reliable borrowers.

Frequent or excessive use of credit can also alarm lenders, as can multiple simultaneous applications to different institutions. Conversely, keeping accounts open for a long time and limiting usage to about 50% of the available credit gradually improves the situation.

Employment Situation and Income Stability

To give the green light, lenders assess job stability and regular income. Recently started jobs or temporary contracts are viewed less favorably than long-term permanent positions. Self-employed applicants also face challenges, since proving consistent income is critical.

Lenders usually check the last two years of professional activity. Switching employers during the loan approval process or presenting long career gaps can complicate the review of the file.

Insufficient Down Payment and Concerns About the Property

The down payment is the initial contribution required for any real estate purchase. Its amount depends on the property price and type, generally ranging from 5% to 20%. Gathering this sum is already a challenge—especially if it comes from another loan instead of personal savings.

Additionally, lenders assess the property itself. If the asking price is significantly above market value, or if the property type (e.g., a seasonal secondary home or an unusual housing option) appears risky, refusal becomes more likely. Institutions want to ensure both the security of their investment and your ability to repay.

What Are the Solutions After a Refusal?

A first refusal doesn’t mean the end of your project. Several alternatives can help revive a real estate plan, whether immediately or after some delay. The key is to adapt your strategy based on the weaknesses identified in the application.

Some options allow you to pursue your dream of homeownership without waiting years, while also working to strengthen your financial profile for the future.

Explore Alternative and Private Lenders

If traditional banks close the door, other options exist. Several so-called “alternative” lenders are accessible even to profiles considered atypical by conventional banks. These lenders offer different conditions and often require a higher down payment (around 20%, sometimes more).

The associated rates are higher—often 1.5% to 2.5% above the traditional market rate, making the overall cost more expensive. Still, they make homeownership possible. In most cases, these loans serve as a temporary solution for a few years, giving borrowers time to improve their file before returning to more favorable bank offers.

Strengthen Your Credit Score and Improve Your Profile

Taking the time to improve your credit score can significantly increase the chances of securing a mortgage under favorable conditions. Consistently paying bills on time, limiting new credit applications, and reducing outstanding balances all contribute to building a strong borrower profile.

Opening a few credit lines and keeping usage under 50% of their limit may not show immediate results, but it improves the file in the long run. This entirely legal approach reassures lenders, who closely scrutinize candidates’ financial discipline.

Adjust Your Down Payment and Rethink the Project

Increasing your down payment often gives access to better bank offers. A larger personal contribution means less risk for the financial institution and, in some cases, more favorable rates for the borrower. This may involve setting up savings strategies, seeking family support, or selling other assets to reach the required amount.

Reconsidering the property itself (price, location, characteristics) can also unlock the situation. Adjusting your budget to market reality and targeting more affordable properties reduces risk and reassures lenders about the project’s feasibility.

What Concrete Steps Should You Take After a Refusal?

After identifying the exact reason for the refusal, reaching out to other lenders or seeking the expertise of a mortgage broker can help compare the available options. The market offers a variety of players capable of finding solutions, even for complex cases.

Opening a transparent dialogue with your contacts and demonstrating both your willingness to improve and your financial clarity is reassuring. Submitting updated documents, providing detailed debt reports, and justifying each step of progress often tip the scales in favor of a more favorable reassessment of your application.

Strengthen your finances before submitting a new application
Compare offers based on rate, flexibility, and term
Seek guidance from a professional (broker or advisor)
Consider co-borrowing if necessary
Temporarily opt for renting while waiting for improvements

Reviewed Criterion	Main Obstacle	Alternative Solution
Low credit score	Difficulty convincing a bank	Alternative lender & debt consolidation
Unstable employment	Income considered variable	Wait or add a co-borrower
Insufficient down payment	Personal contribution not compliant	Family support or increased savings
Property type	Unusual building or poorly located	Adjusted choice towards standard properties

4 Key Factors to Secure Your Mortgage Loan

1 – The Mortgage Stress Test: A Mandatory Step

Since 2021, every mortgage applicant in Quebec must pass a “stress test.” This test doesn’t measure your patience but rather your ability to repay your mortgage if rates were to suddenly rise. In 2025, you must prove that you can handle an interest rate of at least 5.25% or 2% higher than the offered rate—whichever is greater. The result: even if you find a great property and have your down payment ready, you could still be denied if your income doesn’t keep up. The good news: there are strategies to prepare and pass this test without too much stress.

2 – The Required Down Payment Based on Property Price

The amount of your down payment isn’t random. In 2025, the rules are clear: for a home priced at $500,000 or less, you need at least 5%. For properties between $500,000 and $999,999, it’s 5% on the first $500,000 and 10% on the remainder. But if the property price exceeds $1 million, you’ll need at least 20%, with no possibility of mortgage insurance. These thresholds are often misunderstood and can lead to refusal if not anticipated. Tip: before shopping around, confirm the exact down payment you’ll need.

3 – Mortgage Rates and Economic Context in 2025

The economic landscape has shifted. Since the pandemic, rates have been climbing again. As of August 2025, a fixed mortgage rate averages around 6%, while variable rates, though slightly lower, remain unstable. With the Bank of Canada maintaining its key rate at 4.25%, credit conditions are tighter than they were a few years ago. This reality slows some projects, but it can also work in your favor: sellers are often more open to negotiation, and some loans remain affordable—if your file is well-prepared.

4 – Debt Ratios You Must Not Exceed

Financial institutions assess borrowing capacity using two well-known ratios: GDS (Gross Debt Service) and TDS (Total Debt Service). In 2025, your GDS must not exceed 32% of your gross income (including mortgage, taxes, and heating), and your TDS must remain under 40% to 44% (including other debts like car loans or credit cards). If your numbers exceed these limits, the answer is often “no.” But don’t panic: revisiting your budget, consolidating debts, or targeting a more modest property can quickly get you back on track.