Buyer Tools
CMHC Insurance & Down Payment Calculator — Vancouver BC
See your minimum down payment, exact CMHC premium tier, and the 7% BC PST charged on the premium for any home in Greater Vancouver.
This CMHC insurance calculator for Vancouver BC works out your minimum down payment, your loan-to-value ratio, the exact CMHC, Sagen or Canada Guaranty premium tier, and the 7% BC PST that gets billed on the insurance premium at closing.
Insured mortgages are only available on properties priced up to $1.5 million (extended from $1M in December 2024). Above that, you must put 20% or more down and the loan is uninsured.
CMHC Down Payment Rules in Vancouver BC (2026)
In Greater Vancouver, where median single-family prices regularly exceed $1.8M, knowing the federal minimum-down-payment ladder is critical:
- Homes ≤ $500,000: 5% down minimum.
- Homes $500,001 to $1,500,000: 5% on the first $500K + 10% on the remainder.
- Homes > $1,500,000: 20% down minimum, no insured mortgage available.
2026 CMHC Premium Tiers
| Loan-to-Value (LTV) | Premium Rate |
|---|---|
| Up to 65% | 0.60% |
| 65.01% – 75% | 1.70% |
| 75.01% – 80% | 2.40% |
| 80.01% – 85% | 2.80% |
| 85.01% – 90% | 3.10% |
| 90.01% – 95% | 4.00% |
30-year extended amortization surcharge: +0.20% (added when first-time buyers or new-build buyers choose 30-year amortization).
BC PST on Premium: 7% — payable in cash at closing, cannot be added to the mortgage.
FAQ
Why is CMHC PST in BC paid in cash?
Because the PST is technically owed to the Province of British Columbia, not to the insurer. Lenders cannot lend you money to pay a tax bill, so it must come from your closing-day funds.
Can I avoid CMHC insurance entirely?
Yes — by putting 20% or more down. Mortgages with LTV at or below 80% are conventional and uninsured.
⚠️ Legal Disclaimer
This CMHC insurance calculator is provided for general informational and estimation purposes only. CMHC, Sagen and Canada Guaranty premium rates, eligibility rules, maximum insurable amounts, and provincial PST treatment change from time to time. The results are illustrative estimates only and are not a mortgage approval, insurance commitment, or financial advice. Final premiums, eligibility, and BC PST are determined by your insurer and lender at closing. Always consult a licensed mortgage broker, your lender, and a real estate lawyer before relying on these figures. Dan Marusin PREC, Renanza Realty, and danmarusin.com assume no liability for any errors, omissions, or financial decisions made on the basis of this calculator's output.