Leslie Penney Mortgage Broker

(709) 764-4744 leslie@lesliepenney.ca

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    • Apply Here
    • About Leslie Penney
    • The Leslie Penney Team
    • First-Time Home Buyers
    • Mortgage Renewals
    • Mortgage Refinancing
    • Mortgage Pre-Approvals
    • Self-Employed Mortgages
    • Investment Mortgages
    • New to Canada Mortgages
    • Purchase Plus Improvement
    • New Construction Mortgage
    • Vacation and Second Homes
    • Private Mortgages
    • Mortgage Authority
    • Trusted and Recognized
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Leslie Penney Mortgage Broker

(709) 764-4744 leslie@lesliepenney.ca

Signed in as:

filler@godaddy.com

  • Apply Here
  • About Leslie Penney
  • The Leslie Penney Team
  • First-Time Home Buyers
  • Mortgage Renewals
  • Mortgage Refinancing
  • Mortgage Pre-Approvals
  • Self-Employed Mortgages
  • Investment Mortgages
  • New to Canada Mortgages
  • Purchase Plus Improvement
  • New Construction Mortgage
  • Vacation and Second Homes
  • Private Mortgages
  • Mortgage Authority
  • Trusted and Recognized

Account


  • Bookings
  • My Account
  • Sign out


  • Sign In
  • Bookings
  • My Account

Mortgages for Newcomers to Canada

Buying a home in Canada can feel complicated when you're also adjusting to a new country, a new financial system and a different way of qualifying for a mortgage.


We'll help you understand how lenders may look at your income, employment, down payment and credit history, and explain the mortgage options that may be available to you in Newfoundland & Labrador.

EXPLORE MY MORTGAGE OPTIONS




Can Newcomers Get a Mortgage in Canada?

Yes. Being new to Canada doesn't necessarily mean you have to wait years before you can buy a home.


Mortgage options may be available to permanent residents, temporary residents and other eligible newcomers, depending on factors such as your residency status, employment, income, down payment, credit history and the property you're purchasing.


You may also have options even if you haven't had enough time in Canada to build an extensive Canadian credit history.

New to Canada Doesn't Mean New to Credit

If you've only recently arrived, lenders may consider different ways of establishing your financial history depending on the mortgage program and your circumstances.

The important thing is not to assume you won't qualify simply because your Canadian credit file is new.


We'll review your situation, explain what documentation may be required and help determine which lenders and mortgage options are worth exploring.

What Do Lenders Look At?

Residency Status

Employment & Income

Employment & Income

Your status in Canada can affect the mortgage programs and lending options available to you. Requirements may differ for permanent residents and temporary residents.

Employment & Income

Employment & Income

Employment & Income

Lenders will want to understand your employment, income and ability to support the mortgage. How your income is documented can depend on your employment situation and how long you've been working in Canada.

Credit History

Employment & Income

Your Down Payment

A limited Canadian credit history doesn't necessarily mean you can't qualify. Depending on the lender and mortgage program, other information may be considered when assessing your creditworthiness..

Your Down Payment

Every Newcomer's Situation Is Different

Your Down Payment

The amount and source of your down payment are important. Lenders may require documentation showing where the funds came from and how long you've had them.

Every Newcomer's Situation Is Different

Every Newcomer's Situation Is Different

Every Newcomer's Situation Is Different

Someone who recently arrived with permanent resident status, established employment and savings may have very different options than someone here on a temporary work permit.


We'll look at your complete situation before determining which mortgage options and lenders may be appropriate for you.

What If You Don’t Have Canadian Credit History?

If you've recently moved to Canada, you may not have had enough time to build a traditional Canadian credit history. That doesn't necessarily mean homeownership has to wait.


Depending on your circumstances and the lender's requirements, there may be other ways to demonstrate how you've managed your financial obligations.

Other Financial History May Help

Depending on the mortgage program, lenders may consider additional documentation or alternative ways of establishing your financial history when a Canadian credit file is limited.


The requirements can vary, which is why it's important to understand which lenders and mortgage programs are appropriate for your situation.

A limited Canadian credit history isn't the same thing as poor credit.

We'll help you understand what information may be needed and what mortgage options could be available based on your circumstances.

How Much Down Payment Do You Need?

Being new to Canada doesn't automatically mean you need a larger down payment.

Depending on your residency status, the property and your eligibility for mortgage insurance, you may be able to purchase an owner-occupied home with a minimum down payment starting at 5%.


For eligible 1–2 unit owner-occupied properties, the minimum is generally:

5% of the first $500,000
10% of the portion above $500,000


Insured financing is available only below the applicable maximum purchase price and is subject to qualification and program requirements.

Where Your Down Payment Comes From Matters

Your down payment may come from sources such as your own savings, proceeds from the sale of another property or an eligible non-repayable gift from a relative. Lenders will generally require documentation confirming the source of the funds. 


We'll help you understand how much you'll need and what documentation may be required before you start making offers.

What Documents Might You Need?

Income & Residency

We'll Tell You What You Actually Need

Financial Information

  • Proof of employment and income
  • Recent pay stubs
  • Employment letter
  • Work permit or other residency documentation, where applicable
  • Identification

Financial Information

We'll Tell You What You Actually Need

Financial Information

  • Canadian bank statements
  • Down payment verification
  • Documentation showing the source of funds
  • Canadian credit information, where available
  • Additional financial or credit history if required

We'll Tell You What You Actually Need

We'll Tell You What You Actually Need

We'll Tell You What You Actually Need

Don't worry about trying to assemble every possible document before contacting us.


We'll review your situation first and give you a clear list of the documents needed for your mortgage application.

Explore my options

Buying Your First Home in Canada

If you're buying your first home in Canada, there may be more to consider than simply getting approved for the mortgage.


You'll want to understand how much you can afford, your down payment, closing costs, the mortgage approval process and what happens between making an offer and getting the keys.


If you're also new to the Canadian home-buying process, we'll help you understand each step and what to expect along the way.

You Don't Have to Figure It Out Alone

Buying a home in a new country can come with unfamiliar terminology, processes and requirements.


Our job is to make the mortgage side of the process clear, answer your questions and help you know what comes next.

Buying your first home? → Explore our First-Time Home Buyer Guide

Learn more

New to Canada Mortgage FAQs

Please reach us at leslie@lesliepenney.ca if you cannot find an answer to your question.

Yes, potentially. Mortgage options may be available to eligible newcomers depending on factors such as residency status, employment, income, credit history, down payment and the property being purchased.


Not necessarily. If you haven't been in Canada long enough to establish a traditional Canadian credit history, some lenders and mortgage programs may consider other ways of demonstrating your financial history.


Potentially. Some temporary residents who are legally authorized to work in Canada may have mortgage options available. Eligibility and documentation requirements depend on your individual circumstances and the lender or mortgage-insurance program.


Being new to Canada doesn't automatically mean you need a 20% down payment. Eligible borrowers may be able to purchase an owner-occupied home with a minimum down payment starting at 5%, subject to qualification, purchase price and applicable mortgage-insurance requirements.


There isn't one waiting period that applies to every newcomer mortgage application. Your options depend on factors such as your residency status, employment, income, credit history and the mortgage program you're eligible for.


Your employment and income will be important parts of your mortgage application. The type of employment, how long you've been employed and the documentation required can vary depending on your circumstances and the lender.


Potentially, but the source of your down payment will need to be properly documented and meet the lender's requirements. If funds are being transferred from outside Canada, it's a good idea to discuss this with us early so you know what records to keep.


Yes, it's a good idea to have your financing reviewed before you begin making offers. A pre-approval can help you understand what you may qualify for, your potential payments and any documentation or financing issues that should be addressed before you find a property.


New to Canada Mortgage Resources

Helpful articles, answers and insights for newcomers looking to understand mortgages, home buying and financing in Canada.

Ready to Explore Your Mortgage Options?

Whether you've recently arrived in Canada or you're starting to plan for homeownership, we'll help you understand your mortgage options, what you may qualify for and what you'll need to move forward.

EXPLORE MY MORTGAGE OPTIONS

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