New to Canada Mortgage in Montreal | AS Hypothèque

Can Newcomers Get a Mortgage in Canada?

Moving to a new country is already a lot. New job, new city, new everything. Figuring out how to buy a home in Montreal on top of all that can feel impossible. But here's the truth: getting a new to Canada mortgage is more straightforward than most newcomers expect. I've helped hundreds of newcomers settle into homeownership on the South Shore and across Montreal. Let me walk you through how it works.

Yes. If you're a permanent resident, you can buy a home in Canada with as little as 5% down. Work permit holders qualify too, with 5% down if you have 12 months of Canadian credit, or 10% if you don't. Programs from CMHC and Sagen are built specifically for newcomers. You don't need years of Canadian credit history to get started.

The biggest misconception I hear from newcomers is that no credit history means no mortgage. That's not how it works here. Lenders can use a foreign credit report, rent payment history, or utility bills as proof that you pay your obligations on time. The system is designed to help you get in, not keep you out.

Who Qualifies as a Newcomer?

The newcomer mortgage programs cover more situations than most people realize. You may qualify if you are:

• A permanent resident, even if you just landed
• A work permit holder with a valid permit and a full-time job

Maybe you arrived six months ago and just finished your probation period at work. Maybe you've been here two years and have been renting while you figure things out. Maybe your spouse is on a work permit and you're wondering if you can buy together. These are all situations I work with regularly.

If you're also buying your first property, you may benefit from first-time home buyer programs that stack on top of newcomer benefits. And if you're self-employed, there are solutions for that too.

How the Process Works

I like to keep things simple. Here are the four steps:

1. Gather your documents. You'll need your work permit or PR card, a recent pay stub, a letter from your employer, and proof that your down payment is sitting in a Canadian account. If you don't have Canadian credit yet, we can use alternative proof like rental receipts or phone bills.
2. Get pre-approved. I submit your file and we find out exactly how much you can borrow. This gives you a clear budget before you start looking. A mortgage pre-approval also shows sellers you're serious.
3. Find your home. Once you know your numbers, you shop with confidence. When you make an offer, I handle the full mortgage application with the lender.
4. Close the deal. Your notary receives the funds, you provide your down payment, and you get the keys. I'm with you at every step to make sure nothing falls through the cracks.

Why Work With a Montreal Broker for Your Newcomer Mortgage?

Banks offer one set of products. That's it. As a mortgage broker, I work with over 20 lenders, and I know which ones have the best newcomer programs, the most flexible credit requirements, and the lowest rates for your specific situation.

After 10 years of helping newcomers in Montreal and on the South Shore, I've learned that every file is different. Your country of origin, your employment type, your residency status, your down payment source. These details matter, and they change which lender is the best fit. That's exactly what I'm here to figure out for you.

You came to Canada to build something. Let me help you take this next step.