EstatePass
Mortgage & Real Estate FinanceB20 Stress TestONEASY

Under OSFI Guideline B-20, what minimum qualifying rate must federally regulated lenders use when qualifying borrowers for uninsured mortgages?

Correct Answer

B) The greater of contract rate plus 2% or 5.25%

OSFI's minimum qualifying rate for uninsured mortgages is the greater of the mortgage contract rate plus 2% or 5.25%. The 5.25% floor is set by OSFI and has replaced the Bank of Canada five-year benchmark rate that was used before June 2021. OSFI expects federally regulated lenders to apply this rate through Guideline B-20.

Answer Options
A
The Bank of Canada's 5-year benchmark rate, whatever the contract rate
B
The greater of contract rate plus 2% or 5.25%
C
The contract rate plus 2%, with no benchmark floor applied
D
A fixed rate of 5.25% set for all federally regulated lenders

Why This Is the Correct Answer

This is correct because OSFI's current minimum qualifying rate combines a 2% buffer and a 5.25% floor: borrowers must qualify at whichever is higher, contract rate plus 2% or 5.25%.

Why the Other Options Are Wrong

Deep Analysis of This Mortgage & Real Estate Finance Question

Background Knowledge for Mortgage & Real Estate Finance

Memory Technique

Exam Tip for Mortgage & Real Estate Finance

Real World Application in Mortgage & Real Estate Finance

Common Mistakes to Avoid on Mortgage & Real Estate Finance Questions

Key Terms

Guideline B-20minimum qualifying ratestress testOSFIuninsured mortgage
Was this explanation helpful?

More Mortgage & Real Estate Finance Questions

People Also Study

Practice More Mortgage & Real Estate Finance Questions

Access 540+ Canadian real estate exam questions and pass your licensing exam.

Start Practicing