See your stress test qualifying rate and maximum mortgage in seconds.
This calculator uses the federal stress test formula: your qualifying rate is the higher of your contract rate + 2%, or 5.25%. It then calculates the maximum mortgage you can carry while keeping your GDS ratio at or below 39% and TDS at or below 44%.
The calculator applies the 2025 stress test rules step by step:
| Contract Rate | +2% | Floor (5.25%) | Qualifying Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3.00% | 5.00% | 5.25% | 5.25% |
| 3.50% | 5.50% | 5.25% | 5.50% |
| 4.00% | 6.00% | 5.25% | 6.00% |
| 4.50% | 6.50% | 5.25% | 6.50% |
| 5.00% | 7.00% | 5.25% | 7.00% |
If you renew with your current lender, no stress test is required. But if you switch lenders at renewal — even to get a better rate — you must pass the stress test at the new lender. This can make it harder to shop around, though the savings can still be worth it if rates differ significantly.
The stress test applies to both insured (CMHC-backed) and uninsured (20%+ down payment) mortgages. However, the debt ratio limits differ slightly: insured mortgages allow GDS up to 39% and TDS up to 44%, while conventional uninsured mortgages typically cap at GDS 35% and TDS 42%.
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Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYAYes. As of early 2025, the minimum qualifying rate floor remains at 5.25%. OSFI reviews this periodically, but no changes have been announced for 2025.
Yes. For variable rate mortgages, you still qualify at contract rate + 2% or 5.25%, whichever is higher — even though your actual payments will be lower initially.
A legitimate pre-approval from a federally regulated lender already factors in the stress test. If your pre-approval letter comes from a bank or major lender, the qualifying rate has already been applied.