8 Year Fixed Mortgage Rates

Compare 8-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates

Homeowners who aren't willing to take on the risk of ever-changing mortgage rates can consider a 8-year fixed mortgage. This type of mortgage guarantees their rate for the maximum amount of time that Canadian lenders allow and ensure that their payments won't change over the course of those 8 years.

8-year interest rates are often a little bit higher than 1-year or 5-year but for many borrowers, by locking in a rate for 8 years, they are protected against the risk of rising interest rates that can eventually lead to higher monthly mortgage payments.

Mortgage Stats in Canada

• As of 2019, 74% of Canadian mortgages are fixed-rate
• 11% of Canadians hold mortgages with amortization periods in excess of 25 years
• As of 2019, one in 427 mortgages were in arrears
• 63% of Canadians own their own homes
• The average interest rate in Canada in 2019 was 3.14%

Source:

Statistics Canada
Bank of Canada

What Drives Changes in 8-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates?

In Canada, lenders secure fixed mortgages with Government of Canada bonds and as such, the yields from these bonds are the biggest factor in determining fixed mortgage rates. Bond yields are primarily affected by economic growth and inflation across the country.

Pros Of a 8-Year Fixed Mortgage

• Monthly or bi-weekly mortgage payments remain the same for 8 years
• At the end of the term, homeowners can change providers without penalty if they're unhappy

Downsides of a 8-Year Fixed Mortgage

• If interest rates drop homeowners can't take advantage of lowering their payments
• Homeowners who want to make changes before the term expires face financial penalties

How Much Can You Save Comparing 8-Year Fixed Rates

8-year fixed mortgage rates vary by several points depending on the lender and that's why it's so important to take time to compare rates and shop around. Working with a mortgage broker is often the best way to do this, as brokers have access to a variety of rates from different lenders across the country. By finding a lender with a lower rate, you may be able to save thousands of dollars on the purchase of your home.

The Difference Between Fixed and Variable Rate Mortgages

The biggest difference between a fixed-rate mortgage and a variable-rate mortgage is the monthly payment you'll make on your mortgage. While a fixed-rate mortgage means that your interest and monthly or bi-weekly mortgage payments stay the same for the duration of your mortgage term, variable-rate mortgages change over time. Payments may change every few months to reflect current Bank of Canada interest rates. With a variable rate mortgage, interest rates are lower than fixed mortgage rates; however, in the event that rates increase drastically due to changes in the economy, homeowners may find themselves eventually paying more than they would have if they'd locked in their rate on a fixed term.

What is a Rate Hold?

Rate holds can be applied to variable or adjustable-rate mortgages for a short period of time. Using rate holds, homeowners can lock-in their mortgage rate temporarily to avoid an increase in their mortgage payments. Typically, rate holds can be applied for a period of 30 to 60 days; however, some lenders may allow rate holds of up to 120 days.

Why Compare 8-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates with My Rate Compass?

My Rate Compass is an impartial, unbiased hub of information with current, up-to-date mortgage rates from brokers and major banks across Canada. To find reliable information about mortgages, including accurate posted rates, use My Rate Compass to research your options before selecting a mortgage lender.