Self-Directed RRSP

Allows self-directed RRSP/RRIF funds to be used for non-arm’s length mortgage investments.

A smiling woman leaning on a wooden ledge

Canadian tax regulations allow self -directed Registered Retirement Savings Plans (“RRSP”) / Registered Retirement Income Funds (“RRIF”) funds to be used for a non -arm’s length mortgage investment, provided that the mortgage is insured.

Acceptable Loan Purpose and Applicable Loan -to-Value Limits

Purchase Transactions:

  • 95% LTV max 2 units
  • Property value ≤ $500,000 –5% down payment required.
  • Property value > $500,000 and < $1,000,000 –5% down payment required up to $500,000, with an additional 10% down payment on the portion of the home value above $500,000.
  • 90% LTV max 4 units

Loan Security

  • First and second mortgages

Eligible Properties

  • Maximum 4 units where 1 unit properties must be owner occupied.
  • New construction covered by a Lender approved New Home Warranty Program*
  • Existing resale properties
  • Readily marketable residential dwellings, located in markets with demonstrated ongoing re-sale demand.
  • Estimated remaining economic life of the property should be a minimum of 25 years.
  • In addition, for 3 and 4 units, the property must meet the following criteria:
    • Municipal zoning
    • Fully self-contained units

*For new construction properties in the territories (Yukon, Northwest and Nunavut Territories) where New Home Warranty is not an option, Lenders must obtain either the occupancy permit or a third-party report from a qualified professional such as: an inspector, architect or engineer. The qualified professional must carry the appropriate liability insurance and confirm construction in compliance with applicable bylaws and regulations.

Maximum Property Value

  • Property value must be less than $1,000,000.

Qualifying Interest Rates and Terms

  • Fixed, standard variable, capped variable and adjustable rate mortgages are permitted.
  • Maximum interest rate term of 25 years.
  • The qualifying interest rate is the greater of the contract rate plus 2 % or 5.25 %. In the event a self-directed mortgage goes to claim, the maximum interest rate paid on the balance owing will be the lesser of the contract rate plus 2 %t or 5.25 %.

Borrower Qualification

Income and Employment

  • Standard income and employment verification requirements apply.

Credit

  • >80% LTV: At least one applicant is required to have a minimum credit bureau score of 600.
  • ≤ 80% LTV: At least one applicant should have a minimum recommended credit bureau score of 680.

Down Payment

  • Qualified home buyers may use traditional down payment sources including personal savings, RRSP withdrawal, a non-repayable gift from an individual related to the borrower through a familial or legal relationship sweat equity, existing home equity, and proceeds from sale of property.
  • Government grants may be considered if pre-approved by Sagen.

Additional Criteria

  • The holder of the RRSP and the borrower must be the same person (or be the spouse of the borrower).

GDS / TDS Guidelines:

GDS TDS
39% 44%

Documentation / Information Requirements

  • Standard documentation requirements apply.
  • Sagen may request that the Lender provide a copy of the required documentation on a case-by-case basis.
  • For 3 and 4 unit properties Sagen requires that the Lender obtains a General Assignment of Rents and Leases or include this requirement in the Standard Charge Terms.

Portability

  • Sagen mortgage insurance is portable, so home buyers can take advantage of a Lender’s portability plan. For further details, refer to the Portability Feature product overview.

Assumptions / Assignments

  • Mortgage is assumable subject to meeting Lender guidelines.

Eligible Products *

  • Second Mortgage Program
  • Borrowed Down Payment Program
  • Business for Self (Alt. A) Program
  • Homebuyer 95 Program
  • Family Plan Program
  • Progress Advance Program
  • Purchase Plus Improvement Program
  • Vacation / Secondary Homes Program (Type A Properties)
  • Investment Property Program

*For specific underwriting guidelines related to the above eligible products, please refer to the applicable product overview.

Ineligible Products

  • New to Canada Program
  • Vacation / Secondary Homes Program (Type B Properties)