Investment Property Financing in BC: What Buyers Should Know

Rabinder Dhillon • June 19, 2026

Buying a rental property is one of the most popular ways people build long-term wealth, and financing one works a little differently than financing the home you live in. If you are thinking about becoming a landlord, here is what you need to know before you start, in plain language.


The short version: for a property you will not live in, you generally need at least 20 percent down, and lenders will use a portion of the rental income to help you qualify. The catch is that every lender treats rental income differently, so the lender you choose can genuinely make or break the deal.


The Down Payment Rules

If the property is purely an investment and you will not live in it, plan on a minimum of 20 percent down. If you buy a property with two to four units and live in one of them, you may qualify under owner-occupied rules with a smaller down payment, which is a popular strategy for buyers  who want a tenant to help cover the mortgage. Which path fits you changes both your down payment and your rate, so it is worth planning early.


How Lenders Treat Rental Income

This is where deals are won or lost. Most lenders will count a portion of the rent toward your qualifying income, but the amount and the method vary a lot.


Some use a percentage of the rent to offset the mortgage payment, some add a share of it to your income, and some are far more generous than others.


Matching your deal to the right lender's rental policy is exactly the kind of thing I do, and it often means qualifying for more than a single bank would allow.


What Lenders Look at Beyond the Rent

Rental income helps, but lenders also weigh your personal income, your credit, any properties you already own, and the strength of the specific building. If you are planning to build a portfolio over time, how your existing mortgages are structured affects your next approval, so there is real value in planning your financing as a strategy rather than one deal at a time.


Plan the Financing Before You Offer

The investors who do well are the ones who line up their financing before they shop, not after. Whether you are buying your first rental or adding to a portfolio anywhere in BC, let's look at your goals, your numbers, and the right lender for your situation, so your investment is set up to succeed from day one.


Thinking about an investment property? Talk with Rabinder Dhillon and let's structure the financing to qualify, with no pressure.

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Bank of Canada Raises Rate to 2.5% — October 28, 2026

By Rabinder Dhillon • October 28, 2026
On October 28, 2026, the Bank of Canada raised its key interest rate by 0.25%, bringing it to 2.5%. If you have a mortgage, are shopping for a home, or have a renewal coming up, this decision matters. Here is a plain-language look at what changed, why it happened, and what it could mean for you.

How to Maximize Your Mortgage Renewal Opportunity

By Rabinder Dhillon • October 21, 2026
Your Lender Is Not Obligated to Renew Your Mortgage Many homeowners assume that if they’ve made every mortgage payment on time, their lender is automatically required to renew their mortgage at the end of the term. That’s a common belief—but it isn’t true. When you sign a mortgage, you’re agreeing to a contract for a specific term . Once that term ends, the lender has the legal right to either renew the mortgage or call the loan . There is no obligation to offer a renewal. In practice, most lenders do renew mortgages—but certain situations can prevent that from happening. Reasons a Lender May Decline to Renew A lender may choose not to renew if: Mortgage payments were missed during the term A bankruptcy or consumer proposal has occurred There is a separation or divorce Employment or income has changed A borrower on the mortgage has passed away The lender no longer prefers the property’s location or market The lender is no longer licensed to lend in Canada Even one of these factors can change how a lender views the risk. Why This Matters Because renewal is not guaranteed, waiting until the last minute can put you in a difficult position. Understanding this reality early gives you time and control. How to Protect Yourself at Renewal The best approach is to be proactive. Ideally, you should begin reviewing your options 120 days before your mortgage term ends . This gives you enough time to explore alternatives and make informed decisions—rather than reacting under pressure. Even if your current lender offers a renewal, that’s just one option , not automatically the best one. The lender that was right for you years ago may no longer offer the most competitive rate, terms, or flexibility today. The goal at renewal isn’t convenience—it’s reducing your total cost of borrowing and choosing terms that align with your current situation. Why Work With an Independent Mortgage Professional Working with an independent mortgage professional ensures someone is advocating for you , not the lender. Instead of being limited to one set of products, you can compare options across multiple lenders and choose the solution that best protects your interests. Final Thoughts Whether your lender is offering a renewal or not, the smartest move is to review all your options before signing anything. If your mortgage is coming up for renewal—or if you want to plan ahead—feel free to connect anytime. I’d be happy to help you protect your options and make a confident decision.