Did you know that approximately 6 in 10 Canadian homeowners break their mortgage before the end of their term? This surprising statistic highlights the importance of understanding the process and consequences of breaking a mortgage contract. As Steven Tulman, President & Principal Broker of Clover Mortgage, I'm here to guide you through everything you need to know about penalties for breaking a mortgage.
Breaking a mortgage refers to terminating your existing mortgage contract before the agreed-upon amortization period has passed. This decision often comes with financial implications, including penalties and fees.
"In a perfect world, you would never need to break your mortgage before the end of its term. However, that is rarely the reality." Tyler Salmon , Mortgage Agent Level 2, M21003803
When breaking your mortgage, you may face prepayment penalties. These penalties are designed to compensate lenders for the interest income they lose when a borrower terminates their mortgage early.
Let's break down these penalties in more detail:
Penalty Type | Description | Typical Application |
---|---|---|
Three Months' Interest | Equivalent to three months of interest payments on the remaining mortgage balance | Variable rate mortgages |
Interest Rate Differential (IRD) | The difference between your original mortgage interest rate and the current market rate | Fixed-rate mortgages |
Let's say you have a variable-rate mortgage with a balance of $400,000 and your current monthly interest payment is $500. Here's how the penalty would be calculated:
Prepayment Penalty = Monthly Interest Payment x 3
Prepayment Penalty = $500 x 3 = $1,500
Suppose you have a fixed-rate mortgage with the following details:
The IRD calculation would be:
IRD = (Original Rate - Current Rate) x Remaining Principal x Remaining Term
IRD = (4.5% - 3.5%) x $300,000 x 3 years = $9,000
Understanding the difference between open and closed mortgages is crucial when considering breaking your mortgage.
Mortgage Type | Description | Prepayment Options | nterest Rates |
---|---|---|---|
Open Mortgage | Allows repayment at any time without penalties | Unlimited prepayment | Higher interest rates |
Closed Mortgage | Has specific terms and limitations on prepayment | Limited prepayment options | Lower interest rates |
Learn more about open vs. closed mortgages
Before deciding to break your mortgage, consider these alternatives:
Despite the potential penalties, there are situations where breaking your mortgage could be beneficial:
"It's essential to carefully review your mortgage contract, understand the penalties involved, and assess whether the potential savings or benefits from breaking the mortgage outweigh the associated costs." - Dieter Haes , Mortgage Agent Level 2, M12001642
To reduce the financial impact of breaking your mortgage, consider these strategies:
When breaking your mortgage, keep these factors in mind:
As a seasoned mortgage professional, I recommend:
Learn more about the benefits of using a mortgage broker
Let's look at a scenario to illustrate the potential benefits and costs of breaking a mortgage:
Sarah has a $500,000 fixed-rate mortgage at 4.5% with 3 years remaining on her 5-year term. Current market rates have dropped to 3%, and she's considering breaking her mortgage to take advantage of the lower rate.
Current monthly payment: $2,779 Potential new monthly payment at 3%: $2,366 Monthly savings: $413
However, Sarah's lender quotes an IRD penalty of $15,000 to break the mortgage.
Time to recoup penalty through savings: $15,000 / $413 per month = 36.3 months
In this case, it would take Sarah just over 3 years to recoup the penalty through monthly savings. Since she only has 3 years left on her term, breaking the mortgage might not be the best financial decision unless she plans to stay in the home for a longer period or can negotiate a lower penalty.
Breaking your mortgage is a significant financial decision that requires careful consideration. While it can lead to substantial savings in some cases, the associated penalties and fees can be substantial. By understanding the process, exploring alternatives, and seeking professional advice, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your financial goals.
Remember, at Clover Mortgage, we're here to help you navigate these complex decisions. Contact us for personalized assistance and expert guidance on your mortgage journey.
A closed mortgage typically has stricter terms and higher penalties for early termination, while an open mortgage allows for more flexibility in repayment and breaking the contract, often with lower or no penalties.
Breaking your mortgage may result in new mortgage payments, which could be higher or lower depending on your new mortgage agreement and current interest rates.
Yes, breaking your current mortgage contract could potentially save you money if you can secure a significantly lower interest rate. However, you need to factor in the prepayment penalties to determine if it's financially beneficial.
For a fixed mortgage rate, the penalty is typically calculated using the Interest Rate Differential (IRD) or three months' interest, whichever is higher. The exact calculation can vary among financial institutions.
This depends on the offers available. Sometimes, staying with the same lender can result in reduced penalties, but new lenders might offer better rates or terms. It's best to compare options from various mortgage lenders.
Breaking your mortgage early doesn't directly affect the mortgage principal. However, the prepayment penalty may be added to your new mortgage, increasing the principal amount.
It's rare to break a mortgage contract early without any penalties, especially for closed mortgages. Open mortgages generally allow for early termination without penalties.
Financial institutions may have varying methods for calculating prepayment penalties. Some may use the IRD method, while others might use a percentage of the outstanding balance or a combination of methods.
Breaking your mortgage shouldn't directly impact your ability to get a new mortgage agreement, as long as you maintain a good credit score and meet the new lender's requirements.
Calculate the total cost of breaking your mortgage (including penalties) and compare it to the potential savings from lower monthly payments over the new term. If the savings exceed the costs within a reasonable timeframe, it may be worth considering.
Breaking your mortgage is a complex decision that requires careful consideration of your unique financial situation. At Clover Mortgage, we're committed to helping you make the best choice for your future. Don't hesitate to reach out for personalized advice and support.