Buyer Planning Tool

Monthly Payment
Reality Check

What will this home really cost per month? Go beyond the mortgage payment — see the full picture.

Serving Burlington · Hamilton · Waterdown · Ancaster · Dundas · Stoney Creek · Oakville & surrounding Ontario markets
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Property Details

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Minimum 5% for homes under $500K · Minimum 20% for $1.5M+

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Mortgage Terms

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Annual rate · Compounded semi-annually (Canadian)

Accelerated bi-weekly pays half the monthly amount 26×/year — shortening your amortization

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Monthly Carrying Costs

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Burlington avg. ~$5,200–$7,500/yr · Hamilton avg. ~$4,800–$6,500/yr

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Recommended: 1% of home value per year

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Options

First-Time Buyer Applies Ontario FTHB land transfer tax rebate (up to $4,000)
Include CMHC Insurance Auto-applies if down payment is under 20% and price is under $1.5M
Monthly Mortgage Payment
$0
Total Monthly Housing Cost
Estimated Total $0
Mortgage (monthly equiv.) $0
Property Tax $0
Condo Fees $0
Heating & Utilities $0
Home Insurance $0
Maintenance Reserve $0
Upfront & One-Time Costs
Down Payment (0%) $0
CMHC Insurance Premium N/A
Ontario Land Transfer Tax $0
Other Closing Costs (est.) $0 – $0
Total Cash Needed (est.) $0 – $0
Enter your details to see your comfort note.

This tool is for planning purposes only and is not a mortgage approval or lender commitment. Always consult a licensed mortgage professional and accountant before making financial decisions.

Monthly Cost Breakdown

Where Your Money Goes Each Month

Mortgage $0
Property Tax $0
Condo Fees $0
Heating & Utilities $0
Home Insurance $0
Maintenance Reserve $0
Total Monthly $0
What Buyers Often Overlook

Most buyers focus on the mortgage.
These costs often come as a surprise.

Land Transfer Tax

In Ontario, you pay land transfer tax on every property purchase. On an $850,000 home that's approximately $13,975 — due on closing day. First-time buyers get a rebate of up to $4,000.

CMHC Mortgage Insurance

If your down payment is under 20%, CMHC insurance is required. The premium (2.80–4.00% of the mortgage) is added to your loan — meaning you pay interest on it for the life of your mortgage.

Legal & Closing Fees

Legal fees, title insurance, home inspection, and closing adjustments typically add $3,500–$8,000+ to your closing day costs. Budget 1.5–3% of your purchase price above your down payment.

Maintenance Reserve

Industry rule of thumb: budget 1% of your home's value per year for maintenance. On an $850K home that's ~$708/month set aside — most first-time buyers don't account for this at all.

Heating & Utilities

Detached homes in Burlington and Hamilton typically cost $180–$350/month in heating alone. Add hydro, water, and internet and you're often looking at $400–$600/month total.

Home Insurance

Home insurance is required by lenders and ranges from $100–$250/month depending on coverage, location, and the age of the home. Older homes and homes near water typically cost more.

Ready for the Next Step?

Want help finding homes that actually fit your monthly comfort zone?

We can help you find homes that align with your budget, lifestyle, and real monthly carrying costs — not just your pre-approval. Laura and Kristina serve Burlington, Hamilton, Waterdown, Ancaster, Dundas, Stoney Creek, and surrounding markets.

Book a Buyer Strategy Call

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