In Canada, Islamic mortgages are based on the concept of profit-sharing, not interest. This means that the lender and borrower share the profits and losses of the property, rather than charging interest on a loan.
The Shariah-compliant mortgage is typically structured as a partnership between the lender and the borrower, where the lender provides the financing and the borrower provides the property. This partnership is based on the principle of "mudarabah", where the lender provides the capital and the borrower provides the expertise and risk.
One of the key benefits of Islamic mortgages in Canada is that they are exempt from paying property taxes, which can save homeowners thousands of dollars per year. This is because Islamic mortgages are considered a form of partnership, rather than a traditional loan, and are therefore exempt from property taxes.
Islamic mortgages in Canada are also often accompanied by a lower down payment requirement, typically 10-20% of the purchase price, compared to traditional mortgages which often require 20% down. This makes it easier for first-time homebuyers to enter the market.
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What Is an Islamic Mortgage?
An Islamic mortgage is a type of home financing that complies with the principles of Shariah law, which prohibits the collection and payment of interest.
Islamic mortgages are based on a concept called Murabaha, where the bank buys the property and sells it to the customer at a marked-up price.
The customer pays the bank in installments, which includes the original price of the property plus a profit margin.
The profit margin is determined by the bank and is usually higher than the interest rate on a conventional mortgage.
The bank owns the property until the customer pays the full amount, at which point the property is transferred to the customer's name.
The customer can choose to rent the property from the bank or purchase it outright.
Islamic mortgages are often more expensive than conventional mortgages, but they offer a legitimate alternative for Muslims who want to own a home without violating their faith.
Types of Islamic Mortgages
Islamic mortgages offer a range of options for homebuyers. There are three main types of Islamic mortgages: Murabaha, Ijara, and Musharaka.
Murabaha is a home financing arrangement where the lender purchases the property and immediately resells it to you at a higher price. This includes a profit based on factors like your risk profile and repayment term.
Ijara is similar to a rent-to-own scheme, where the financier buys the property outright and rents it to you for a fixed term. Over this term, you make regular payments that cover rent, capital repayments, and profit for the financier.
Musharaka is a joint ownership agreement between you and the financier, where your payments are a combination of rent and property purchase payments to buy the financier's share.
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Murabaha
Murabaha is a type of shariah-compliant mortgage that allows you to purchase a property with a financing arrangement. It's not a home purchase plan, but rather a way to finance a home.
In a typical Murabaha agreement, the financier buys the property and immediately sells it to you at a higher price that includes a profit. This profit is based on several factors, including your risk profile, credit history, and the property value.
You'll typically pay an initial deposit of at least 20% and the property is yours from day one. Repayments are fixed for the term of the mortgage, and you can repay the loan early without penalty.
Murabaha is a cornerstone of Islamic finance and is committed to transparency and adherence to Islamic law. This means that the transaction is free from usury and deceptive practices, giving you peace of mind.
To ensure Shariah compliance, Devon Bank follows four key principles in their Murabaha transactions. These include ensuring the asset sold is real and owned by the seller, defining the cost of the asset, agreeing on the sale and profit margin, and outlining payment terms.
In Canada, there are variations of Murabaha available that allow borrowers to assume ownership of the property directly without having to take the step of purchasing it through their lender.
Ijara
An Ijara mortgage is similar to a rent-to-own scheme. The financier buys the property outright and rents it to you for a fixed term.
You make regular steady payments, which are a combination of rent, repayment of capital, and profit for the financier. This arrangement can be beneficial for those who want to own a property but need time to save for a down payment.
At the end of the agreement, ownership is transferred to you. This means you'll have complete control over the property and can make any necessary changes or improvements.
Your ownership share of the property remains consistent throughout the length of the term until you have paid off the bank's stake and become the sole owner. This can provide a sense of security and stability, knowing that you'll eventually own the property outright.
Musharaka
Musharaka is a type of Islamic mortgage where you and the financier own the property jointly.
With a Musharaka mortgage agreement, both you and the financier own the property jointly. Your payments are a combination of rent for the portion of the property owned by the financier, and property purchase payment to buy a little bit of financier's share until eventually, at the end of the term, you own the whole property.
In a Musharaka arrangement, you can pay up to 20% extra per year without penalty, unlike some Murabaha agreements that do not allow for additional payments.
Like typical Western mortgages, halal mortgages offer a variety of terms, conditions and fees, making it essential to understand the details of any Musharaka mortgage product and evaluate your options based on your needs and financial situation.
Diminishing Musharaka is a type of Musharaka mortgage where each payment reduces the bank's share and increases your ownership stake, with the bank's share and your rent decreasing over time.
In Guidance Residential's proprietary model of Islamic home financing, Declining Balance Co-Ownership, the home buyer and Guidance Residential buy the home together, with the percent of the property owned by each party determined by each side's investment.
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Qualification Requirements
To qualify for a halal mortgage in Canada, you'll typically need to meet certain requirements. These may include reviewing your income and credit history.
Halal Financial Corporation, however, requires a minimum down payment of 25%. This is higher than the standard 20% often required by other providers.
You'll need to have a good credit history to qualify for a halal mortgage. This will show that you're responsible with your finances and can afford the mortgage payments.
The specific qualification requirements can vary depending on the provider you choose. Be sure to research and compare different options to find the best fit for your needs.
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Home Financing Options
Islamic mortgages offer a Sharia-compliant alternative to traditional interest-bearing loans, providing various options tailored to different needs and preferences.
You can choose from Ijara, Diminishing Musharaka, or Murabaha plans, each with its unique structure and benefits.
Unbiased can quickly match you with a qualified mortgage broker who can help you navigate the various Islamic mortgage options available.
Islamic home financing is structured as an investment, where both parties share profit and loss, rather than a lender/borrower relationship.
This approach is not only ethical but also equitable, allowing businesses to make a profit while protecting vulnerable people from exploitation and building healthy communities.
Islamic home financing appeals to all people interested in a more transparent and ethical system of finance, not just followers of any one faith.
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Qualification Requirements in Canada
Halal mortgage providers in Canada will review your income and credit history as part of their qualification process. They may also require a down payment, with some providers requiring at least 20%.
Halal Financial Corporation requires a minimum down payment of 25%. This is a specific requirement to note if you're considering working with this provider.
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Home Financing Options
Islamic mortgages offer a Sharia-compliant alternative to traditional interest-bearing loans, providing various options tailored to different needs and preferences.
Whether you choose Ijara, Diminishing Musharaka, or Murabaha, each plan has its unique structure and benefits.
To find a suitable Islamic mortgage, you can get expert financial advice from a qualified mortgage broker who can help you navigate the various options available.
Islamic home financing is structured as an investment in which both parties share profit and loss, rather than a lender/borrower relationship.
This approach is more equitable and transparent, making it an ideal solution for Muslim and non-Muslim families looking to buy a home in accordance with their values.
Halal mortgages in Canada typically require a down payment of at least 20%, although some providers may have different requirements.
For example, Halal Financial Corporation requires a minimum down payment of 25%.
Islamic finance is a rapidly evolving sector with annual growth between 15%-25%, with Islamic financial institutions supervising more than $2 trillion.
Islamic banks earn profit by equity participation, where borrowers pay the bank a cut of their earnings rather than charge interest.
Risk-sharing is at the core of Islamic banking and finance, positioning lending not just as a transaction but as a relationship that promotes mutual benefit.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do Islamic mortgages make money?
Islamic mortgages generate income through rent payments in Ijara contracts or additional profit charges in Murabaha contracts. This unique approach allows Islamic banks to balance financial returns with Shariah-compliant principles.
What are the conditions for an Islamic mortgage?
For an Islamic mortgage, you'll typically need to pay a deposit of at least 20% of the purchase price and then repay the loan in fixed installments over a set period. Repayment terms are flexible, allowing you to pay off the loan in full at any time without penalty.
Sources
- https://www.investopedia.com/terms/i/islamicbanking.asp
- https://www.nerdwallet.com/ca/mortgages/what-is-a-halal-mortgage
- https://www.unbiased.co.uk/discover/mortgages-property/buying-a-home/what-is-an-islamic-mortgage-and-how-do-they-work
- https://www.guidanceresidential.com/resources/faith-based-financing/what-is-an-islamic-mortgage-and-how-does-it-work/
- https://devonislamic.com/what-is-a-halal-mortgage-and-how-exactly-does-it-work/
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