
Private mortgage lenders in Canada offer a range of rates and costs, making it essential to understand the options available.
The rates for private mortgage lenders in Canada can vary significantly, with some lenders offering rates as low as 6.99% and others as high as 12.99%.
Private mortgage lenders in Canada often charge higher interest rates compared to traditional lenders, but they may also offer more flexible terms and conditions.
In addition to higher interest rates, private mortgage lenders in Canada may also charge origination fees, which can range from 1% to 5% of the loan amount.
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Private Mortgage Lenders Rates
Private mortgage lenders rates can vary wildly, but there are some rough numbers to keep in mind. Private lenders will charge between 6-15% interest, depending on the purpose of the loan, the length of the loan, and the relationship between the borrower and the lender.
If you're borrowing a private mortgage in 1st position, you can expect to pay between 6-10% interest. However, if you're borrowing in 2nd position, the rates can be higher, ranging from 10-15% interest and higher.
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The interest rate you get will depend on several factors, including your down payment, credit score, income, and assets. The more you invest in the home, the less risk the lender takes, and the lower the interest rate will be. A borrower with a 40% down payment will likely get a lower rate than one with 10% invested.
Your credit score is also a major factor in determining your interest rate. Lenders will look at your credit history, and a higher credit score will result in a lower interest rate. Working on your credit before applying for a loan can help you secure a better rate.
Here are some general interest rate ranges to expect:
- 1st mortgage rates: 6-10%
- 2nd mortgage rates: 10-15% or higher
- Interest rates based on down payment:
+ 40% down payment: lower interest rate
+ 10% down payment: higher interest rate
* Interest rates based on credit score:
+ Good credit score: lower interest rate
+ Bad credit score: higher interest rate
Keep in mind that these are general ranges, and the actual interest rate you'll get will depend on your individual circumstances.
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Finding and Comparing Lenders
To find private lenders, you can use a website that lists detailed profiles of lenders, including their minimum and maximum interest rates. Most lenders have updated their rates on their profile.
You can browse lenders on this website by selecting a loan type and entering the state where the property is located. This will give you a list of direct lenders to contact directly by email, phone call, or visiting their websites.
When comparing lenders, it's essential to ask for a loan estimate that details the cost of the loan. This will allow you to complete an apples to apples comparison of each loan.
Make sure to look at the big picture and consider the total costs of the loan, rather than just focusing on the interest rate or fees.
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Understanding Lender Fees
Private lenders often charge origination points with a loan product, which can range from 2 to 5 percent of the total loan amount.
Lenders set origination points based on your risk profile, so great credit, a high down payment, or shorter-term loans may result in fewer points.
Origination points can include all fees or be separate, so it's essential to ask the lender about the fees and how they're broken down.
Shopping around for private lenders can be overwhelming, but getting a loan estimate can help you compare costs and make an informed decision.
Don't focus solely on interest rates; look at the loan's total costs, including fees, to get the full picture of what private lenders will charge you.
Private loans can incur set-up fees, which can be financed through the mortgage loan, meaning you can apply for a loan of a slightly higher amount to cover the extra costs.
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Shopping for Lender Fees Essentials
Private lenders often charge origination points ranging from 2 to 5 percent of the total loan amount. These points can be included in the loan or charged separately, so it's essential to ask the lender about their breakdown.
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Origination points are set based on the type of loan and loan term. The longer you borrow the money, the higher the risk lenders take, which means more points. A shorter loan term and a high down payment can result in fewer points.
Origination points are not the only fees you'll encounter. Other parties involved in the loan process, such as appraisers, title companies, and notaries, also charge fees. These can include appraisal fees, title search fees, title insurance, notary fees, recording fees, and closing fees.
Shopping for private lender fees requires some research and diligence. Ask for a loan estimate that details the cost of the loan, allowing you to compare different loans apples to apples. This will give you a clear picture of the total costs involved.
Private mortgage loans can also incur set-up fees, which can range from 1-3% of the loan amount. These fees can be financed through the mortgage loan, so you may need to apply for a larger loan to cover the extra costs. For example, if you need to borrow $100,000 and the set-up fees are 3%, you would need to apply for a loan of $103,000.
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Are Loans Costly?
Loans can be costly, especially if you're not careful. Private mortgage interest rates can range from 10-18% depending on the property, borrower and current economic conditions.
You'll likely pay more than you would with a conventional mortgage lender. Since private lenders are almost always higher, you'd only turn to them when turned down by banks and bad credit lenders.
Those higher rates are partly because private lenders need to make a solid rate of return for their investors. If they're funded by a mortgage investment corporation, they'll want to ensure they're getting a good profit.
Be aware that these rates can add up quickly, so it's essential to factor them into your budget.
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Types of Loans and Lenders
Private mortgage lenders specialize in specific areas, such as commercial or residential properties, and often focus on a particular type of loan, like refinancing for debt consolidation or renovation.
Some private lenders may only provide funds to those who are refinancing with the intention of purchasing another property.
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Private lenders may also have a preference for investing in urban areas, as these areas typically carry more real estate value.
Here are some examples of private lender specializations:
Difference Between Money Loan and Hard Money Loan
The difference between a private money loan and a hard money loan is that private lenders tend to operate as individuals.
Private money lenders are often individuals, whereas hard money lenders operate as a public business. This distinction is key to understanding the unique characteristics of each type of loan.
Private money loans and hard money loans have distinct differences, and understanding these differences can help you make informed decisions about your financial options.
The table below, which compares private money loans and hard money loans, further clarifies the differences between these two types of loans.
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Specialize
Private lenders often specialize in a certain lending category. This can include commercial versus residential properties, or specific loan purposes such as refinancing for debt consolidation or renovation.
Some private lenders focus on a particular property type, like commercial or residential. Others specialize in loans for specific reasons, such as refinancing to purchase another property.
Lenders may also prefer to invest in urban areas, where properties tend to hold more value. This is because these areas are often more appealing to lenders due to their higher real estate value.
Private lenders may also prefer to lend in the region they live in, as they can personally evaluate the properties. However, this isn't always the case.
Here are some examples of how private lenders may specialize:
- Commercial vs. residential: Private lenders may focus on one or the other.
- Refinance for debt consolidation vs. renovation: Lenders may specialize in one or the other.
- Urban areas: Private lenders may prefer to lend in areas with higher property values.
- Regional lending: Lenders may prefer to lend in their local area.
Canada and Ontario Specifics
In Canada, private mortgages are typically short-term solutions, ranging from one to three years, and are often interest-only loans. This means borrowers will only make interest payments over the life of the loan, without any going toward the mortgage's principal balance.
Private lenders will look beyond traditional borrowing criteria in Canada, considering a property's overall value and marketability, rather than just the borrower's credit history. This makes private mortgages a viable option for borrowers with bruised credit, such as those with a credit score under 600.
In Ontario, private lenders are willing to work with borrowers who may have been turned down by prime or bad credit lenders. However, this comes with a trade-off: higher interest rates and extra fees.
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What's in Canada?

In Canada, private mortgages are a viable option for borrowers who can't qualify for a traditional mortgage loan. They're provided by individual financers or groups of investors and are often meant to be short-term solutions, ranging from one to three years.
Private mortgages in Canada are typically interest-only loans, where borrowers only make interest payments over the life of the loan, without any going toward the mortgage's principal balance. This means that at the end of the private mortgage term, the borrower will still owe the principal balance in full.
Private lenders in Canada will look beyond traditional borrowing criteria, such as income, debt requirements, and credit health, and instead consider a property's overall value and marketability. This makes private mortgages a faster financing option for borrowers with bruised credit.
In Canada, private mortgage lenders often charge higher interest rates and extra fees compared to traditional mortgage lenders. This trade-off is a key consideration for borrowers who are considering a private mortgage.
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Electric Vehicles in Ontario

Electric vehicles are becoming increasingly popular in Ontario, and it's not hard to see why. With over 1000 different lenders offering private mortgages, you can find a financing option that suits your needs.
The Ontario government has implemented various incentives to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles, including rebates and tax credits. If you're considering making the switch, you'll want to explore these options to see how they can benefit you.
Private mortgage lenders in Ontario offer flexible terms and rates, making it easier to finance an electric vehicle purchase. This is in contrast to traditional lenders, which often have stricter requirements and more paperwork.
The Ontario government has set a goal of having 5 million electric vehicles on the road by 2030, which will require a significant increase in charging infrastructure.
Rates and Costs
Private mortgage lenders charge varying interest rates depending on the situation. Private lending rates can be quite high, so it's essential to understand what you're getting into.
For a first mortgage, you can expect to pay between 6-10% interest if you're borrowing from a private lender in the first position. This means you don't have another lender's loan on the property.
If you're borrowing a private mortgage in second position, with a bank mortgage already on the property, you'll likely pay between 10-15% interest and higher. This is a significant difference, so make sure you understand the terms.
The interest rate you'll pay is crucial to know upfront. With a private lender, you can avoid being taken advantage of by loan sharks who might charge exorbitant rates.
Here are some rough interest rate ranges to keep in mind:
- First Mortgage Rates: 6-10%
- Second Mortgage Rates: 10-15% and higher
Keep in mind that private lenders can offer more favorable terms if you have a good relationship with them. This could include lower interest rates and fewer penalties for late payments.
Benefits and Specialization
Private mortgage lenders offer a range of benefits that can make them an attractive option for borrowers. You can set very flexible loan terms, which can be a huge advantage if you need a loan that fits your unique situation.
Private lenders require far less paperwork than a traditional bank, making the process much faster and less hassle. This is because they often have a more streamlined approval process, which can be a big plus if you're in a hurry.
Private lenders may have lower credit score requirements than a traditional lender, which can make them a better option if you have a less-than-perfect credit history. May be more likely to approve your request for funding, which is great if you've been turned down by other lenders.
Private lenders tend to operate much faster than a traditional lender, which can be a huge advantage if you need access to funds quickly. This is because they often have a more efficient approval process, which can get you the money you need in a fraction of the time.
Some private lenders specialize in certain types of loans, such as commercial or residential mortgages, while others may focus on specific purposes like refinancing for debt consolidation or renovation.
Here are some examples of how private lenders may specialize:
- Commercial vs. residential: Private lenders will generally specialize within a property type to focus investment.
- Refinance for debt consolidation vs. renovation etc.: Lenders will sometimes specialize based on the reason for seeking a mortgage loan.
- Prefer urban areas: Large urban centres are more appealing to private lenders, as these areas carry more real estate value.
- Often prefer the region they live in: Lenders are most comfortable investing in the area they live in, as they can personally evaluate the property.
Sources
- https://mortgagetruth.ca/my-services/private-mortgage-loans/what-interest-rate-do-private-lenders-charge/
- https://privatelenderlink.com/2022/08/interest-rates-private-lending-2022-q3/
- https://newsilver.com/the-lender/how-much-do-private-lenders-charge/
- https://www.ratehub.ca/private-mortgage-loans
- https://altrua.ca/private-mortgage-lenders-ontario/
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