Last updated on June 6, 2024.

Depending on who you ask or what article you’re reading, mortgage interest rates will either stay higher for longer or they’re expected to trend lower. There’s a lot of rate speculation happening in the market right now, but even the most seasoned experts can’t predict with absolute certainty which direction rates will go.

After four years of extended quantitative tightening, elevated inflationary pressures, and contending with post pandemic consumer behavioral changes, the Bank of Canada finally cut rates for the first time. On June 6, 2024, the BOC reduced its benchmark rate by 25 basis points. This announcement sets the policy rate at 4.75%, down from the previous 5%. While widely  expected, this first step does open the door for further cuts to support a soft-landing approach where the Canadian economy avoids any harsh recessionary pressures. It should be noted that Governor Macklem stated that the future moves by the Bank will be supported by monitoring economic data and adjusting where needed. 

It’s important to note that the Bank’s benchmark rates, and mortgage rates are not the same thing, though they are closely related and tend to move in the same direction — up, or down.

Still, you will find a different answer anywhere you look across financial publications about if and when interest rates will change again, and meanwhile, for homeowners, particularly those with variable rate mortgages or mortgages coming up for renewal, all these mixed signals and differing opinions has made it difficult to determine how to actively approach their mortgage.

Despite the considerable progress that has been made to bring inflation down -we still find ourselves in uncertain market conditions — with unpredictable rates creating a stressful situation for homeowners. This is where a blended mortgage is worth considering. 

What is a blended mortgage?

Vancity’s blended mortgage feature gives you the opportunity to immediately renew your mortgage term for another 5 years at a brand-new interest rate that’s somewhere between your existing mortgage contract rate and today’s equivalent 5-year mortgage rate.

Think about it like you’re hitting the reset button on your fixed term! If you have a good interest rate right now, it’s a creative way to take advantage of your lower rate for a longer period of time. All this at no additional cost to you.

How does it work?

Like the name suggests, this feature blends your existing interest rate with a current rate offered and, at the same time, renews your term for another 5 years. For example, if you have 2 years remaining in your 5-year fixed term, and you choose to blend and renew your mortgage now, you will receive a new blended interest rate for an additional five years.

Calculating your new interest rate will depend on multiple factors of your mortgage, including the number of months remaining in your term, and its current amortization.

Instead of rolling the dice at maturity to see where rates land, applying a blended rate to your mortgage today could mean you avoid the risk and uncertainty of even higher interest rates when it’s time to renew, especially when you consider that the effects of interest rate hikes can take 12 to 24 months to play out in the economy, and the most recent rate hike was as far back as mid-July 2003.

What are the advantages?

This option may be particularly beneficial for members who are risk averse. By utilizing a blended mortgage, you can secure your mortgage rate today and protect yourself from more rate increases. Plus, you’re extending your runway so you can plan ahead. Knowing how much your mortgage costs over 5 years will allow you to prepare your financial plan, budget wisely, as well as gain a sense of stability.

Did we mention that there are no mortgage pre-payment penalty fees? Apply with the blended mortgage option. Since you’re not breaking your contract, you won’t be subject to a pre-payment penalty, which in some instances, can set you back in cost savings.

Is a blended mortgage right for you?

Because you’re keeping your existing mortgage and not breaking your contract, it’s important to note that you can’t make changes to the loan’s principal balance. Adding new money to your existing mortgage is considered a traditional refinance, which would be subject to a penalty fee and meeting Vancity’s lending criteria.

The same goes for selling your home before your term is up. If you’re planning to move or sell, the blended mortgage may not be the best option for you since you would be breaking your newly extended term and incurring the pre-payment penalty.

Alternatives to a blended mortgage.

Even if you have a higher risk tolerance and prefer to ride it to the end of your term, knowing what options are available to you lets you make the most informed decisions about your finances.

If the blend and extend doesn’t suit your circumstances, consider making a lump sum payment towards your mortgage. You can make an extra payment of up to 20% of your original principal mortgage every year, and any amount you make — large or small — goes directly towards paying down your balance and reduces your overall interest costs.

Make the most informed decision about your mortgages.

In the wake of successive interest rate increases from the Bank of Canada over the course of 2022 and 2023, understanding what mortgage options you have is more important than ever. At Vancity, we strive to provide you with options and information to make home ownership more affordable.

Sometimes when you don’t know what to do, it’s easier to wait on the sidelines until there’s a clear indicator pointing you one way or another. But when it comes to your mortgage, that approach could potentially cost you more in interest.

Instead of waiting around to see what the Bank of Canada will do, knowing what’s available to you lets you take control of your personal financial health. While we don’t have a crystal ball to tell us when rates will go down, what we know for sure is that mortgage rates are constantly fluctuating, and Vancity is here to help you through it.

Determine if blended mortgage is right for you by booking an appointment with a mortgage advisor today. We’ll help you calculate your blended rate and walk you through the process, one step at a time.