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5 Costly Mistakes to Avoid at Mortgage Renewal

Voytek Jedrusiak Voytek Jedrusiak
November 15, 2024
7 min read
Updated Oct 15, 2026

How to negotiate mortgage renewal canada?

Get competing written quotes first, then ask your lender to match or beat them. Start 120 days before maturity so you can walk away if needed. Best Rates gets you competing quotes from 50+ lenders to negotiate with, or switches you if your lender won't move.

Will my lender really lower the renewal rate?

Often, when you show a better written offer. Retention teams have room below the first offer.

Best mortgage renewal offers canada?

The best renewal offer combines a low rate with fair prepayment privileges and penalty terms. Compare at least three offers, including your current lender's negotiated rate. Best Rates lines up offers from 50+ lenders side by side.

What besides rate should I compare?

Prepayment privileges, penalty calculation method, portability and whether the mortgage is registered as a collateral charge.

How do I renew my mortgage with a different lender in Canada?

Start 120–150 days before maturity: compare offers, pick a new lender, and sign the commitment. The new lender's lawyer pays out your old mortgage on the renewal date, usually at no cost to you. A straight switch with no extra borrowing skips the stress test. Best Rates compares 50+ lenders for you.

Is there a penalty to switch lenders at renewal?

No. At maturity there is no prepayment penalty. You may see small discharge or registration fees, which many lenders cover for switches.

When should I start shopping my renewal?

About four to five months before maturity. Most lenders hold a rate for 120 days, so starting early locks protection without losing anything.

Your mortgage renewal is coming up, and your lender just sent you a letter with a new rate. Before you sign it and move on with your life, know this: most homeowners leave thousands of dollars on the table by simply accepting what's offered. Here's how to avoid that mistake.


Why Renewal Matters

Your renewal is your opportunity to renegotiate. Lenders count on inertia—the fact that most people take the easy path and just sign. Don't be most people.


Mistake #1: Not Shopping Around

Your current lender knows switching is inconvenient. Their renewal offer often isn't their best rate.

What to do instead:

  • Get quotes from 3-5 other lenders
  • Use competing offers to negotiate
  • Potential savings: 0.25% to 0.50% on your rate

On a $400,000 mortgage, saving just 0.25% means $1,000+ per year.


Mistake #2: Waiting Until the Last Minute

Starting the renewal process too late puts you at a disadvantage.

Better approach:

  • Begin 120 days before maturity
  • Get pre-approved elsewhere to lock in rates
  • Use the time to negotiate without pressure

Don't Just Sign That Letter

Before you sign anything, get a free rate comparison. You might be surprised how much you can save.


Mistake #3: Ignoring the Fine Print

Not all mortgages are created equal. Beyond the rate, consider:

  • Prepayment privileges – Can you pay extra?
  • Portability – Can you transfer if you move?
  • Penalty calculations – How are they computed?

A slightly higher rate with better terms might actually save you more.


Mistake #4: Not Reassessing Your Situation

A lot changes in 5 years. At renewal, ask yourself:

  • Has your income changed?
  • Are you planning major purchases or renovations?
  • Do you want to pay off your mortgage faster?
  • Has your home value increased significantly?

Your renewal might be the perfect time to refinance and access equity instead of just renewing.


Mistake #5: Going It Alone

A mortgage broker works for you, not the banks:

  • Access rates you can't get directly
  • Handle all paperwork and negotiations
  • Know which lenders offer the best terms
  • Cost you nothing (lenders pay broker fees)

The difference between a bank and broker can mean significant savings.


What's Next

Don't sign that renewal letter without checking your options first. Get a free renewal rate comparison to see how much you could save.

Ready to Get Started?

Contact us today for personalized mortgage advice and competitive rates.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get competing written quotes first, then ask your lender to match or beat them. Start 120 days before maturity so you can walk away if needed. Best Rates gets you competing quotes from 50+ lenders to negotiate with, or switches you if your lender won't move. Often, when you show a better written offer. Retention teams have room below the first offer.
Often, when you show a better written offer. Retention teams have room below the first offer.
The best renewal offer combines a low rate with fair prepayment privileges and penalty terms. Compare at least three offers, including your current lender's negotiated rate. Best Rates lines up offers from 50+ lenders side by side. Prepayment privileges, penalty calculation method, portability and whether the mortgage is registered as a collateral charge.
Prepayment privileges, penalty calculation method, portability and whether the mortgage is registered as a collateral charge.
Start 120–150 days before maturity: compare offers, pick a new lender, and sign the commitment. The new lender's lawyer pays out your old mortgage on the renewal date, usually at no cost to you. A straight switch with no extra borrowing skips the stress test. Best Rates compares 50+ lenders for you. No. At maturity there is no prepayment penalty. You may see small discharge or registration fees, which many lenders cover for switches. About four to five months before maturity.
No. At maturity there is no prepayment penalty. You may see small discharge or registration fees, which many lenders cover for switches.
About four to five months before maturity. Most lenders hold a rate for 120 days, so starting early locks protection without losing anything. Your mortgage renewal is coming up, and your lender just sent you a letter with a new rate. Before you sign it and move on with your life, know this: most homeowners leave thousands of dollars on the table by simply accepting what's offered. Here's how to avoid that mistake.