Being posted to a new detachment every 3-5 years is part of RCMP life. It's also the single biggest mortgage complication for federal police officers. Do you buy or rent? What happens if you're transferred 18 months after purchasing? Can you keep the property as a rental? These are questions every RCMP member faces, and the answers depend on your posting history, your financial situation, and your long-term career plans. The Relocation Dilemma The RCMP's Integrated Relocation Program (IRP) covers many costs associated with moving, but it doesn't make buying and selling homes every few years financially painless: What It Covers What It Doesn't Cover Real estate fees Up to $16,000 toward selling costs Any amount exceeding the cap Legal fees Reasonable legal costs Mortgage penalties or port fees Moving expenses Full household move Storage beyond 60 days Temporary accommodation Up to 30 days Extended hotel stays House-hunting trip 1 trip for member + spouse Additional trips Key consideration: Real estate commissions on a $500,000 home are approximately $20,000-$25,000. If your IRP cap is $16,000, you're covering the difference out of pocket — every time you're transferred. Back to the complete police mortgage guide Buy, Rent, or Keep as Investment? Option 1: Buy at Each Posting Best for: Members with 5+ year postings in markets with appreciation potential. Risk: If transferred in under 3 years, transaction costs may exceed any equity gained. Option 2: Rent Everywhere, Buy in Your Retirement City Best for: Members with frequent transfers or in small markets. Strategy: Save aggressively during your career and buy once when you settle. Option 3: Buy and Keep as Rental When Transferred Best for: Members posted to growing markets with strong rental demand. Challenge: Managing a rental property from across the country. You'll need a property manager (~8-10% of rental income). Tax implication: If you keep your home as a rental, you can't claim the principal residence exemption for years it's rented. Plan carefully with a tax advisor. Isolated Post Allowances and Mortgage Qualification If you're posted to a remote or isolated community, you may receive: Isolated Post Allowance (IPA): $5,000-$15,000+ annually, depending on isolation level Fuel and utilities differential: Covers higher heating/energy costs Shelter differential: If government housing isn't available Some lenders include IPA as qualifying income; others exclude it because it's tied to your posting and may not continue. Your broker needs to know which lenders accept it. Portable Mortgages for RCMP Members A portable mortgage lets you transfer your existing mortgage to a new property when you're relocated, avoiding break penalties. Key features: Available from most major banks and some monolines Must complete the port within 30-120 days (varies by lender) New property must qualify under current guidelines You can increase the mortgage amount for the new property (blend-and-extend) This is essential for RCMP members. Always choose a portable mortgage, even if another lender offers a slightly lower rate. A $15,000-$20,000 break penalty wipes out any rate savings. Understanding portable vs fixed mortgage terms RCMP Mortgage Specialists We understand RCMP relocations, IRP benefits, and portable mortgages. Let us build a strategy that works with your career. Get Your Free Pre-Approval → Ready to Get Started? Contact us today for personalized mortgage advice and competitive rates. Get Pre-Approved Call (416) 822-7357 Frequently Asked Questions Buy, Rent, or Keep as Investment? Best for: Members with 5+ year postings in markets with appreciation potential. Risk: If transferred in under 3 years, transaction costs may exceed any equity gained. Best for: Members with frequent transfers or in small markets. Strategy: Save aggressively during your career and buy once when you settle. Best for: Members posted to growing markets with strong rental demand. Challenge: Managing a rental property from across the country. You'll need a property manager (~8-10% of rental income).
