Unlike most professions where salary increases depend on performance reviews or market conditions, your teacher salary is on a published grid. You know exactly what you'll earn next year, in 5 years, and at the top of the grid. This predictability is a massive advantage for mortgage planning. Timing Your Purchase With the Grid Here's the strategic question: at what grid position should you buy? Grid Position Annual Salary (A4, Ontario) Max Mortgage Wait vs Buy Analysis Year 1 $52,000 $235,000 Very limited — consider waiting Year 3 $60,000 $270,000 Viable in affordable markets Year 5 $68,000 $305,000 Strong position for most markets Year 7 $78,000 $350,000 Good purchasing power Year 10 (max) $88,000 $395,000 Maximum grid qualification The sweet spot for most teachers is Year 4-6 on the grid. You've built 2+ years of income history for lenders, your salary is strong enough for meaningful purchasing power, and you still have years of guaranteed increases ahead. Complete teacher mortgage guide AQ Courses: Moving Up the Category Additional Qualification (AQ) courses move you from A3 to A4 to A4+ categories, each with a higher salary ceiling. The investment in AQ courses pays for itself: Move Cost Annual Salary Increase Mortgage Increase A3 → A4 $600-$800 per AQ $4,000-$10,000/yr $18,000-$45,000 A4 → A4+ $600-$800 per AQ $5,000-$12,000/yr $22,500-$54,000 Strategy: If you're planning to buy in 2 years, take your AQ courses now. By the time you apply, your salary grid position will be higher, and your T4s will reflect the increase. Down Payment Savings on a Teacher Salary Realistic FHSA + savings plan for a Year 4 teacher ($63,000 salary): Savings Vehicle Monthly Annual 3-Year Total FHSA $667 $8,000 $24,000 General savings $400 $4,800 $14,400 Summer school income — $5,000 $15,000 Total $53,400 $53,400 is enough for a 10% down payment on a $534,000 home or 5% on a property up to $700,000. Plan Your Purchase Around Your Grid We'll map your salary progression to your ideal purchase date and find the right lender for your situation. 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
