Mortgage and home purchase: surrounding yourself with the right people to make the best decisions

nesto: “Because a mortgage should never be considered in isolation. It’s a major financial commitment that has a direct impact on budget balance, savings capacity, and future plans. In an evolving economic environment, it becomes essential to make decisions that align with your overall financial goals. That’s where guidance becomes truly valuable.”

nesto: “2026 indeed promises to be a pivotal year. A very large number of Canadians will need to renew their mortgages, mainly those taken out in 2020 and 2021, during a period when interest rates were exceptionally low.

Today, the context is different. The Bank of Canada's key interest rate is around 2.25%, a level seen as relatively stable, with some forecasts suggesting a possible decrease by the end of the year. This reality leads many households to ask the same question: should they choose a fixed rate or a variable rate?”

nesto: “There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice primarily depends on the individual’s profile, risk tolerance, and financial goals.

A variable rate offers more flexibility. It allows one to take advantage of a lower interest rate environment and, in many cases, to convert the loan to a fixed rate at a moment deemed appropriate. This option may suit people who are comfortable with some volatility and able to absorb temporary payment fluctuations.

Conversely, a fixed rate provides great predictability. Payments remain stable, which makes long-term financial planning easier and reassures many households.”

nesto: “Yes, absolutely. Buying your first home is often like learning to drive in changing conditions. New homeowners must manage several additional expenses: municipal taxes, maintenance, moving costs, furnishings, and unexpected costs.

In this context, a fixed rate is often preferred. It allows for a clear budget from the start and helps avoid financial surprises during a period already full of adjustments. For a first-time purchase, stability often becomes a key factor for peace of mind.”

nesto: “The most important element remains the overall strategy. A mortgage should be considered based on several factors, including:

• future plans, such as resale, renovations, or a career change;
• the expected holding period of the property;
• risk tolerance;
• actual budget capacity.”

nesto: “A mortgage is not just a simple financial product. It is a true lever at the heart of your wealth. Whether for a first purchase, a renewal, or a refinancing, taking the time to develop a thoughtful strategy today can make all the difference in the long term.”

The FHSA (First Home Savings Account) was specifically designed to help future buyers save for their first property. To learn more, this segment explains how this vehicle combines the most attractive tax advantages to accelerate the accumulation of your down payment (excerpt from our webinar recorded on February 18, 2026).

The FHSA is not the only tool for preparing a down payment. In this segment, discover how RRSPs and TFSAs can also contribute to your strategy and how they compare to the FHSA based on your situation and goals (excerpt from our webinar recorded on February 18, 2026).