QuébecEdition updated October 31, 2026 · English editionES · FR · EN
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What is CMHC? · Institutions and players

CMHC

CMHC is the federal agency that insures mortgages with less than a 20% down payment. The insurance premium is added to the loan and protects the lender, not the buyer.

Updated October 22, 2026

Mind the bare word: in Spanish, "CMHC" in a search engine returns blood-test results. In Quebec the documents always carry the French acronym SCHL. Two private insurers play the same role (Sagen and Canada Guaranty); insurance is mandatory whenever the down payment is under 20%.

Since December 15, 2024, the maximum insurable purchase price is $1,500,000. An insured loan allows buying with a 5% down payment and, for first-time buyers and new builds, a 30-year amortization.

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