Buy or refinance real estate in a corporation’s name in Canada
Common for investors, business owners, and holding companies
Higher down payments and stricter underwriting apply
Not all banks allow corporate mortgages — lender selection matters
Citadel Mortgages structures corporate files correctly from day one
Many Canadian investors and business owners choose to purchase real estate through a corporation or holding company for tax planning, liability separation, or long-term investment strategy.
However, mortgages in a corporation name are very different from personal mortgages.
Most banks:
Have stricter rules
Require personal guarantees
Limit loan-to-value
Decline files that aren’t structured correctly
At Citadel Mortgages, we specialize in corporate mortgages, working with lenders that actively support corporation-owned real estate across Canada.
This guide focuses on helping you navigate the Canadian mortgage market, offering insights into current rates, strategies for securing the best deal, and regional trends.
Mortgage brokers play a pivotal role in helping Canadians find tailored financing options, providing expert advice, and navigating the often complex mortgage market.
For more detailed information on mortgage types, costs, and rights, consult the Government of Canada – Financial Consumer Agency of Canada (FCAC).
A corporate mortgage allows a registered corporation (Holdco or Opco) to:
Purchase real estate
Refinance existing properties
Hold rental or commercial assets
Separate business and personal liability
The corporation is the borrower — not you personally — although personal guarantees are commonly required.
💡 Corporate mortgages are typically used for rental properties, mixed-use properties, and long-term investments, not standard owner-occupied homes.
Learn more about today’s best mortgage rates in Canada.
| Program Type | Purpose | Key Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| Bank Corporate Mortgages | Long-term investment holds | Strong financials required, conservative LTV |
| Alternative Lender Programs | Complex structures or income | Flexible underwriting |
| Private Corporate Mortgages | Short-term or transitional | Faster approvals, higher rates |
| Corporate Refinance Programs | Access equity or restructure debt | Used for expansion or consolidation |
🏦 Not all lenders allow mortgages in a corporation name — Citadel Mortgages matches you with lenders that do. There are 4-6 lenders that offer this type of setup. You will pay higher rates and fees, and personally guarantee the mortgage.
Entity: Ontario Holdco
Property Type: Residential rental
Purchase Price: $1,200,000
Down Payment: 30%
Mortgage Type: Corporate rental mortgage
➡️ Citadel Mortgages structures the deal with a lender that accepts corporate borrowers, supported by personal guarantees and corporate financials.
✅ Result: Property acquired in the corporation with compliant underwriting and long-term financing.
| Property Type | Eligible |
|---|---|
| Residential Rentals | ✅ Yes |
| Multi-Unit Properties | ✅ Yes |
| Mixed-Use Properties | ✅ Yes |
| Commercial Properties | ⚠️ Case-by-case |
| Owner-Occupied Homes | ⚠️ Case-by-case |
💡 Corporate mortgages are investment-focused, not usually designed for personal residences but can be.
Corporate Structure Review — Holdco vs Opco, ownership, purpose
Financial Review — Corporate and personal financial strength
Down Payment & Equity Review — Typically 25–35% minimum
Lender Matching — Select lenders allowing corporate ownership
Approval & Legal Review — Corporate resolutions and guarantees
Funding & Closing — Mortgage registered to the corporation
Citadel Mortgages ensures the structure aligns with lender, legal, and compliance requirements.
Articles of Incorporation
Corporate profile / registry documents
Shareholder information
Corporate resolutions authorizing borrowing
Corporate financial statements (2 years if available)
Corporate tax returns (T2s)
Personal financial statements of guarantors
Notices of Assessment (personal)
Purchase agreement or refinance purpose letter
MLS listing or property details
Rental income details (if applicable)
Appraisal (ordered by lender)
💡 Documentation requirements vary by lender — proper preparation is critical.
Please see our document checklist page for any questions related to documents needed.
| Benefit | Description |
|---|
| 🏢 Asset Separation | Separate personal and business risk |
| 📊 Investment Structuring | Hold multiple properties efficiently |
| 💰 Equity Access | Refinance within corporate structure |
| 🔁 Long-Term Planning | Estate and succession flexibility |
| 🤝 Lender-Approved Structure | Avoid declined or delayed deals |
Yes — but lender options are limited and rules are stricter.
Yes, especially for residential rentals.
Yes — typically 25–35%, depending on lender and property.
Sometimes, but experience and net worth matter.
Often slightly higher due to perceived risk.
No, you do not get the HST rebate you have to pay the tax on the new home.
Simplify your financial planning with our full calculator suite:
🏦 Access to lenders that allow corporate ownership
🧠 Expertise in complex mortgage structuring
📋 Experience with Holdcos and OpCos
📈 Investment-focused underwriting approach
🤝 Hands-on support from strategy to closing
If you’re buying or refinancing property through a corporation, Citadel Mortgages helps you structure the deal properly and connect with lenders that support corporate ownership.