Mortgage Blog

The 50-Year Mortgage Debate – Canadian Perspective

November 18, 2025 | Posted by: Sean Malachi

I’ve been thinking a lot about the idea of a 50-year mortgage. There’s been buzz lately, and I’ve had clients ask, “Is this real?” Living and working in Canada, where housing prices are still wild even after the recent so‑called crash, I see the struggles firsthand, especially with first-time home buyers and young families who are just starting out.

It reminds me of a young couple who came to us (last year when the maximum amortization was 25), excited about their dream home. We ran the numbers on a 25-year amortization, and their heart sank; qualification just wasn’t in the cards. But what if the rules changed and a 50-year mortgage let them qualify? Payments would be lower; they’d get into the market and start building their future.

But I know from experience, and from listening to debates about this, that it’s not as simple as sign here, move in. Yes, a longer amortization means lower payments, but it also means paying far more interest and building equity much more slowly. For some, that trade-off could make sense: buy now, pay more aggressively as your career and income grow. I’ve seen dozens of clients pay off their mortgages in far less time, thanks to generous prepayment options (most of our lenders allow up to 20% prepayment, annually). In other words, anyone can pay off their mortgage in full, just in 5 years,

Looking back on houses I financed 15, 20 years ago in the GTA, almost every single one has tripled and some have more than quadrupled in value. Even those buyers who worried they’d never pay off their mortgage have found themselves sitting on a mountain of equity years later. But it’s not just about the numbers; it’s about feeling secure, owning a home, and being able to adjust your payments to fit your world.

Personally, I’m not against the idea of longer amortizations. I’m against sky-high prices that shut people out of homeownership. We need more options for Canadians, and smarter programs to help them save for down payments and find homes they can afford.

Whether you’re a plumber, a teacher, or a doctor, your first year looks a lot different than your tenth. That’s why my team takes a personalized approach for every client. We help you budget, choose the right mortgage, and adjust your payment plan as your life changes.

So, is a 50-year mortgage the answer? Maybe not for everyone. But making homeownership more accessible? That’s a goal, I will always support.

If you’re wondering what’s best for your situation, or just want a second opinion, reach out. We’re always here to help. Your journey to homeownership is more than a number on a piece of paper; it’s your story.

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