The size of a down payment can vary substantially. Depending on the type of mortgage, down payments generally range from 5% to 25% of the purchase price.

To obtain a conventional mortgage, home buyers are required to put down at least 25% of the purchase price or appraised value (whichever is less) as a down payment. If you don't have the necessary time or resources to save a full 25% down payment, you can choose a high-ratio mortgage and buy a home with a down payment of as little as 5%. This option is called a high-ratio mortgage and it will require you to purchase default mortgage insurance.

Whether you choose a conventional or a high-ratio mortgage, one thing is almost always certain: the larger your down payment, the more you save in the long run.

A larger down payment --

• Reduces the amount of your monthly principal and interest payment

• Reduces the total amount of interest you pay over the life of your mortgage

Ask about the RSP Home Buyers' Plan.  The RSP Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) lets a first-time buyer withdraw up to $25,000 from an RRSP for a home purchase (This can also be borrowed money). The withdrawn amount must be repaid within 15 years, subject to a minimum annual repayment that is 1/15 of the amount withdrawn. If less than the minimum is repaid in any particular year, the balance is added to the taxpayer's income.  Want more information? Check the Canada Customs and Revenue Agency Publication.

Insuring Your High-Ratio Mortgage

CMHC may insure a mortgage for up to 95% of the lending value of the house. Therefore, purchasers only need a 5% down payment. Eligible borrowers include anyone who buys a home in Canada intending to occupy it as their principal residence.

Buyers can use up to 32% of their gross family income for payments of mortgage principal and interest, property taxes and heating. A buyer's total debt load (including consumer loans, etc.) cannot exceed 40% of the gross family income.

People who insure a mortgage loan with CMHC pay an application fee and a premium. The application fee ($75 - $235) covers the costs incurred by the insurer to review the application. The premium is based on the down payment and loan amount. Typical fees range from 1.00% to 3.25% of the principal amount of your mortgage.