2025 Mortgage Renewal Tips: Managing Higher Rates with Confidence

As we move through 2025, one of the most pressing financial concerns facing Canadian households is mortgage renewal . With an estimated $315 billion in mortgages due for renewal this year, many homeowners are coming to terms with the fact that their new rate will likely be much higher than what they locked in during the ultra-low interest period of 2020–2021. For many, it’s their first encounter with what experts call “payment shock” —the sharp increase in monthly mortgage payments that results from renewed terms at higher interest rates. If you're one of the millions facing this challenge, here’s what you need to know—and how to handle it. Why Are Mortgage Payments Increasing So Much? Many homeowners who secured rates between 1.5% and 2.5% just a few years ago are now receiving renewal offers closer to 4% to 4.5% . While this might not sound alarming on paper, the impact on monthly budgets is significant. For instance, on a $600,000 mortgage: At 2.0%, monthl...