Maternity/Parental Leave, and Qualifying for a Mortgage

Dan Caird • April 14, 2021

So your family is growing! Congratulations!


If you’ve thought now is the time to find a new property to accommodate your growing family, but you’re unsure how your maternity or parental leave will impact your ability to get a mortgage, you’ve come to the right place!


Here’s the skinny. It won’t be a problem to qualify your income on a mortgage application, as long as you have documentation proving that you have a guaranteed position to return to.


While taking parental/maternity leave, if you walk into your local bank to get qualified, there is a chance they will only allow you to use the income you are currently receiving to qualify for a mortgage (55% of your income up to $562/week). This means you will qualify for significantly less, as your income is a fraction of what it is when you’re working.


The advantage of working with a mortgage broker is that you have a choice between mortgage products and institutions. This includes lenders who will use 100% of your return to work income. To do this, you need an employment letter from your employer that states the following:


  • Your employer’s name
  • Your position
  • Your initial start date
  • Your return to work date
  • Your salary



From there, you might also need to provide a history of income, but that is typical to mortgage financing.


What you decide to do; whether you return to work after your parental/maternity leave or not, is entirely up to you. However, for a lender to feel confident in your ability to cover your mortgage payments while qualifying, you will need to have a position waiting for you once your leave is over, and the letter to prove it.


If you have any questions about this or anything else mortgage qualification related, please don’t hesitate to contact me anytime!

Share

DAN CAIRD
Mortgage Agent | DLC

RECENT POSTS

By Dan Caird September 9, 2026
Why More Mortgage Options Matter—Especially for Assignment Purchases One of the biggest advantages of working with an independent mortgage professional is access to choice. Instead of being limited to one lender and one set of products, mortgage brokers work with multiple lenders—each with different guidelines, risk tolerances, and mortgage solutions. That flexibility becomes especially valuable when your situation doesn’t fit neatly into a “standard” box. A great example of this is purchasing new construction through an assignment contract . Why Assignment Purchases Can Be Challenging Assignment purchases are often viewed as higher risk by traditional lenders. Rather than declining these deals outright, many lenders quietly make them difficult by adding layers of conditions, restrictions, or uncertainty. This can lead to delays, frustration, or financing falling apart late in the process. The Good News There are lenders—available exclusively through the broker channel —that have clear, favourable policies for assignment purchases. With the right lender and proper planning, these transactions are absolutely doable. Typical Financing Requirements for Assignment Purchases While every situation is unique, many lenders that allow assignment financing look for the following: Standard purchase qualification, including income verification, credit, and down payment Assignments accepted at either the original purchase price or current market value Minimum 620 credit score , with no prior bankruptcies or consumer proposals The full down payment must come from the purchaser —seller incentives cannot be used Required Documentation To secure financing, lenders typically require: The original purchase agreement signed by all parties The MLS listing (if applicable) The assignment agreement signed by the builder, original purchaser, and new buyer Any side agreements outlining changes to the purchase price A full appraisal to confirm value This list isn’t exhaustive, but it highlights that while assignment purchases require more coordination, they are very achievable with the right lender and guidance. Final Thoughts Assignment contracts can open doors to great opportunities—but only if your financing supports the transaction. This is where access to multiple lenders and specialized policies makes a real difference. If you’re considering purchasing new construction through an assignment, or if you’d like to explore more traditional purchase options, feel free to connect anytime. I’d be happy to walk you through the mortgage products available and help you choose an option that doesn’t limit your financing possibilities.
By Dan Caird September 2, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. While Canada's economic recovery is broadening, a new layer of uncertainty has entered the picture. Here is what happened and what it means for your mortgage.