Can I get a mortgage after bankruptcy?

Last updated: April 2023

Hope!Yes, you can get a mortgage.  Your required down payment will depend on where you want to buy,  how long since your bankruptcy (or OPD) discharge, and how much you have re-established your credit.  

Generally, banks ("A" lenders) will consider previous bankrupts (one instance, not multiples) after 2 years of discharge for owner-occupied purchases provided the client can satisfy all of the following conditions:

  • The reason for the bankruptcy was an acceptable event (business failure or marital split) rather than mismanagement
  • Bankruptcy must have been for a significant amount
  • Applicant has established verifiable savings
  • Applicant has at least 10% down payment and closing costs from own resources (not a gift)
  • Applicants’ Credit Bureau Report(s), bank account operation, etc., since the bankruptcy are clean – NO LATE PAYS, NO JUDGEMENTS!
  • The bank lender considering your mortgage was not included in the prior bankruptcy
  • Customer has been discharged from bankruptcy a minimum of 2 years to the date of application
  • Applicant must have re-established at least two forms or lines of ‘bank’ credit (major credit card, bank loan, etc.) for two years

>Private and "B" Lenders will consider discharged applicants with larger down payments (at least 20% or more) at higher/private mortgage rates and fees.
>You might hear about a strategy called Rent-to-Own which allows you to live in a property while working on your credit with the right to buy it when you can mortgage qualify. BUT you must be absolutely SQUEAKY clean with your credit or you risk not getting approved for the mortgage you are aiming for. Better to just rent and work on your credit and down payment savings.

> https://www.richardsmortgagegroup.ca/credit-challenged

Important - In addition to the considerations on this page, please make sure you are on the path to ultimately mortgage-qualify for regular bank lending under the new rules else you will be stuck with high rates!