Can short-term mortgage rates save you money?

The 3-year term is today's (mortgage) sweet spot.

Long-time True North Mortgage Broker (in Toronto, ON), Peter Esper, has seen a substantial uptick in his clients choosing shorter terms among today's higher mortgage rates:

"I’ve been getting lots of deals recently – I’d say this week I’ve sent in almost 20 deals and most are going with the 3-year term. The 1 and 2-year terms are much higher on the rate at the moment — plus there’s still some volatility in the market, so the 3-year mortgage is the sweet spot.

In 3 years, rates are highly-anticipated to be lower, so clients will likely be renewing into a lower rate and payment to save more than choosing today's 5-year fixed rate.

I advise them that if they’re already used to that payment amount and can manage to keep it as-is, their interest savings will go directly toward their mortgage principal, paying off their mortgage years quicker and saving them even more on interest costs."

Current economic volatility, especially with the recent U.S. bank failures' effect on the Canadian bond market, is placing shorter terms in an upfront position to see mortgage holders through to calmer markets and lower rates. Today it may be the 3-year term, but 1, 2 or 4-year rates may also offer better options than a 5-year term for the next while.

That's why Peter says he supports his clients "both with short-term decisions and the long-term picture" for the best mortgage-savings strategies to help them reach their financial goals.

A short-term rate is appealing to more than just Peter's clients.

True North Mortgage, as a whole, has seen a dramatic change in clients choosing shorter terms over the past 6 months:

True North Mortgage, Terms Chosen (Sep. 2022 to Feb. 2022):

Over 44% increase in 1 and 2-year fixed-rate mortgage terms
Over 140% increase in 3 and 4-year fixed-rate mortgage terms
A decrease of 44% for a 5-year fixed-rate mortgage
A decrease of 84% for a 5-year variable-rate mortgage

What are the benefits of choosing a shorter-term fixed rate?

• If rates go down, you could renew into a lower rate sooner.
• Even if your short-term rate is higher (than a 5-year fixed), you may still save more by renewing into a lower rate earlier.
• The average Canadian homeowner only makes it to 3.89 years (of their 5-year term), so you may save even more by avoiding paying penalties and fees with a shorter term.
• You'll save instantly if short-term rates are lower than a 5-year term (which is often the normal state of rates).
• In a higher-rate environment, your lowest rate on a 5-year mortgage may still end up costing you more if rates go lower during your term.
• Compared to the higher risk of a variable rate, a short-term fixed rate may provide more payment certainly while allowing an earlier opportunity to change your rate.
• During a time of rate volatility, you may get peace of mind riding it out with a shorter-term rate.

What are some downsides to a short-term mortgage?

• You'll renew sooner, which takes time and may cause stress (though our expert brokers work hard to make it simple).
• If rates go up, you'll pay a higher rate sooner.
• If short-term rates are higher (than a 5-year variable or fixed), you'll pay more interest during your term.

Surfing shorter terms could help you save more over the life of your mortgage.

During more economically-stable times, short-term fixed mortgage rates tend to be lower than 5-year fixed rates. That's because the term contract is for less time — the lender's costs are lower, there's less risk that you'll default, and they don't mind the chance you'll pay a different rate sooner.

So, if you keep locking in with a low, shorter-term mortgage rate, it can offer the benefit of knowing your rate and payments are fixed while saving cash. And you'll have the opportunity to make a change or possibly renew into even lower rates earlier, penalty-free.

A shorter-term strategy may offer you a middle-ground of risk to average out more savings over the life of your mortgage. It's not as 'high-risk as riding out the ups and downs of a variable-rate term and may offer increased savings over the 'safer' 5-year fixed term.

What are our current short term rates?

Get a lifetime of rate help.

Our highly trained, salaried, unbiased True North Mortgage brokers know the rate trends, and can help outline the right details for your clearer decision.

Every mortgage is different, and your needs are unique. We'll help you decide what level of risk suits your situation — and offer your lowest-possible rate with flexible mortgage options to help you save thousands.

On your behalf, we quickly search accredited lenders and thousands of products, informing you of rate specials or deals on short and long-term rates. Plus, our in-house lender, THINK Financial, is proven to have rates that are 0.20% lower on average compared to the competition.

Anywhere you are in Canada, get pre-approved fast to hold your rate for up to 120 days. We can help you easily online, over the phone, at a store near you, or one of our Mobile Brokers can come to you.