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Analysis of 5-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates from Canadian Banks in 2025

Jean-Philippe LaforgeChartered professional accountant

02 Oct 2025


5-Year Fixed Mortgage Rates: Analysis of Canadian Big Banks’ Offers in 2025

Buying a property in Canada requires close attention to mortgage rates, particularly the 5-year fixed rates, which remain one of the most popular options for homebuyers. As of October 2025, let’s review the current rates offered by Canada’s largest banks: RBC, TD, BMO, CIBC, and Scotia, as well as the impact of recent Bank of Canada policy changes on these rates.

Current 5-Year Fixed Rates in 2025

1. Overview of Current Rates

According to the latest data, here’s a snapshot of 5-year fixed rates from the Big Five Canadian banks:
- RBC: 5.44%
- TD: 5.45%
- BMO: 5.39%
- CIBC: 5.49%
- Scotia: 5.47%
(Source: RBC, TD, BMO, CIBC, Scotia)

These rates show a degree of uniformity among institutions, though small differences could influence borrowers’ choices depending on their specific needs.

2. Impact of Bank of Canada Changes

In 2025, the Bank of Canada took significant measures to regulate the Canadian economy in response to persistent inflation. Rates had been raised several times throughout 2023, peaking at a policy rate of 5.0% in October 2023. This high level was a response to inflation, which hit as high as 8% in certain sectors.

In 2025, while the Bank of Canada kept its policy rate steady, it signaled that further increases would depend on economic conditions. This stance could stabilize or even lower mortgage rates if inflation continues to ease. According to a report from Statistics Canada, inflation has shown signs of slowing, with a rate of 3.5% in Q3 2025, which could push banks’ interest rates down.

3. Why Are Rates Still High?

Several factors contribute to these elevated rates:
- Inflationary Pressure: The cost of goods and services remains high, pushing banks to adjust rates to compensate for risk.
- Global Economic Conditions: Interest rates in the US, which influence Canadian rates, remain high as the Federal Reserve attempts to control inflation. This limits the ability of Canadian banks to offer much lower rates.
- Ongoing Demand for Residential Property: Strong demand for properties, even at higher rates, gives lenders confidence to keep rates up, as borrowers continue to seek the best options.

What Do These Rates Mean for Homebuyers?

For homebuyers, these elevated mortgage rates can have significant implications:
- Total Borrowing Cost: At 5.4%, the cost of a $500,000 mortgage over 25 years could be up to $1,000 more per month than at previous 2% levels. This requires careful consideration of long-term repayment capacity.
- Financing Strategies: Buyers may consider strategies like prepayments or shorter amortizations to minimize the impact of high rates.
- Watch for Refinancing Opportunities: Changing rates could present refinancing opportunities if the economic climate stabilizes.

Conclusion

While the Canadian mortgage market faces challenges due to high rates, opportunities exist for those willing to adapt. Staying informed about economic trends and the rates offered by major banks is essential for anyone looking to make a smart real estate investment. By monitoring Bank of Canada signals and analyzing rates, buyers can navigate Canada’s complex housing market.

For further advice, consult mortgage financing experts and explore the range of options available to you.

References

The information in this article is for general purposes only and may not reflect current laws or regulations. Verify any details with a qualified professional before making decisions. Some portions may have been created with AI assistance and should be confirmed for accuracy.

Written by Jean-Philippe Laforge

Chartered professional accountant
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