Alternative Mortgage Options in Ontario

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Flexible approvals for self-employed, complex income, credit challenges, or time-sensitive situations.

What Is An Alternative Mortgage?

An alternative mortgage is a financing solution for homeowners who don’t fit standard bank criteria. These products focus more on equity, overall financial strength, or unique income situations than strict credit and income tests.

• Often based on property equity rather than paycheque validation
• May accept non-traditional income sources
• Can be faster to fund when time is critical

This Week’s Mortgage Market Snapshot

February 2–6, 2026

• B-side lenders remain active, but underwriting remains conservative this week.
• Variable-rate options continue to be priced cautiously.
• Private capital is strong for well-structured bridge and exit-driven files.
• Power of sale and arrears situations continue to attract competitive private funding.
• Clear exit strategies and verified equity remain the key drivers of approval and pricing.

👉 Rates and availability can change quickly. Click the rate card to review your options.

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Types Of Alternative Lending Options

Alternative mortgages aren’t one single product. Depending on your equity, timeline, and income situation, there are several different lending routes that may make sense — each with its own pros, costs, and best-use scenarios.

B-Lender Mortgages

A strong middle ground between banks and private lenders. B-lenders may approve files that don’t meet strict bank rules, especially for self-employed income, credit history issues, or non-standard documentation.

• Often 1–3 year terms
• More flexible qualification
• Higher rates than banks, lower than private

Second Mortgages

A second mortgage is added behind your existing first mortgage, letting you access equity without breaking or refinancing your current mortgage.

• Useful for debt consolidation, renovations, or urgent cash needs
• Typically shorter terms
• Payments can be interest-only in some cases

Private Mortgages

Private lending is designed for flexibility and speed, and is often based primarily on equity. It can be a solution when banks and B-lenders can’t approve the file.

• Fast approvals and funding
• Equity-driven underwriting
• Higher rates and fees (trade-off for flexibility)

Bridge Financing

Bridge loans provide short-term financing to cover the gap between buying and selling a property. This is most common when timing doesn’t line up.

• Short duration (days to months)
• Helps avoid rushed decisions
• Requires clear exit timing

Equity-Based Refinance

This approach restructures your mortgage based on equity and affordability — often used to consolidate debt, pay off arrears, or improve cash flow.

• Can lower monthly obligations
• May include a second mortgage or full refinance
• Requires a realistic plan for the next step

Short-Term “Reset” Mortgage Plans

Some homeowners use alternative lending as a temporary solution while they rebuild credit, stabilize income, or complete renovations — then refinance back into a traditional mortgage later.

• Not meant to be permanent
• Works best with a clear exit plan

The best option depends on your timeline, your equity position, and what the next 12–24 months realistically looks like

PROS & CONS OF ALTERNATIVE MORTGAGES (ONTARIO)

The Pros

Higher Approval Rates ( Low Credit Or Irregular Income)
Flexible Income Options (Self-Employed, Commission, Rental)
Can Consolidate High-Interest Debt Into One Lower Payment
Access Equity Without Selling Your Home
Shorter Terms = A Faster Path Back To A-Lender Financing
Solutions For Unique Properties (Rural, Unique Construction, Non-Conforming)

The Cons

Higher Interest Rates Than Traditional Banks
Lender Fees & Broker Fees May Apply
Stricter Exit Strategy Requirements (Refinance, Sale, Or Improvement Plan)
Shorter Renewal Cycles (Often 1–3 Year Terms)
Some Products Have Prepayment Penalties If You Break Early

Alternative mortgages are designed to solve a problem now, while giving you a clear plan to transition into better rates later. The key is making sure the mortgage is structured with a realistic exit strategy from day one.

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT

A Straight Answer Up Front
We’ll tell you quickly what’s possible, what’s not, and what makes the biggest difference in approval
A Plan Built Around Your Full Situation
Credit, income, equity, property type, and timeline — we structure the mortgage around the full picture, not one number
Multiple Lenders Compared For The Best Fit
We review options across alternative lenders, including B-lenders and private lenders when needed
Clear Terms, Fees, And Exit Strategy
No surprises. You’ll understand the rate, fees, term length, and the plan to move forward (refinance, renew, or sell)
Fast Turnaround When Time Matters
If you’re facing a deadline, renewal pressure, or a power of sale situation, we prioritize speed and execution
Support From Application To Funding
We handle the lender communication, conditions, and paperwork so you’re not stuck chasing answers.

Rates & Fees (What To Expect)

Alternative mortgages cost more than bank financing — but they can solve problems that traditional lenders won’t

Typical Rate Range

Alternative mortgage rates vary based on risk, equity, and the lender type

B-Lender Mortgages: Typically lower than private, higher than banks
Private Mortgages: Typically higher, but faster + more flexible
Second Mortgages: Often priced higher due to lien position
Short-Term / Bridge Financing: Usually higher due to short timelines

Common Fees You May See

These are normal in alternative lending and depend on the lender + complexity

Lender Fee (Commitment / Setup Fee)
Broker Fee (If Applicable)Appraisal Fee
Legal Fees (Borrower + Lender Legal)
Lender’s Lawyer / Admin Fees
Discharge / Payout Fees (If Replacing a Mortgage)

hy It Costs More (And Why It Can Still Be Worth It)

Alternative lenders price based on speed, flexibility, and risk — not just credit score

• More flexible income verification
• Higher approval odds when banks say no
• Faster funding timelines
• Designed for short-term “reset” strategies

What We Do Differently

We focus on keeping the plan clear, affordable, and temporary

• We explain the real total cost before you commit
• We compare options across multiple lenders
• We build a next-step exit plan (refinance, sale, or restructure)

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Get Your Personalized Alternative Mortgage Options

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Why Homeowners Choose Us

We help homeowners across Ontario get fast, confidential approvals — even with bruised credit or urgent timelines. No credit check required to start.

✔ Fast approvals
✔ Private lenders across Ontario
✔ No credit score minimum
✔ 100+ homeowners funded
✔ Fully confidential process