Construction Mortgages

The right mortgage, the right lender, the right strategy.

Construction Mortgage — How Do You Finance Building Your Own Home in Canada?

A Construction Mortgage is a type of loan specifically designed to finance the construction of a new home or other types of property. Unlike a traditional mortgage, where the full loan amount is typically disbursed upfront, a construction mortgage is released in stages, known as progress draws, as construction milestones are completed.

Common scenarios for construction mortgages could include: Building a new home on a vacant lot (including tearing down an existing home to build a new one). You may have to meet stricter requirements to get approved. This goes beyond the typical minimum credit score and reliable income that is required for a traditional mortgage.

Lenders may have stricter requirements for construction mortgages, including detailed plans for the construction project, a qualified contractor, and a higher down payment compared to a standard mortgage.

At Sunlite Mortgage, we have helped Canadians navigate the unique challenges of building a home from the ground up. We will show you how construction financing works, explain your draw schedule, and structure a plan that keeps cash flowing without unnecessary stress.

Construction Mortgage

What Is a Construction Mortgage and How Does It Work?

Unlike a traditional mortgage for an existing property, a construction mortgage is designed to release funds in stages as your home is built. This staged approach allows you to pay interest only on the money advanced, helping manage costs until the project is complete.

The two most common types are:

  • Progress-Draw Mortgage — funds are advanced in stages (foundation, framing, lock-up, completion). Inspectors verify progress before each draw is released
  • Completion Mortgage — funds are advanced in full once the build is complete. This is common with builder developments or pre-construction homes.

We will guide you through the option that best suits your build and budget.

Who Can Qualify for a Construction Mortgage?

Lenders want reassurance that your project is feasible and well-managed. They typically look for:

  • Detailed construction plans, permits, and timelines.
  • A qualified builder or contractor.
  • Proof of income and overall financial stability.
  • Evidence of savings or equity in land that can serve as collateral.

Every project is different. We will assess your goals, review your documents, and show you how to present your case to lenders with confidence.

Architect is calculating construction costs using a calculator on a blueprint, with a yellow hard hat and coins nearby

What Costs Should You Expect?

Building a home involves more than bricks and lumber. Common costs include:

  • Appraisals, inspections, and legal fees.
  • Permit applications and utility hookups.
  • Contingency reserves to handle unexpected overruns.
  • Interest-only payments during the construction phase.

We will help you anticipate these costs and structure your financing so you’re prepared for every stage.

What Options Might You Have?

Banks and Credit Unions.

These institutions offer rate holds and structured terms, but are selective and only provide their own products, regardless of whether it’s your best option.

Sunlite Mortgage Brokers

We work with a vast network, including lenders beyond banks, credit unions, trust companies and regulated private lenders. We select the option that provides you with the best terms and options for your situation.

Regulated Alternative Lenders

For clients with non-traditional income or unique financial situations, regulated alternative lenders can provide pre-approvals that accurately reflect your financial picture.

We will show you how to compare these pathways and choose the option that fits your goals.

Benefits and Risks of Construction Mortgages

  • Stage-by-stage funding to keep cash flowing.
  • Interest-only payments during the build.
  • Flexibility to design and customize your home.
  • Conversion into a permanent mortgage once complete.
  • Cost overruns if the project goes off plan.
  • Delays that extend timelines and interest costs.
  • Inspection requirements before funds are released.
  • Stricter approval standards compared to standard mortgages.

We will guide you through these trade-offs and show you how to manage risks so you can build with confidence.

Building under construction

Real Client Story

We worked with Daniel and Priya to create a plan when they decided to build their forever home. They weren’t sure how to manage financing during the build, and their bank only offered one rigid option. Together, we structured a progress-draw mortgage that released funds at each stage, keeping their builder paid and the project on track. Once their home was complete, the loan converted into a traditional mortgage with terms that fit their long-term goals.

We have seen stories like Daniel and Priya’s many times — and we will show you how to create your own.

How the Process Works with Sunlite Mortgage

Here’s how we simplify construction financing:

  1. Assessment & Strategy — we review your plans, builder, and budget.
  2. Document Preparation — we help gather blueprints, permits, and financials.
  3. Lender Matching — we compare options across banks, credit unions, and alternative lenders.
  4. Approval & Draw Schedule — we set up staged funding that matches your construction timeline.
  5. Conversion to Mortgage — once the build is complete, we transition you into a permanent mortgage.

We will guide you at every stage, from lot purchase to move-in day.

Construction crane at the construction of a new house.

Take the Next Step

  • Start your Construction Mortgage assessment today.
  • Upload your building plans and documents — we’ll model your financing options.
  • Compare progress-draw vs. completion mortgages with our expert guidance.

Related Resources

Curious about other build or renovation options? Visit our Purchase Plus Improvement Mortgage page for insight into financing upgrades and major projects.

For government guidance on new housing and financing, see the CMHC New Housing Guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

It’s financing that provides funds in stages as your home is built, converting into a standard mortgage once complete.

Progress-draw releases funds in phases; completion releases all funds when the build is done.

Most lenders require professional builders. Self-builds face stricter conditions.

You’ll need to cover the difference, but we’ll help you plan a buffer.

Typically, you pay interest only on the funds advanced until the build is complete.

Yes, in many cases the first draw can help with land purchase if you don’t already own it.

Delays can increase costs — we’ll help you plan for contingencies.

It typically rolls into a fixed or variable mortgage without a full reapplication.

They may be slightly higher due to short-term risk, but once converted, you access market-competitive terms.

Talk to us — we’ll review your plans and create a financing roadmap tailored to your build.

Let’s Build Something Great—Together

Construction mortgages require careful planning and the right financial partner. Sunlite Mortgage is here to help you every step of the way—from securing land to hammering in the last nail.