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US Mortgages & Home Loans for Canadians

  • chBuy US property as a Canadian
  • chCross-border financing made simple
  • chLenders specializing in US purchases
up Last updated

October 12, 2025

up Written by:

Amy Orr

up Reviewed by:

Jenna West

How US Mortgages & Home Loans for Canadians Work

Thinking about buying a home in the United States? With real estate prices considerably more affordable than they are in Canada, this may be the ideal time to invest in a house, townhouse, or condo south of the border.

If you are considering taking the property plunge, here’s a rundown of what you can expect as a Canadian citizen looking to finance a house purchase with a US mortgage or home loan.

Quick Links

  1. Why apply for a US mortgage?
  2. Where to get a US mortgage or home loan
  3. US mortgage vs Canadian mortgage: What's the difference?
  4. What you'll need when applying for a US home mortgage
  5. Bottom Line
  6. Frequently Asked Questions About US Mortgages for Canadians

Why apply for a US mortgage?

you must have a US mortgage to finance a US property.

Where to get a US mortgage or home loan

  • Approach a US bank or financial institution directly about applying for a local mortgage
  • Work with the cross-border arm of an international or global bank (like RBC or BMO)
  • Apply for a US mortgage loan from a direct online lender (like Milo)
Miloand

US mortgage vs Canadian mortgage: What's the difference?

4 Key differences between Canadian and US mortgages

1. Loan processing times:
  • 5 - 10 days for a Canadian mortgage
  • 30 - 60 days for a US mortgage
2. Down payments:
  • In Canada, a minimum of 20% without CMHC insurance or 5% with mortgage insurance is usually required
  • In the US, a minimum of 20% for a personal home or 25% for an investment property is usually required
3. Closing costs:
  • Approximately 5 - 4% in Canada
  • Approximately 2 - 6% in the US
4. Amortization periods:
  • Usually 25 (occasionally 30) years in Canada, with this period broken into mortgage terms of 6 months to 10 years each
  • Frequently 30 years in the US, often with the option to lock in a single interest rate for the entire period

What you'll need when applying for a US home mortgage


Canadian credit score
  • Income tax Notices of Assessment, pay stubs, T4s (and/or US W2s), T1s (and/or US 1040s), and pension statements
  • New property purchase and sale agreement, down payment confirmation, and US homeowner's insurance policy
  • Existing mortgage, insurance, and property tax statements
  • Passport, social insurance number (and/or US social security number), Green Card, and US work visa
  • Account statements for bank accounts, lines of credit, RSPs, and financial investments

Bottom Line


Frequently Asked Questions About US Mortgages for Canadians


Can Canadian citizens buy a house in the USA?

Can you get a mortgage if you're not a US citizen?

Can a Canadian get a mortgage from a US bank?

How do mortgages work in the US for Canadian citizens?

Apply For a Mortgage Here

More Articles About Mortgages

Expert Review & Editorial Standards

This page was researched, written, and reviewed by financial professionals with expertise in Canadian lending regulations. All information is regularly updated to reflect current rates, terms, and regulatory changes.

Jenna West
Reviewed By

Jenna West

Financial Writer & Content Director

Jenna has covered the Canadian FinTech and consumer lending industry since 2017. She specializes in regulatory updates, consumer protection, and helping Canadians navigate complex financial products.

  • 8+ years analyzing Canadian consumer lending
  • Monitors FCAC and provincial regulatory changes
  • Specializes in personal loans and alternative lending
Amy Orr
Written By

Amy Orr

Financial Content Specialist

Amy is a financial writer with 10+ years covering Canadian, U.S., and U.K. financial markets. She holds a Masters in Finance from the University of Edinburgh Business School and formerly worked in the hedge fund sector.

  • Masters in Finance, University of Edinburgh
  • Former hedge fund professional
  • Published in major financial publications

About Smarter Loans

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Every page undergoes research, expert writing, fact-checking, and review by our Financial Content Director. We verify all rates, terms, and regulatory information against official sources including FCAC guidelines and provincial lending regulations.

Last Updated: October 12, 2025 | Next Review: Ongoing monitoring

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