Buying a home in Winnipeg
What do you
really need
to buy a home?
Your down payment, your closing costs and what a lender may lend you, worked out before you make an offer. A licensed CENTUM® mortgage professional with access to over 50 lenders gives you the numbers first.
“We were first time homebuyers and knew nothing about the process. … Vittorio took the time to explain everything from the beginning to the end.”
- Licensed mortgage professionals
- Access to over 50 lenders
- A reply the same business day
- No obligation
Pick where you're starting
Every buyer starts somewhere different
Buying your first home
You can buy with as little as 5% down on a home up to $500,000, and there's federal help with the down payment.
- Save up to $8,000 a year, tax-free, in a First Home Savings Account
- Borrow up to $60,000 from your RRSP under the Home Buyers' Plan
- Up to 30 years to pay, with less than 20% down
A longer amortization lowers the payment but means more interest overall. We show you both.
Start with this
Moving to your next home
Selling one home and buying another? The equity in the one you have can become your down payment.
- How much your sale could put down
- Whether your mortgage can move with you, or what breaking it costs
- Help lining up your sale and purchase dates
Breaking a mortgage before the term ends usually means a penalty. We work it out first.
Start with this
New to Canada
Permanent residents can buy with as little as 5% down, even with a short Canadian credit history.
- An insurer may accept an international credit report or a reference letter from your bank back home
- Lenders compared for your situation
- Plain answers about how buying works here
Rules differ if you're on a work permit. Tell us your status and we'll find the lenders that fit.
Start with this
Not sure yet
Still renting, or wondering whether now's the time? Start with what you could afford.
- Your price range today, and what would change it
- No documents needed to start
- No obligation to go ahead
A pre-approval isn't a commitment to buy. It tells you where you stand.
Talk it throughTry your numbers
How much cash do you need to close?
Pick a price and the down payment you have. We'll add Manitoba land transfer tax and typical closing costs, and show whether mortgage insurance applies.
Cash you'd need at closing
$46,000 to $56,000
Minimum down payment
$20,000 (5%)
Manitoba land transfer tax
$5,650
Closing costs, including that tax
$6,000 to $16,000
Mortgage insurance
About $11,160 (3.10% of the mortgage on CMHC's table), usually added to the mortgage
A rough guide: your down payment plus closing costs of 1.5% to 4% of the price. Premiums use CMHC's table; other insurers' can differ. No rates, so no payment: your mortgage professional works that out with real quotes.
Get my exact numbersBuying a home, explained in about a minute
What a pre-approval is, how much you need down, and the costs to plan for in Manitoba.
Play the video: buying a home, explained in about a minute 
What we sort out before you make an offer
- How much a lender will actually lend you
- Whether your savings cover the down payment and closing costs
- What Manitoba land transfer tax adds at closing
- Whether you need mortgage insurance, and what it adds
- How long your pre-approved rate is held while you shop
- Which of more than 50 lenders fits your situation
Why CENTUM®
One conversation, more than 50 lenders
Better for you
CENTUM® broker
50+lenders compared for you
- Works for you, not the lender
- Shops the lenders for you, banks included
- If one lender says no, tries another
- Every option side by side, in one conversation
One bank
1lender's products
- Works for the bank
- You shop around yourself
- If it says no, you start over elsewhere
- Only its own mortgage products
“Even when I tried other brokers and banks she was able to offer a much better deal and terms and get the deal approved.”
- 25+ yearsserving Canadians
- 15,000+ Canadianschoose CENTUM® each year
- Same business dayreply to your request
What CENTUM® clients say
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“Even after we bought our house, he still made himself available to answer more questions regarding taxes, building your credit score, the market, etc. We are very happy with the company”
Gabriel Billy
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“Adrian helped us in so many ways with our mortgage. … We would highly recommend him for anyone seeking financial assistance.”
Kevin LoewenWinnipeg
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“He makes sure that he understands your needs and process them accordingly. … You wont ever feel lost in the application process.”
Nat Du
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“Extremely responsive and followed up the day after closing to make sure everything was ok. … Would recommend to anyone needing a mortgage.”
Cyndi Jenkins
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“We have used them twice and they have done everything to make our experience as painless as possible. … They know the business end to get you the best, but will treat you like family.”
Christine H.
Three steps, then you decide
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Tell us where you are
First home, next home or new to Canada, and where to send your numbers. No documents yet.
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A reply the same business day
A licensed mortgage professional replies by email, or by phone if you add one.
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Get your numbers
Your price range, down payment and closing costs, from more than one lender. No obligation.
How much do I need for a down payment?
At least 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% of any part above that, so $20,000 on a $400,000 home. Homes of $1.5 million or more need 20% down.
What closing costs should I budget for in Manitoba?
Plan for 1.5% to 4% of the price: legal fees, title insurance, an inspection and property tax adjustments, plus Manitoba land transfer tax ($5,650 on a $400,000 home).
Do I need mortgage insurance?
If you put down less than 20%, yes. The premium is a percentage of your mortgage, based on your down payment, and it's usually added to the mortgage. Manitoba doesn't charge sales tax on it.
How long does a pre-approval last?
Lenders typically hold a pre-approved rate for 60 to 130 days. It isn't a final approval: the lender still checks the home you choose.
Is there help for first-time buyers?
Yes: the First Home Savings Account, the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan, the $10,000 home buyers' amount on your tax return, and a GST rebate of up to $50,000 on a new home under $1.5 million.
Who will contact me, and when?
A licensed CENTUM® mortgage professional who handles Manitoba mortgages, the same business day.
Know your numbers before you make an offer
Two short steps and a reply the same business day.
Get my numbers