A new year always brings fresh questions, especially when it comes to money. If you’re a homeowner, thinking about buying, or even just watching interest rates closely, chances are you’ve already asked yourself: “What’s going to happen with mortgages this year?”
You’re not alone. And the honest answer? 2026 won’t look exactly like 2025, but it also won’t be the clean reset many people are hoping for.
The Rate Question Everyone Is Still Asking
Interest rates are still top of mind, and for good reason. After a few unpredictable years, Canadians are craving stability. But the reality is, rate movements don’t flip like a switch when the calendar changes.
What we’re seeing heading into 2026 is a market that’s cautious, data-driven, and highly responsive to inflation, employment numbers, and global economic shifts. Translation? Big, sudden moves are less likely, but strategy matters more than ever.
This is exactly why how your mortgage is structured can matter just as much as the rate itself.
Why 2026 Is a Strategy Year, Not a Guessing Game
In the past, many borrowers could “set it and forget it.” Lock in a rate, make payments, move on.
That mindset doesn’t work anymore.
In 2026, the borrowers who do best will be the ones who:
- Understand their flexibility options.
- Choose products that align with their real financial life, not just today’s headlines
- Have the ability to adjust as conditions change.
It’s no longer about predicting the market perfectly. It’s about being prepared if the market doesn’t behave the way you expect.
Fixed, Variable, or Something in Between?
This question isn’t going away, and there’s no universal right answer.
Some borrowers want certainty. Others want room to move. What matters in 2026 is understanding:
- How long do you realistically plan to stay in your home
- Whether prepayment and penalty flexibility matter to you
- How much risk you’re actually comfortable with (not just what sounds good on paper)
Good mortgage advice doesn’t start with a rate sheet. It starts with a conversation.
Buying, Renewing, or Refinancing in 2026? Read This
If you’re renewing this year, you may be coming off a much lower rate. That transition can feel uncomfortable, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming.
If you’re buying, affordability is still a challenge, but options exist beyond the big banks that many buyers don’t realize are available.
And if you’re refinancing, 2026 could be an opportunity to restructure, not just reset, your mortgage in a way that actually supports your long-term goals.
What This All Comes Down To
2026 isn’t about timing the market perfectly. It’s about making informed decisions with clear guidance.
At Cannect, we believe borrowers deserve transparency, options, and advice that isn’t driven by commission pressure. Because the right mortgage isn’t just about today, it’s about where you’re headed next.
If you’re asking yourself, “Am I ready for what’s next?” That’s a great place to start.
Watch our Make Money Count videos to gain more insights.