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The chart below shows the average best rates for each mortgage term on RateSpy.com.
This graph provides a sense for how much of a rate premium you’ll pay for the security of a longer-term and/or fixed rate.
Key Takeaways:
- The difference (spread) between 5-year fixed and variable rates remains tight by historical standards at roughly 0.44 percentage points. The long-term average is about 1.25.
- When the fixed-variable spread gets tight, it makes the 5-year fixed (Canada’s most popular term) more appealing for risk-averse borrowers.
- Well-qualified homeowners willing to ride out potential rate hikes will find the best upfront savings in a 5-year variable, which range from 1.92% to 2.10%+ (on RateSpy.com) depending on features and restrictions.
- A few providers are advertising 1.49% effective rates on one-year fixed terms, but those specials require a line of credit, and potential legal fees to set up. They also include cash back as part of that 1.49% rate, in lieu of an actual rate discount (which can actually put you further ahead if you use the cash to make an immediate prepayment).
- Those wanting to diversify rate risk might consider a hybrid — 50% fixed and 50% variable. The best rates on hybrids (a.k.a., combination mortgages) are currently 2.39-2.50%. A hybrid lets you participate in rock-bottom rates while providing some protection against a spike in interest costs.
