In Canada, a high-ratio mortgage is a loan where you borrow more than 80% of your property’s value. While traditional banks demand strict mortgage insurance and perfect credit for these loans, private mortgages exist. Seven Lending specializes in equity-based financing, offering up to 85% Loan-to-Value (LTV) for BC homeowners. We bypass rigid bank rules to approve you based on your home’s equity, not just your income or credit score.
Understanding the Basics
- The Rule: If a loan is over 80% of the home’s value, banks call it “High Ratio.”
- The Bank Problem: Banks require default insurance (CMHC) for these loans, which requires perfect credit and income proof.
- The Private Solution: Seven Lending offers uninsured high ratio options up to 85% LTV. We focus on the asset, not the borrower’s history.
High Ratio Mortgages: Banks vs. Private Lenders
Most people think “High Ratio” always means buying mortgage insurance. That is true at a bank. But at Seven Lending, we do things differently.
Traditional Banks (The “A” Side)
At a bank, if you have less than a 20% down payment (or want to refinance above 80%), you must qualify for mortgage default insurance.
- Strict Rules: You need a credit score over 680.
- Stress Test: You must prove you can afford payments at a much higher interest rate.
- Income Proof: Self-employed income is often slashed by strict calculations.
Seven Lending (The “B” & Private Side)
We are an equity-based lender. We can lend up to 85% of your home’s value without forcing you to buy government insurance.
- Common Sense: We look at your property’s value in Surrey or Vancouver.
- No Insurance Required: We lend our own funds, so we make our own rules.
- Speed: We can fund in days, not weeks.
Comparison: Why Choose a Private High Ratio Loan?
Use this table to see if a private mortgage solution fits your needs better than a bank.
| Feature | Traditional Bank | Seven Lending (Private) |
| Max Loan Amount | Capped at 80% (Refinance) | Up to 85% LTV |
| Approval Focus | Credit Score & T4 Income | Property Equity & Value |
| Credit Score | Strict Minimums (680+) | No Minimum Score |
| Documentation | Heavy Paperwork | Minimal / Simplified |
| Funding Speed | 2-4 Weeks | 24 – 48 Hours |
| Penalty Fees | High penalties for early exit | Open Terms (No Penalty) |
Key Takeaway: If you have equity but “bruised” credit, a bank cannot help you. Seven Lending can.
The Mathematics of Equity (The 5% Advantage)
Why does 85% LTV matter? It unlocks significantly more cash.
Example Scenario:
Imagine you own a home in Surrey, BC, worth $1,500,000. You currently owe $1,000,000 on your first mortgage.
Option A: The Bank (80% Cap)
- Maximum Loan: $1,200,000
- Available Cash: $200,000
Option B: Seven Lending (85% Cap)
- Maximum Loan: $1,275,000
- Available Cash: $275,000
The Result: By choosing Seven Lending’s high ratio option, you access an extra $75,000. This can be the difference betweenconsolidating your debts completely or leaving some balances behind.
Why BC Locals Trust Seven Lending
We are not a faceless national company. We are a BC-registered corporation based in Surrey.
- Local Expertise: We know the difference in value between a condo in Vancouver and a detached home in the Fraser Valley. A national algorithm does not.
- Trusted Leadership: Our team is led by Raghav Manchanda and Ishmeet Sandhu (MBA Finance). We combine financial expertise with a human touch.
- Transparency: We are fully registered (BC Corp #A0117454).
- Rate Guarantee: We are so confident in our offers that if you find a better deal in 7 days, we will beat it, match it, or pay you $500.
How to Apply (3 Simple Steps)
We have removed the red tape to get you funded fast.
- Apply Online: Spend 7 minutes with us. No obligation.
- Rapid Review: We assess your property value immediately. We usually give an answer within 24 hours.
- Fast Funding: Once approved, money is sent directly to your lawyer.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Does a high ratio mortgage hurt my credit score?
Getting a quote from Seven Lending does not impact your credit score. We review your situation safely.
Can I get this loan if I am self-employed?
Yes. Self-employed borrowers are our specialty. We understand that your tax return doesn’t always show your true income.
What are the interest rates?
Private rates are higher than bank rates because we take on more risk. However, our rates are often much lower than credit cards (19%+).
- 1st Mortgages: Start from 5.99%
- 2nd Mortgages: Start from 7.99%
Do you lend outside of Surrey?
Yes. We serve all of British Columbia, including Vancouver, Burnaby, the Fraser Valley, Kelowna, and Victoria.
Secure Your High Ratio Mortgage Approval Today (Up to 85% LTV)
Traditional banks view your application through a narrow lens of strict income verification and perfect credit scores. At Seven Lending, we view it through the lens of equity.
If you own a home in British Columbia and have been denied a high-ratio loan, the door isn’t closed; it just requires a different key. We specialize in “Common Sense” underwriting that values your asset over your tax return. Whether you need to consolidate debt, pay off CRA arrears, or fund a renovation, our team is ready to leverage up to 85% of your home’s value to get you the capital you need.
Don’t let a rigid banking algorithm dictate your financial future. Work with a local BC lender who listens to your story and funds your goals.