As we head into mid-2026, a massive wave of mortgage renewals is colliding with a sobering reality: many Canadians are reaching the traditional retirement age with significant debt still attached to their homes. According to the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, roughly one million mortgages are up for renewal this year. For near-retirees, this isn’t just a budget adjustment—it’s a potential retirement-date shifter. Financial expert Christopher Liew warns that testing new payments against your current salary is a major mistake; instead, you must stress-test them against your future CPP and OAS income floor. From the hidden costs of downsizing in the competitive GTA market to the potential ‘tax traps’ of dipping into RRSPs, the decisions you make at renewal could fundamentally alter your financial independence. Before signing that renewal offer, read the full analysis on BNN Bloomberg to ensure your home equity doesn’t become a retirement anchor.
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