- Porting moves your existing rate, balance and term to a new property.
- Banks set a window between selling and buying; outside it, the penalty applies.
- If you need more money, the extra is usually blended at a current rate.
- You still need to qualify for the new mortgage.
Portability at each big bank
From each bank’s own pages; details and conditions are on the bank profiles.
| Bank | Portability |
|---|---|
| RBC Royal Bank | Port when buying and selling at the same time; extra money can be blended at the current rate. |
| TD Canada Trust | Not stated on the TD pages we could read; ask TD. |
| Scotiabank | Listed as a way to avoid charges; not available on every mortgage solution. |
| BMO Bank of Montreal | Not stated on the BMO pages we could read; ask BMO. |
| CIBC | May have a portability option (term, balance and maturity move to the new home). |
| National Bank | Not stated on the National Bank pages we could read; ask the bank. |
Porting, blending and qualifying
If the new home costs more, banks typically let you borrow the extra and blend it with your existing rate (a “blend and increase”). If it costs less, you may have to pay down part of the balance, and a penalty can apply to that part. You must qualify for the new mortgage, including the stress test if you borrow more.
Timing matters most. Get the bank’s porting terms in writing before you list your home, and line up closing dates inside the window.
Rules change. Every figure on this page links to the official source and shows when we checked it. If something looks out of date, tell us and we will re-check.
Frequently asked questions
Can I port a variable-rate mortgage?
Ask your bank. The pages we read do not limit porting by rate type, but Scotiabank says portability may not be available for all mortgage solutions, and TD, BMO and National Bank did not describe porting on the pages we could read.
What if I buy before I sell?
Ask the bank: porting rules usually describe selling and buying within a set window, and bridge financing is a separate product.
Sources
- Breaking your mortgage contract (blend-and-extend, changing lenders) — FCAC, checked Oct 31, 2026
- Reduce or avoid prepayment penalties — FCAC, checked Oct 31, 2026
Educational information only, not financial, legal or tax advice. BankMortgages.ca is independent and is not affiliated with, endorsed by or paid by any bank named on this site. Bank terms change: confirm every rate and term with the lender and the official sources linked on each page before you act. Read the full disclaimer.