After separation, one of the most practical questions is often: Can I qualify for a mortgage on my income alone? For some people, the answer determines whether they can keep the family home. For others, it determines what they can afford to buy next. Separation can change both sides of a mortgage application at once. Household income may drop from two incomes to one. Support payments may become a continuing financial obligation. An existing joint mortgage may still appear as

Saving for a down payment is only one part of preparing to buy a home. Before the property becomes yours, there are also legal fees, taxes, adjustments, insurance costs and other expenses that may need to be paid before or on closing. For first-time buyers, the important question is not simply: “How much is my down payment?” It is: “How much money will I actually need available to complete the purchase?” CMHC and the Financial Consumer Agency of Canada suggest budgeting appro