Northwest Territories Mortgage Rates
Northwest Territories mortgage rate update: November 2025
The economy might be a mess, but it’s driving down mortgage rates in the Northwest Territories.
On October 29, in response to sluggish economic growth, the Bank of Canada lowered its overnight lending rate for the fourth time this year. Shortly after the 25-basis point cut was announced, Canadian lenders lowered their variable mortgage rates.
The Bank accompanied its rate cut with a statement that said rates are “at about the right level” to usher Canada through this period of financial uncertainty, so variables might be as low as they’re going to get in 2025.
As of November, some lenders are offering variable rates for around 4% in the Northwest Territories.
Fixed mortgage rates dipped toward the end of October, but it’s unlikely they’ll keep decreasing. Government bond yields, which lenders use to determine their fixed rate offers, shot up after the Bank of Canada’s latest rate decision. If bond yields continue rising, lenders may be forced to increase their fixed rates.
As of November, three-year fixed rates in the Northwest Territories are around 3.9%. Five-year fixed rates are well over 4%.
2025 Northwest Territories mortgage rate forecast
If the Bank of Canada lowers its overnight rate before the end of 2025, variable mortgage rates will also decrease. Fixed mortgage rates will likely continue hovering between 3.75% and 4.25% for much of the year.
Read more about the Bank of Canada's latest rate announcement.
The BoC makes policy interest rate announcements eight times a year. Find out how its latest decision might impact Canada's housing market.
Northwest Territories home buyer resources
Northwest Territories first-time home buyer programs
The Northwest Territories government has a program that reduces costs for first-time home buyers. Eligible applicants can receive a forgivable loan equal to 5% of their home’s purchase price, with a loan maximum amount of $30,000, to use as a down payment. The loan is completely forgiven after one, two or three years, depending on the amount of the loan.
To be eligible, applicants must meet certain requirements. For example, they must:
Live in the Northwest Territories for at least three years.
Have income under certain limits, which vary by location.
Must secure outside financing.
If the homeowner goes into default or if they sell the home before their forgivable loan period is up, they are not eligible for loan forgiveness.
Federal assistance programs include the Home Buyers’ Plan and the First Home Savings Account. These tools for improving affordability can be combined, so it might be worth investigating both to see how they fit your goals and finances.
Land transfer taxes in the Northwest Territories
In the Northwest Territories, you'll pay fees based on your home's value and your mortgage's value.
- You'll pay $2.00 for each $1,000 of your home's value, with a $1 minimum. If your home's value is above $1 million, you'll pay $2,000 plus $1.50 for each $1,000 of value above $1 million.
- If you take out a mortgage to pay for your home, you'll pay $1.50 for every $1,000 of the mortgage amount, with a minimum of $80.
Mortgage calculators to help you take the next step
Frequently asked questions
How do lenders determine mortgage rates?
How do lenders determine mortgage rates?
The mortgage rate you’re offered in the Northwest Territories will be based on two primary factors; one based on the state of the economy and one based on your financial situation.
Economic factors
Variable mortgage rates are influenced by the Bank of Canada’s overnight rate. When the overnight rate increases or decreases, a lender’s prime rate follows suit. Variable mortgage rates are based on a lender’s prime rate, so as the prime rate rises or falls, so do variable rates.
Fixed mortgage rates are determined by activity in the government bond market, particularly the yields on one-, three- and five-year bonds. Fixed mortgage rates follow the movement of those yields.
Your financial situation
Factors specific to you also affect the rates you’re offered. These include:
Your credit score.
Your income.
Your total debts.
The loan type you choose.
The amount you’re borrowing.
The term length and amortization period of your loan.
Lenders look for signs of risk when assessing these aspects of your finances. The riskier they perceive you to be as a borrower, the higher the rate they’re likely to offer you.
Will mortgage rates come down in 2025?
Will mortgage rates come down in 2025?
If the Bank of Canada lowers its overnight rate before the end of 2025, variable mortgage rates will also decrease. Fixed mortgage rates will likely continue hovering between 3.75% and 4.25% for much of the year.
How do you qualify for a lower mortgage rate?
How do you qualify for a lower mortgage rate?
While some factors that affect rates are beyond your control, there are things you can do to encourage lenders to offer you the best mortgage rates. For example, you can:
Improve your credit score. To start, pay down any outstanding debt and pay off every bill in full.
Increase your income. This isn’t always easy, but any additional income will improve your financial position.
Decrease your total debts. Lenders consider your total debt load when determining the details of your loan.
Consider all your options. See if adjusting the loan type, the term length or the amortization period of your loan could help.
What's a good mortgage rate in the Northwest Territories right now?
What's a good mortgage rate in the Northwest Territories right now?
As of November 2025, finding a variable or fixed mortgage rate lower than 4% in the NWT would be considered a good deal.
8Twelve has partnered with over 65 Canadian mortgage lenders to provide competitive rates on over 7,000 mortgage products. 8Twelve can quickly match you with a lender and mortgage type that meets your needs — even if your financial situation is unique.
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