Most homeowners want to know one thing before getting a private mortgage:
“How much does it cost?”
At Lendworth, we believe in total transparency.
This page breaks down every fee, cost, and expense associated with a private mortgage in Ontario — so you know exactly what to expect before moving forward.
What private lenders REALLY charge — and how to avoid overpaying
If you're searching for a private mortgage in Ontario, you’ve probably asked yourself the same question every homeowner does:
“How much does a private mortgage actually cost?”
Here’s the truth:
Private lenders all price differently, and most people don’t realize what’s normal — or when they’re being overcharged.
This guide breaks down every fee, every cost, and every factor that affects the price of a private mortgage in Ontario, so you can borrow confidently and avoid surprises.
And yes — Lendworth gives full written cost disclosures upfront before you ever sign anything.
🔹 Why Private Mortgage Costs Are Different From Bank Mortgages
Banks lend based on:
Your income
Your credit
Your debt ratios
Your employment history
Private lenders don’t.
Private mortgages are equity-based, meaning your home value and loan-to-value ratio (LTV) determine nearly everything — including your rate and fees.
That’s why someone with bruised credit and no income can still get approved, as long as they have equity.
🔹 Typical Private Mortgage Rates in Ontario (2025)
Here’s what’s considered standard this year:
| Type of Loan | Rate Range |
|---|---|
| 1st Mortgage | from 8.99% |
| 2nd Mortgage | from 9.99% |
| Bridge Loan | from 10.99% |
| Construction Loan | from 11.99% |
| Emergency / POS Rescue | case-by-case |
Rates improve when:
LTV is under 70%
Property is in the GTA, Vaughan, Toronto, or surrounding high-demand zones
Loan term is shorter
Market value is strong and verified by appraisal
At Lendworth, we price loans fairly and transparently — no inflated rates, no hidden charges.
🔹 Private Mortgage Fees: The Full Breakdown
Private mortgages come with several one-time fees, all deducted from your mortgage proceeds.
Here’s what’s normal in Ontario:
1. Lender Fee (1%–3%)
This is the fee charged by the lender for providing capital.
2. Broker Fee (0%–2%)
👉 When you come directly to Lendworth, you avoid unnecessary broker fees.
3. Borrower’s Legal Fees ($1,200–$1,800)
Your lawyer handles closing, title searches, and registration.
4. Lender’s Legal Fees ($1,200–$2,000)
Paid from the mortgage funds — not out of pocket.
5. Appraisal Fee ($550–$1,000)
The lender must confirm the property’s fair market value.
6. Title Registration & Search Fees ($95–$350)
Standard legal costs depending on your lawyer.
7. Discharge / Payout Fees (Varies)
Only applies if an old mortgage is being replaced.
None of these are “junk fees” — they are standard across the private lending industry.
🔹 What a Typical Private Mortgage Closing Looks Like
Here’s a real-world example based on a $250,000 private mortgage:
| Cost Item | Estimated Cost |
|---|---|
| Lender Fee (2%) | $5,000 |
| Borrower’s Legal | $1,500 |
| Lender’s Legal | $1,500 |
| Appraisal | $450 |
| Title Fees | $150 |
| Total Costs | $8,600 |
The best part?
No out-of-pocket expense — all fees come from the mortgage proceeds.
🔹 How to Reduce Costs on a Private Mortgage
There are several ways homeowners can pay less:
✔ Lower your LTV
The more equity you have, the better your rate.
✔ Choose a shorter term
6-month or 1-year terms cost less in total interest.
✔ Use a lender that doesn’t charge extra broker fees
(Like Lendworth.)
✔ Avoid urgent POS situations
Emergency deals require more legal work.
✔ Stick to properties in liquid markets
Toronto, Vaughan, Mississauga, and similar areas always get better pricing.
Lendworth actively helps borrowers structure loans to minimize total cost, not maximize fees.
🔹 When Paying More Actually Makes Sense
Sometimes borrowers avoid fees — and accidentally make things worse.
A fast private mortgage can:
Stop a Power of Sale
Clear expensive arrears
Pay off CRA debt
Preserve your equity
Prevent forced sale
Paying $6k–$10k in fees to protect $300,000+ in home equity is a no-brainer in emergency situations.
🔹 Is a Private Mortgage Worth It?
If the answer is:
“I need cash fast,”
“My bank said no,”
“I have equity but can’t prove income,” or
“I’m dealing with arrears / legal issues,”
Then yes — a private mortgage is often the smartest and fastest option.
Thousands of Ontario homeowners use private mortgages as a short-term, flexible solution until they qualify with a bank again.
🔹 Get a Free Private Mortgage Cost Estimate
You’ll receive a full written breakdown of:
Interest rate
Fees
Legal costs
Appraisal costs
Total cost of borrowing
No credit check. No obligations.
Just transparent numbers.
📞 Call Lendworth Now: 905-597-1225
👉 Apply Online: Apply Now