Mortgage Renewal vs Switch vs Refinance - What’s the Difference?

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial commitments most Canadians will ever make. But the mortgage decision doesn’t end when you sign your first contract. Every time your mortgage comes up for renewal, you have a chance to make smart adjustments — and the choice you make can have long-term financial impact.

This week, I worked with a client whose situation is a perfect example. They had a mortgage and a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). Over the past few years, they completed major renovations using their HELOC. Now, with renewal approaching, they had to decide: renew, switch, or refinance.

Renewal: the default
Renewal means continuing with your existing lender under new terms, often with minimal changes. It’s the simplest option — but it’s not always the best. Lenders know many borrowers simply sign the renewal letter. This convenience can come at a cost if better terms are available elsewhere.

Switch: moving lenders
A switch is when you transfer your mortgage “as is” to another lender offering a better rate or terms. There’s no penalty at maturity, and switching can help you save interest. But it usually doesn’t allow you to increase the mortgage or consolidate other debts.

Refinance: restructuring your mortgage
Refinancing gives you the most flexibility. You can increase your mortgage amount, consolidate higher-interest debts, extend or shorten your amortization, or access equity for major expenses like renovations. Refinancing mid-term often means paying a penalty — but at renewal, you can refinance without penalty since the term is ending.

The client story: renewal used strategically
In this case, my client refinanced at renewal. We combined their HELOC with their mortgage, creating one new mortgage at a competitive rate. We also reset the amortization to 25 years, lowering monthly payments. The best part? Their new mortgage allows for prepayments, so when they receive bonuses, they can pay extra and reduce amortization again.

The outcome: lower monthly costs today, with the flexibility to pay down debt faster tomorrow.

Why this matters
Renewal is a moment of opportunity. Instead of passively signing a renewal letter, it’s a chance to align your mortgage with your goals. Whether it’s improving cash flow, simplifying debt, or saving interest, the right choice depends on your situation.

Remember: we don’t chase the lowest rate. We build the lowest cost of borrowing. Support beats stress. Every time.

Book a call at www.mortgagecall.ca or email [email protected].