Big Changes Ahead: How Investors Can Win Under OFSI’s 2026 Rules

✍️ By Debbie Balfour | WBN News | February 2 , 2026 | Click HERE for your FREE Subscription to WBN News and/or to be a Contributor.

Brace yourself, investors, 2026 is shaping up to be a turning point for Canadian real estate. With new OFSI regulations tightening lending standards, many investors are asking, “Will I still qualify?” The truth is: yes, but not the same way you used to.

In the latest Let’s Talk Real Estate Investing podcast, I sat down with mortgage agent and seasoned investor Ray Vozza of Dominion Lending Centres to unpack these coming changes and what they mean for those building rental portfolios. Ray isn’t just a broker; he’s walked the walk as a multifamily investor, so his insights hit close to home.

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OFSI) plans to introduce several key reforms in 2026 that will impact every investor seeking financing. Among the biggest shifts are higher down payment requirements, stricter loan-to-income ratios, and tighter rental income verification. Simply put, the days of leveraging 20% down and counting 100% of rental income toward your mortgage qualification are fading fast.

“These changes aren’t just red tape,” Ray explained. “They’re designed to stabilize risk and protect borrowers from overleveraging.” Investors who built their portfolios on aggressive borrowing during the low-rate era are already feeling the pinch. But Ray insists it’s not all doom and gloom. Smart investors who adapt early will thrive.

His advice? Start stress-testing your portfolio now. Plan for 30–35% down, diversify lender relationships, and build conservative projections using only 50–80% of rental income. He also urges investors to look at their portfolios as a whole, not property by property, to ensure long-term sustainability.

Ray reminded listeners that while lenders are tightening, they still want to do good business. “They just need the story behind the deal,” he said. “That’s where a skilled mortgage agent comes in; helping you present your financials and strategy in the best light possible.”

The biggest takeaway? These changes aren’t the end of real estate investing — they’re an evolution. Investors who prepare, plan, and build relationships now will be well-positioned to expand strategically, even in a stricter environment.

The new OFSI rules might close some old doors, but for disciplined, informed investors, they’re opening smarter ones.

Debbie Balfour | Real Estate Investing Success Coach + Podcast Host
📍 Website: www.DebbieBalfour.com
📧 Email: Debbie@DebbieBalfour.com
🔗 LinkedIn: Debbie Balfour
▶️ YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@DebbieBalfour

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