A “Gifted” Down Payment has become very common for first time home buyers. A buyer’s family member will offer to provide a lump sum money to go towards the down payment. Often this is done because their kin doesn’t have enough funds saved for the required 5% down payment. Or, because they want to make sure their child has enough money to put down 20% to avoid CMHC premiums.

All that’s required for documentation is a signed Gift Letter from the parents, which simply states that the money does not have to be re-paid, and a snapshot of the son or daughter’s bank account showing that the gifted funds have actually been transferred. A gifted down payment is an acceptable form of down payment by most banks and lenders.

Let me know if you have any questions by leaving a comment below.

All the best,

D