Shared EquityFirst-Time BuyersToronto & GTA

A partner for the
down payment.
The home is yours.

Co-buying pairs you with an equity investor who covers part of your down payment — no loan, no interest, no monthly payments to them. You own and occupy the home. They hold a quiet share of the equity.

Call 416-262-LOAN (5626)

Partner contributes

5–15%

Of purchase price

Monthly payment to partner

No interest charged

Family looking at their house being built

What is co-buying?

Not a loan. A partnership.

Instead of lending you money, an investment partner contributes part of your down payment and becomes a co-owner of the home. Their return comes from future appreciation — not from charging you interest.

You live in the home. You make all mortgage payments. They hold a silent share of the equity — and collect it only when you sell or buy them out.

One example of this type of program in Canada is Ourboro. We work with multiple options to find what fits your situation.

How the split works

Example: $800,000 home, 20% down ($160,000)

You contribute

$64,000

40% ownership

Partner contributes

$96,000

60% ownership

Equity splits on sale reflect these proportions. Waiting years for the full 20% often costs more than sharing appreciation now.

Is this for you?

Co-buying is ideal if…

Your income qualifies for a mortgage but the down payment keeps moving out of reach. If any of these sound familiar, this might be the bridge.

Income-qualified, not down-payment-readyYour monthly payments are manageable. It's the lump sum that's the barrier.
First-time buyersNew to the process, navigating rising prices without generational wealth behind you.
New to CanadaStable employment but limited credit history or savings to qualify the traditional way.
Tired of rentingEvery rent payment builds someone else's equity. Co-buying lets you start building your own.
Avoiding family loansYou want to own independently, without putting personal relationships at financial risk.

If this sounds like you, keep reading.

The process

From approval to ownership.

Mortgage pre-approval

We review your income, debts, and goals to determine what you qualify for before approaching an equity partner.

Partner match

The co-buying partner confirms how much they can contribute (typically 5–15% of purchase price).

Buy your home

You choose the property. Both parties register on title at closing. You move in as the primary resident.

Live normally

You pay the mortgage, maintain the home, and build equity. No monthly obligations to your partner.

Exit on your terms

Sell the home and split proceeds, or buy out the partner's share once your financial position allows.

After you move in

You live like a normal homeowner.

The equity partner does not live with you, does not manage your day-to-day life, and does not receive monthly payments. They hold a silent equity stake — nothing more.

"Some programs may also credit eligible renovations that increase value and offer access to vetted trades."

Mortgage payments

You make all mortgage payments as the primary resident and borrower.

Property costs

Taxes, utilities, insurance, and general maintenance are yours to manage.

Day-to-day decisions

You choose how to decorate, live, and maintain the home — no partner oversight.

Equity growth

Every mortgage payment and every dollar of appreciation builds your ownership stake.

Renting vs co-buying

What happens to your money?

Renting

Rent payments add up year after year. When you move out, you leave with memories — not equity. Every dollar paid builds wealth for your landlord, not you.

Equity built: $0

Co-buying

Even with shared ownership, every mortgage payment reduces what you owe. Every year of appreciation builds your stake. You're in the market — not watching from the sidelines.

Equity built: Yes

Key insight: Waiting for the "perfect" down payment often costs more than sharing appreciation earlier. Time in the market typically beats timing the market — especially as rents keep rising.

Your exit

Co-buying is not forever.

Most clients plan to either buy out the partner once their equity and income are stronger, or sell the home for a profit when the time is right.

Sell the home

Proceeds are distributed based on ownership percentages after mortgage principal is returned.

Buy out the partner

Once your income or equity grows, you can purchase the partner's share at fair market value.

Shared loss protection

If the home loses value, losses are shared proportionally. You don't owe more than the sale proceeds.

Run the numbers

See how ownership splits work.

Estimate the ownership split and potential proceeds when you co-buy and later sell or buy out your partner.

Shared Equity Calculator

Estimate ownership split and sale proceeds using a real-life shared equity flow.

Inputs

Home purchase price$1,000,000

$500,000$1,500,000

Down Payment Split (Total: 20%)

Your portion of down payment10%

5%15%

You contribute

10%

$100,000

Co-owner contributes

10%

$100,000

Mortgage Details

Interest rate

4.99%

Amortization (years)

Mortgage term (years)

Property Appreciation & Sale

Annual appreciation

5.00%

Closing costs

3.50%

Estimated sale price after 5 years

$1,276,282

Educational estimate only. Taxes, penalties, legal fees, lender payouts, and program terms can change outcomes.

At Purchase

Purchase Price$1,000,000

Total Down Payment (20%)$200,000

Mortgage Amount$800,000

Monthly Payment$4,290

Rate: 4.99% | Amortization: 30 years

Balance after 5 years$734,526

Your Ownership50.0%

Co-owner Ownership50.0%

Co-owner
You

At Sale (After 5 Years)

Estimated Sale Price$1,276,282

Based on 5% annual appreciation

Closing Costs (3.5%)-$44,670

Remaining Mortgage-$734,526

Net Proceeds$497,086

Principal Paid Down$65,474

Principal Returned to You$65,474

Your Equity Share$215,806

Co-owner Equity Share$215,806

You Receive Total$281,280

Co-owner Receives$215,806

Questions

What buyers ask most.

Co-buying is a newer path and it comes with real questions. Here are the honest answers.

No. It's an equity partnership, not debt. The partner contributes to the down payment and holds a proportional share of the home's value — there's no interest and no repayment schedule.

Let's find out

Is co-buying the bridge that gets you home?

Co-buying isn't for everyone — and that's okay. Our role is to run the numbers honestly, explain the pros and cons, and help you decide if this fits your long-term plan.

If traditional lending says "almost," this might be the bridge that gets you home sooner.