Are home inspections mandatory for mortgages?
Quick Answer
Short answer: Not legally, but some lenders insist on one for older or rural properties.
Detailed Explanation
CMHC doesn't require inspections, yet major banks reserve the right to demand a satisfactory report on homes over 75 years or in areas with known soil issues. Rural lenders often want a wells & septic add-on inspection.
- Insurer can withhold mortgage loan insurance until defects fixed
- New-home warranty may substitute for inspection on quick-possessions
- Builders still recommend third-party inspection at pre-possession
Disclaimer: This page is for general information only and does not constitute legal, financial, or real estate advice. Always verify details with a licensed Alberta REALTOR®, mortgage professional, or lawyer before making decisions. Buy in Edmonton assumes no liability for actions taken based on this content.
Tim Grover, RE/MAX Excellence • 780-288-5144 • 5607 199 Street NW, Edmonton, AB
Related Questions
- What does a standard home inspection cover in Alberta?
- How much does a home inspection cost in Edmonton?
- How long does a home inspection take?
- Should I attend the home inspection?
- What home-inspection red flags worry Edmonton inspectors most?
- Do I need a sewer-scope inspection in Edmonton?
- Is thermal-imaging included in a standard inspection?
- Are mould or air-quality tests part of a home inspection?
- Should I worry about asbestos in Edmonton homes?
- Can I renegotiate the price after inspection?
- What if major issues are found during inspection?
- How are Alberta home inspectors regulated?
- What's the difference between pre-purchase and pre-listing inspections?
- Should I inspect a brand-new home?
- Do I need to inspect a condo apartment?
- Are appliances part of the inspection?
- How soon do I get the inspection report?
- What's not covered in a home inspection?
- Should I get a second opinion if the inspection reveals major issues?
- Do home warranties replace the need for inspections?
- Can sellers refuse to allow an inspection?
- How does having a REALTOR® improve the inspection and repair-negotiation phase?
- How does having a REALTOR® improve the inspection and repair-negotiation phase?
- What does a standard home inspection cover in Alberta?
- How much does a home inspection cost in Edmonton?
- How long does a home inspection take?
- Should I attend the home inspection?
- What home-inspection red flags worry Edmonton inspectors most?
- Do I need a sewer-scope inspection in Edmonton?
- Is thermal-imaging included in a standard inspection?
- Are mould or air-quality tests part of a home inspection?
- Should I worry about asbestos in Edmonton homes?
- Can I renegotiate the price after inspection?
- What if major issues are found during inspection?
- How are Alberta home inspectors regulated?
- What's the difference between pre-purchase and pre-listing inspections?
- Should I inspect a brand-new home?
- Do I need to inspect a condo apartment?
- Are appliances part of the inspection?
- How soon do I get the inspection report?
- What's not covered in a home inspection?
- Should I get a second opinion if the inspection reveals major issues?
- Do home warranties replace the need for inspections?
- Can sellers refuse to allow an inspection?
- How does having a REALTOR® improve the inspection and repair-negotiation phase?
- How does having a REALTOR® improve the inspection and repair-negotiation phase?