One of the first questions every investor asks about DSCR loans is: “What rate will I get?” The answer is not a single number. DSCR loan rates depend on a matrix of factors including your credit score, the property’s DSCR ratio, your down payment, the loan amount, and even the property type.
This guide breaks down the current DSCR loan rate environment, explains exactly what drives your rate higher or lower, and provides concrete strategies to secure the best possible terms. We will use real rate ranges and examples so you can estimate your costs before you ever talk to a lender.
For a complete overview of how DSCR loans work, start with our DSCR loan overview page.
Current DSCR Loan Rate Ranges
As of early 2026, DSCR Loan Financing in the following ranges:
Run your numbers through our DSCR Loan Calculator — Canadian Edition to see if your property qualifies.
Best-case scenario (740+ credit, 25%+ down, 1.25+ DSCR): 7.00% to 7.50%
Average scenario (700-739 credit, 25% down, 1.0-1.24 DSCR): 7.50% to 8.25%
Higher-risk scenario (660-699 credit, 20% down, DSCR near 1.0): 8.25% to 9.25%
Sub-1.0 DSCR programs: 9.00% to 10.50%
These ranges shift as the broader interest rate market moves. DSCR loan rates generally track about 1.0% to 2.5% above conventional investment property rates, depending on the risk profile of the deal.
It is important to note that these are rate ranges, not guarantees. Your actual rate will depend on the specific combination of factors we cover below. Two investors applying on the same day for similar properties can receive rates that differ by more than a full percentage point.
The Six Factors That Determine Your DSCR Loan Rate
Understanding these factors gives you a roadmap for getting the best rate. Each one moves your rate up or down on a sliding scale, and they interact with each other.
Factor 1: Credit Score
Your credit score has the single largest impact on your DSCR loan rate. Lenders use pricing tiers that correspond to credit score bands, and the differences are substantial.
| Credit Score | Typical Rate Adjustment |
|---|---|
| 760+ | Best available rate |
| 740-759 | +0.00% to +0.125% |
| 720-739 | +0.125% to +0.250% |
| 700-719 | +0.250% to +0.500% |
| 680-699 | +0.500% to +0.875% |
| 660-679 | +0.875% to +1.250% |
| Below 660 | +1.500% or more (limited availability) |
The spread between a 760 credit score and a 660 credit score can be 1.25% to 1.75% in rate. On a $300,000 loan, the difference between 7.25% and 8.75% is $298 per month, or $3,576 per year.
This is why credit optimization before applying is one of the highest-return activities an investor can undertake. For the full picture on credit and other qualification factors, see our DSCR loan requirements breakdown.
Factor 2: Loan-to-Value Ratio (Down Payment)
The more equity you have in the deal, the lower your rate. Lenders view lower LTV as lower risk because there is a larger cushion protecting their investment.
| LTV (Down Payment) | Typical Rate Adjustment |
|---|---|
| 65% LTV (35% down) | -0.250% to -0.375% |
| 70% LTV (30% down) | -0.125% to -0.250% |
| 75% LTV (25% down) | Base rate |
| 80% LTV (20% down) | +0.125% to +0.375% |
The difference between 75% LTV and 80% LTV is typically 0.125% to 0.375%. While that might seem modest, it compounds over the life of the loan. More importantly, a lower LTV can improve your approval odds and unlock loan products that are not available at higher leverage.
Factor 3: DSCR Ratio
The property’s debt service coverage ratio directly affects pricing. Higher DSCR means lower risk for the lender, which translates to better rates.
| DSCR | Typical Rate Adjustment |
|---|---|
| 1.50+ | -0.125% to -0.250% (best tier) |
| 1.25 - 1.49 | Base rate |
| 1.10 - 1.24 | +0.125% to +0.250% |
| 1.0 - 1.09 | +0.250% to +0.500% |
| 0.75 - 0.99 | +0.750% to +1.500% |
A property with a 1.5 DSCR will get meaningfully better pricing than one at 1.0, even if the borrower profile is identical. This is one reason why experienced investors focus on strong cash-flowing properties: the financing terms reward it.
Factor 4: Property Type
Not all property types carry the same risk in a lender’s eyes. Single-family homes are the most liquid and easiest to re-sell in a foreclosure scenario, so they get the best rates. More complex property types carry pricing adjustments.
| Property Type | Typical Rate Adjustment |
|---|---|
| Single-family residence | Base rate |
| Warrantable condo | +0.00% to +0.125% |
| Townhome | +0.00% to +0.125% |
| 2-4 unit property | +0.125% to +0.375% |
| Non-warrantable condo | +0.250% to +0.500% |
| 5-8 unit property | +0.375% to +0.750% |
| Short-term rental | +0.125% to +0.500% |
If you are purchasing a non-warrantable condo with a DSCR near 1.0 and a credit score of 680, the rate adjustments stack on top of each other. Understanding this stacking effect is critical for accurately estimating your rate.
Factor 5: Loan Amount
Loan amount affects pricing in both directions. Very small loans and very large loans tend to carry rate premiums.
Below $125,000: Many lenders impose a small balance premium of 0.25% to 0.75% because the fixed costs of originating and servicing the loan represent a larger percentage of the loan amount.
$125,000 to $500,000: This is the standard range with no loan amount adjustment.
$500,000 to $1,000,000: Many lenders offer slightly better pricing for larger loans because they are more profitable to originate and service.
Above $1,000,000: Jumbo DSCR loans may carry modest premiums (0.125% to 0.250%) due to the increased risk exposure, though some lenders specialize in this space and offer competitive rates.
Factor 6: Loan Purpose
Whether you are purchasing a property or refinancing affects your rate.
Purchase: Base rate. Lenders generally view purchases as lower risk because the transaction establishes a current market value.
Rate-and-term refinance: +0.00% to +0.125%. Minimal adjustment since you are not taking cash out.
Cash-out refinance: +0.125% to +0.500%. The premium reflects the additional risk of pulling equity out of the property. The adjustment may be larger for higher LTV cash-out transactions.
How DSCR Loan Rates Compare to Conventional Investment Property Rates
Let’s put the comparison in concrete terms. For a $350,000 property with 25% down ($262,500 loan), here is how the monthly costs compare:
Conventional investment property loan at 6.75%:
- Monthly principal and interest: $1,703
- Annual interest cost: $17,604 (first year)
DSCR loan at 7.50%:
- Monthly principal and interest: $1,836
- Annual interest cost: $19,579 (first year)
Difference: $133 per month, $1,596 per year
DSCR loan at 8.25%:
- Monthly principal and interest: $1,973
- Annual interest cost: $21,555 (first year)
Difference vs. conventional: $270 per month, $3,240 per year
The rate premium is real and it impacts your cash flow. However, the decision is not simply about rate. If DSCR financing allows you to acquire a property that conventional financing would not approve (due to income documentation, property count limits, or entity structuring needs), the higher rate is the cost of access.
Many investors find that the additional $100 to $300 per month is well worth the flexibility and scalability that DSCR loans provide. The key is to go in with eyes open and account for the higher rate in your deal analysis. For a full comparison of these two loan types, see our DSCR loan vs. conventional mortgage analysis.
Fixed Rate vs. Adjustable Rate DSCR Loans
Most DSCR borrowers choose a 30-year fixed rate, but adjustable rate options exist and can make sense in certain scenarios.
30-Year Fixed Rate
The most popular option. Your rate and payment never change for the life of the loan. This provides certainty for long-term hold strategies and makes cash flow projections straightforward.
Current 30-year fixed DSCR rates: 7.00% to 9.25% depending on borrower and property profile.
5/1 ARM (Adjustable Rate Mortgage)
Fixed for the first five years, then adjusts annually based on an index (typically SOFR) plus a margin. The initial rate is typically 0.375% to 0.75% below the comparable 30-year fixed rate.
This structure works well for investors who plan to sell or refinance within five years. The lower initial rate improves cash flow during the hold period, and you avoid the higher rate that kicks in after the adjustment.
7/1 ARM
Fixed for seven years, then adjusts annually. The initial rate discount compared to a 30-year fixed is typically 0.25% to 0.50%. This is a good middle ground for investors with a five-to-seven-year hold horizon.
Interest-Only Options
Some DSCR lenders offer interest-only periods of 5 or 10 years. During the interest-only period, you pay only the interest portion of the payment, significantly reducing your monthly obligation.
For example, a $262,500 loan at 7.50%:
- Fully amortizing payment: $1,836 per month
- Interest-only payment: $1,641 per month
- Monthly savings: $195
Interest-only can improve your cash flow and DSCR ratio, but you are not building equity through principal paydown during the interest-only period. This works best for investors focused on cash flow maximization or those planning to sell before the interest-only period ends.
Rate Lock Strategies
Locking your rate at the right time can save you thousands. Here is how rate locks work for DSCR loans.
Standard Rate Lock Periods
Most DSCR lenders offer rate locks of 30, 45, or 60 days. The shorter the lock period, the slightly better the rate (though the difference is usually minimal). Choose a lock period that covers your expected closing timeline with a few days of cushion.
When to Lock
Lock early if rates are volatile or trending upward. If market conditions suggest rates are rising, locking as soon as you have an accepted contract protects you from increases during the closing process.
Float if rates are trending downward. If the market is moving in your favor, you might benefit from waiting. However, this is a gamble. Rates can reverse direction quickly, and most investors prefer the certainty of a lock.
Lock Extensions
If your closing is delayed beyond the lock period, you can typically extend for an additional fee (usually 0.125% to 0.25% per week). Budget for this possibility if there is any risk of delays.
Rate Buydowns
Some DSCR lenders allow you to buy down your rate by paying additional discount points at closing. One point (1% of the loan amount) typically buys a rate reduction of 0.25% to 0.375%.
On a $262,500 loan, one point costs $2,625. If it reduces your rate by 0.25%, your monthly savings are approximately $42. The breakeven period is about 63 months (just over five years). If you plan to hold the property longer than five years, a buydown can make financial sense.
How to Get the Best Possible DSCR Loan Rate
Here are the most effective strategies for minimizing your rate, ranked by impact.
1. Maximize Your Credit Score
This is the single highest-impact lever. A jump from 700 to 740 can save you 0.375% to 0.625% in rate. Before applying, pay down credit card balances (aim for utilization below 10%), dispute any errors on your credit report, and avoid opening new credit accounts.
If your score is below 720 and you are not in a rush, three to six months of credit optimization can save you more than any other strategy on this list.
2. Put More Money Down
Moving from 80% LTV to 75% LTV saves approximately 0.125% to 0.375%. If you can comfortably increase your down payment without depleting your reserves, the rate savings are worth considering.
3. Choose Properties with Strong DSCR
A DSCR above 1.25 puts you in the best pricing tier. When evaluating deals, use the DSCR as a filter. Properties that barely hit 1.0 will cost you more in financing, which further erodes the thin cash flow margin.
4. Shop Multiple Lenders
This cannot be overstated. DSCR loan rates vary by 0.50% to 1.00% or more between lenders for the exact same deal. Get quotes from at least three to five lenders and compare not just the rate but also the fees, prepayment penalty structure, and reserve requirements.
Some lenders offer lower rates but charge higher origination fees. Others have lower fees but higher rates. You need to compare the total cost of the loan, not just the headline rate.
5. Consider the Prepayment Penalty Trade-Off
Choosing a longer prepayment penalty period (5 years instead of 3 years, or 3 years instead of none) typically reduces your rate by 0.25% to 0.50%. If you plan to hold the property for more than five years, accepting the longer penalty period costs you nothing and saves you money every month.
6. Time Your Application
While you cannot control the broader interest rate market, you can be strategic about when you apply. If rates have recently spiked and market conditions suggest a pullback, waiting a few weeks may result in better pricing. Conversely, if rates are at the low end of recent ranges, moving quickly locks in favorable terms.
What Rate Should You Expect for Your Profile?
Let’s walk through three example borrower profiles to give you a realistic expectation.
Profile A: Strong Borrower
- Credit score: 745
- Down payment: 25%
- DSCR: 1.30
- Property type: Single-family
- Loan amount: $275,000
Expected rate: 7.00% to 7.50%
This borrower hits the top tier on every factor. They will receive the best available rates from most lenders.
Profile B: Average Borrower
- Credit score: 710
- Down payment: 25%
- DSCR: 1.10
- Property type: Duplex
- Loan amount: $350,000
Expected rate: 7.75% to 8.25%
This is a solid deal but does not hit the best tier on any single factor. The duplex property type and DSCR just above 1.0 push the rate above the baseline.
Profile C: Marginal Borrower
- Credit score: 670
- Down payment: 20%
- DSCR: 1.0
- Property type: Non-warrantable condo
- Loan amount: $200,000
Expected rate: 8.75% to 9.50%
Multiple risk factors stack here: lower credit, minimum down payment, break-even DSCR, non-warrantable condo, and a smaller loan amount. This borrower is still likely to get approved, but the rate reflects the elevated risk.
The Total Cost Perspective
Rate is important, but it is not the only cost. When comparing DSCR loan offers, evaluate the complete cost structure:
Origination fees: Typically 0.50% to 2.00% of the loan amount. A lower-rate loan with 2% in origination fees may cost more than a slightly higher-rate loan with 0.50% in fees, depending on your hold period.
Third-party fees: Appraisal ($450 to $750), title insurance, legal review, and other closing costs. These are roughly similar across lenders.
Prepayment penalty: A 5-year penalty on a loan you refinance in year three can cost thousands. Factor this into your total cost calculation.
Monthly cost difference: Calculate the actual monthly dollar difference between offers, not just the rate difference. On smaller loan amounts, a 0.25% rate difference may only be $30 to $50 per month.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the average DSCR loan interest rate right now?
Are DSCR loan rates higher than conventional mortgage rates?
Can I get a DSCR loan rate below 7%?
How much does credit score affect DSCR loan rates?
Should I choose a fixed rate or adjustable rate DSCR loan?
Is it worth paying points to buy down my DSCR loan rate?
How many lenders should I compare for DSCR loan rates?
Do DSCR loan rates vary by state?
The Bottom Line on DSCR Loan Rates
DSCR loan rates are higher than conventional investment property rates. That is the trade-off for qualification simplicity, LLC closing, no income verification, and unlimited property counts. The premium is real, but so are the benefits.
The investors who get the best DSCR rates share common traits: they maintain strong credit, they put down adequate equity, they choose properties that cash flow well, and they shop aggressively across multiple lenders.
Your rate is not a fixed number. It is the result of choices you make before and during the application process. By optimizing the factors within your control, you can often reduce your rate by 0.50% to 1.00% compared to what you would have received without preparation.
Disclaimer: LendCity Mortgages is a licensed mortgage brokerage, and our team includes experienced real estate investors. While we are qualified to provide mortgage-related guidance, the broader financial, tax, and legal information in this article is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute financial planning, tax, or legal advice. For matters outside mortgage financing, we recommend consulting a Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA), licensed financial planner, or qualified legal advisor.
Written by
LendCity
Published
February 15, 2026
Reading Time
13 min read
Fixed Rate Mortgage
A mortgage where the interest rate stays the same for the entire term, providing predictable monthly payments regardless of market changes.
Variable Rate Mortgage
A mortgage where the interest rate fluctuates with the prime rate, meaning your payments or amortization can change over time.
Down Payment
The upfront cash payment when purchasing a property. For 1-4 unit investment properties, minimum 20% down is required. 5+ unit multifamily can use CMHC MLI Select with lower down payments, and house hackers can put as little as 5% down on owner-occupied 2-4 plexes.
LTV
Loan-to-Value ratio - the mortgage amount expressed as a percentage of the property's appraised value or purchase price (whichever is lower). An 80% LTV means you're borrowing 80% and putting 20% down. Lower LTV generally means better rates and terms.
DSCR
Debt Service Coverage Ratio - a metric that compares a property's net operating income to its mortgage payments. A DSCR of 1.25 means the property generates 25% more income than needed to cover the debt. Lenders typically require a minimum DSCR of 1.0 to 1.25 for investment property loans.
Coverage Ratio
A measure of a property's ability to cover its debt payments, typically referring to DSCR. Commercial lenders often require a minimum of 1.2, meaning the property's net operating income exceeds debt payments by at least 20%.
Conventional Mortgage
A mortgage with 20% or more down payment, not requiring default insurance. This is the standard financing type for investment properties in Canada, as high-ratio (insured) mortgages aren't available for pure rentals.
Cash Flow
The money left over after collecting rent and paying all expenses including mortgage, taxes, insurance, maintenance, and property management.
Equity
The difference between a property's current market value and the remaining mortgage balance. If your home is worth $500,000 and you owe $300,000, you have $200,000 in equity. Equity builds through mortgage payments, appreciation, and property improvements.
Leverage
Using borrowed money (mortgage) to control a larger asset, amplifying both potential returns and risks on your investment.
Single Family
A detached home designed for one household, the most common property type for beginner real estate investors.
Refinance
Replacing an existing mortgage with a new one, typically to access equity, get a better rate, or change terms. Investors commonly refinance to pull out capital for purchasing additional properties (cash-out refinance) while retaining ownership of the original property.
Cash-Out Refinance
Refinancing for more than you owe to pull out equity as cash, often used to fund down payments on additional investment properties.
DSCR Loan
A loan qualified based on the property's Debt Service Coverage Ratio rather than the borrower's personal income, popular for US investment properties.
LLC
Limited Liability Company - a US business structure commonly used to hold investment properties, providing liability protection and tax flexibility.
Closing Costs
Fees paid when completing a real estate transaction, including legal fees, land transfer tax, title insurance, appraisals, and adjustments.
Mortgage Penalty
A fee charged for breaking your mortgage early, calculated as either 3 months' interest or the Interest Rate Differential (IRD), whichever is greater.
Credit Score
A numerical rating (300-900 in Canada) that represents your creditworthiness, affecting mortgage rates and approval. 680+ is typically needed for best rates.
Interest Rate
The cost of borrowing money, expressed as a percentage. It determines how much you pay on top of the principal borrowed.
Principal
The original amount of money borrowed on a mortgage, not including interest. Each mortgage payment includes both principal (paying down what you owe) and interest (the cost of borrowing). Over time, more of each payment goes toward principal as the loan balance decreases.
Appraisal
A professional assessment of a property's market value, required by lenders to ensure the property is worth the loan amount.
Title Insurance
Insurance that protects against losses from defects in title to a property, such as liens, encumbrances, or ownership disputes.
Market Value
The estimated price a property would sell for on the open market under normal conditions. Determined by comparable sales, location, condition, and market demand.
Duplex
A residential property containing two separate dwelling units, either side-by-side or stacked. Duplexes are popular among beginner investors because they can house-hack by living in one unit while renting the other to offset mortgage costs.
Wholesaling
A real estate investment strategy where an investor contracts to buy a property and then assigns that contract to another buyer for a fee, without ever taking ownership. Wholesaling requires minimal capital but significant marketing and negotiation skills.
A Lender
A major bank or institutional lender offering the most competitive mortgage rates and terms but with the strictest qualification criteria, including full income verification and stress test compliance. Most investors use A lenders for their first four to six properties.
Rate Hold
A commitment from a lender to guarantee a specific mortgage interest rate for a set period, typically 90 to 120 days. Rate holds protect borrowers from increases while searching for a property or completing a purchase.
Short-Term Rental
A furnished property rented for periods shorter than 30 days through platforms like Airbnb or VRBO. Short-term rentals generate higher gross revenue but carry higher operating costs and stricter municipal regulations.
Condominium
A type of property ownership where an individual owns a specific unit within a larger building or complex, sharing ownership of common areas with other unit owners. Condos offer lower entry prices but come with monthly fees and potential rental restrictions that affect investment returns.
Townhouse
A multi-story residential unit that shares one or more walls with adjacent units but has its own entrance. Townhouses offer a middle ground between condos and detached homes, often with lower purchase prices and condo-like fee structures.
Foreclosure
The legal process by which a lender seizes and sells a property after the borrower defaults on mortgage payments. In Canada, the process varies by province and may include judicial sale or power of sale. Foreclosed properties can offer below-market pricing but carry condition and title risks.
Hover over terms to see definitions, or visit our glossary for the full list.