For Okanagan homeowners

Bought a home in the last 2 years? You may be owed up to $9,250 from CMHC.

If your down payment was under 20%, you paid mortgage insurance. CMHC, Sagen, and Canada Guaranty offer a 25% refund of that premium on energy-efficient homes and qualifying renovations. Most homeowners don’t know it exists. The window closes 24 months after closing.

25%
Premium refund
24 mo
Application window
$9,250
Maximum refund

See what you could be owed.

Enter your purchase price and down payment to estimate your refund. The amount returned is 25% of the mortgage insurance premium you paid at closing.

Federal rules require minimum 5% down on the first $500,000, plus 10% on any portion above. The calculator validates this automatically. Premium rates: 4.00% (less than 10% down), 3.10% (10–14.99%), 2.80% (15–19.99%).

Estimated refund
$5,231
Based on a $75,000 down payment, your mortgage insurance premium would be $20,925. Eligible for a 25% refund on energy-efficient new builds (Eco Plus) or after qualifying renovations (Eco Improvement).

Two programs

Which one applies to your situation?

Eco Plus

For new builds

If you purchased a newly built home in the last 2 years, you likely already qualify. You need either an EnerGuide label showing your home uses 20% less energy than current building code, or a BC Energy Step Code report confirming the home meets Step 3 or higher. All new homes built in BC since May 2024 have been required to meet Step 3.

  • Newly built homes only (never previously occupied)
  • EnerGuide label or BC Energy Step Code report required
  • Apply within 24 months of mortgage closing
  • Available to detached homes, condos, and townhouses
Eco Improvement

For renovations

If you bought an existing home and have completed (or plan to complete) at least $20,000 in qualifying energy upgrades, you can claim a 25% refund on your mortgage insurance premium. Heat pumps, solar, insulation, windows, and high-efficiency mechanical systems all qualify. A solar array alone is often enough to push a decently efficient home past the 20% threshold.

  • Existing homes with completed energy retrofits
  • Minimum $20,000 in eligible upgrades
  • Pre and post-retrofit EnerGuide assessments required
  • Apply within 24 months of mortgage closing

How it works when you work with us.

Step 01

Eligibility check

Free 15-minute call to confirm your home and timing qualify before any paid work begins.

Step 02

Energy assessment

We complete the EnerGuide evaluation required by CMHC, either on the new build certificate or pre/post retrofit reports.

Step 03

Documentation package

You receive the supporting documentation your insurer requires. You complete the application form with your own information and submit the package together.

Step 04

Refund issued

Processing timelines vary by insurer. Once approved, the refund cheque is mailed directly to you.

Certified · Registered · Verified

CHBA Net Zero Energy Advisor BC Energy Step Code Compliance NRCan Registered Energy Advisors CACEA Member

Frequently asked questions

Who qualifies for the CMHC mortgage insurance refund in BC?

Any Canadian homeowner with an insured mortgage (less than 20% down) on a property purchased within the last 24 months may qualify. The home must either be a newly built energy-efficient home that meets the EnerGuide or BC Energy Step Code 3+ requirement (Eco Plus), or an existing home that has had at least $20,000 in qualifying energy retrofits completed (Eco Improvement). The same rules apply to mortgages insured by CMHC, Sagen, and Canada Guaranty.

How much is the CMHC Eco Plus and Eco Improvement refund worth?

The refund is 25% of the mortgage insurance premium you paid at closing. On a typical Okanagan home purchase of $750,000 with 10% down, the premium is roughly $20,925, which means a refund of about $5,231. On larger purchases approaching the program cap, the refund can reach approximately $9,250.

What is the deadline to apply for the CMHC energy efficiency refund?

You must apply within 24 months of your mortgage closing date. Missing this window forfeits the refund permanently. If you closed more than two years ago, you are no longer eligible for this program.

Do I need an EnerGuide evaluation to claim the refund?

Yes. For Eco Plus (new builds), you need an EnerGuide label or a BC Energy Step Code 3+ compliance report. For Eco Improvement (renovations), you need both a pre-retrofit and post-retrofit EnerGuide assessment showing at least a 20% improvement in energy performance. Thrive Energy is a registered NRCan energy advisor and provides all required evaluations.

What energy retrofits qualify for the Eco Improvement program?

Heat pumps, solar photovoltaic systems, added insulation, high-efficiency windows and doors, and upgraded mechanical systems all qualify. A solar PV array alone is often enough to push a reasonably efficient existing home past the 20% energy improvement threshold required by the program.

Where does Thrive Energy operate?

Thrive Energy is a family-run energy advisory based in West Kelowna, British Columbia, serving homeowners, builders, and developers across the Okanagan and BC Interior, including Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton, Kamloops, and surrounding communities.

Find out if you qualify. It takes 15 minutes.

Tell us a bit about your home and we’ll confirm whether you’re eligible and walk you through next steps. No obligation.

We’ll reply within one business day to help determine your program eligibility.