The answer

A non-repayable family gift may be acceptable for some mortgages, but the lender or insurer can require a gift letter, proof of transfer and source, account history, and confirmation that the funds are not borrowed or expected to be repaid. Confirm the exact requirements before an offer.

Calgary-specific context

Coordinate the gift with the deposit, remaining down payment, closing costs, appraisal-gap cash, and cross-border or last-minute transfer timing so the full cash path can be proven.

What to do next

Ask for the exact gift documentation and transfer timeline, then keep the money trail intact and separate from closing reserves.

Related guides

financing guideGifted Down Payments for Calgary Home BuyersOrganize gift eligibility, lender or insurer documentation, transfer timing, source history, deposit coordination, and proof that required funds are non-repayable where applicable.financing guideDown Payment for a Calgary HomePlan minimum and preferred down payment, mortgage loan insurance, deposit timing, closing cash, emergency reserves, and a traceable source-of-funds file.buyer guideDeposit vs Down Payment CalgaryThe practical difference between deposit money, down payment funds, and closing cash.Decision playbookCalgary Mortgage and Financing PlaybookCalgary Mortgage and Financing Playbook for Calgary buyers and move-up households who need to coordinate qualification, payment comfort, down payment, property approval, appraisal, conditions, and closing cash: Turn a pre-approval or early lender conversation into a property-ready financing plan before an offer deadline creates pressure.

Verify before relying

Official sources for this topic

These sources explain the rules and records relevant to this topic. Check the current requirements for your property.

RECA consumer informationAlberta real estate consumer guidance.CMHCOfficial mortgage loan insurance, minimum down-payment, premium, and eligibility education.FCAC mortgage pre-approvalOfficial federal guidance on mortgage pre-approval, documents, rate holds, costs, and why pre-approval is not final approval.OSFI mortgage qualifying rateOfficial current minimum qualifying-rate policy for uninsured mortgages at federally regulated lenders.Bank of Canada ratesInterest-rate context for affordability discussions.Calgary Board of Education school finderCurrent address, program, attendance-area, and walk-zone lookup for CBE schools.

Check the current information at the linked source. Ask the appropriate professional how it applies to your property.

Important

This is general information, not mortgage, tax, or financial advice. Speak with a qualified professional before making financial decisions.

RELATED GUIDES / Buying & financing

Check your financing for the specific property.

A pre-approval is not final financing. Confirm the property, appraisal, insurer, cash to close and lender conditions before deciding whether to remove a financing condition. A planning score cannot authorize a purchase.

Official verification: FCAC: getting pre-approved for a mortgage ↗

Affiliated network resources provide context. Confirm rules, approvals and property records with the responsible authority.