Mortgages in Preston
A historic town in the city’s north, with older homes and a traditional main street. Here’s what buying there costs and which rules apply, before you compare lenders with one licensed mortgage professional.
Short answer
Preston is in Cambridge, so Cambridge’s tax rates and Ontario’s rules apply. On a $750,000 home you’d need at least $50,000 down and $11,475 in land transfer tax ($7,475 for a first-time buyer). Property tax runs about $1,512 a year per $100,000 of assessed value.
Buying in Preston
A historic town in the city’s north, with older homes and a traditional main street.
Older homes and a small main street give it a village feel. It’s close to Highway 401 and the industrial areas where many residents work.
What to know about a mortgage in Preston
Older homes in Preston often need updates. A thorough inspection helps you budget, and if you plan to renovate, ask about a purchase-plus-improvements mortgage, which adds the cost of the work to your mortgage up front.
How NorthMerit can help
Tell us what you’re planning and we’ll connect you with one licensed mortgage professional who compares lenders for you. It’s free, and there’s no obligation.
What it costs to buy a $750,000 home in Preston
| Repeat buyer | First-time buyer | |
|---|---|---|
| Minimum down payment | $50,000 | $50,000 |
| Mortgage insurance (added to the loan) | $28,000 | $28,000 |
| Sales tax on insurance (cash) | $2,240 | $2,240 |
| Ontario land transfer tax | $11,475 | $7,475 |
| Cash at closing | $63,715 | $59,715 |
Example price, not a local average. Minimum down payment and a 25-year amortization; legal fees, title insurance and adjustments are extra.
Cambridge rules that apply in Preston
Cambridge’s 2026 residential property tax rate is 1.5122%, about $1,512 a year for every $100,000 of assessed value. Source
A lot with a detached house, semi or townhouse can have up to two additional units, for three in total. Source
Lenders can count part of the rent from a legal unit toward your income, and some will use the expected rent when you buy. A unit that isn’t legal or registered where required may not count, and can complicate your insurance.
Sources
We checked these figures against official sources in October 2026. Rules and rates change, so confirm the details with your mortgage professional, lawyer or the source before you rely on them.
- Minimum down payment (Financial Consumer Agency of Canada)
- Mortgage insurance premiums (CMHC)
- Calculating land transfer tax (Government of Ontario)
- Land transfer tax refunds for first-time buyers (Government of Ontario)
- Cambridge property tax rates
- Cambridge: additional units
- Region of Waterloo Affordable Home Ownership
Common questions
How much down payment do I need for a home in Preston?
What property tax will I pay in Preston?
Can I add a rental unit to a home in Preston?
Who can help me get a mortgage in Preston?
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