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Introducing Halal Mortgages

by | May 7, 2025

As a licensed and professional mortgage agent dedicated to providing innovative solutions for my clients and partners, I’m excited to introduce you to a form of lending that many Canadians may not be familiar with — Halal Mortgages. This opportunity represents a significant breakthrough in providing Sharia-compliant home financing options across Ontario, Alberta, and soon, throughout Canada.

In this article, I’ll walk you through what Halal mortgages are, why they are gaining attention, and how they offer a practical solution to an underserved segment of the market.

What is a Halal Mortgage?

A Better Model: Partnering with EQRAZ for Halal Financing

Why Offer Halal Mortgages?

Qualification Criteria for Halal Mortgages

Important Fee and Rate Information

Full Transparency and Outstanding Support

How We Can Work Together

What is a Halal Mortgage?

At its core, a Halal mortgage is a Sharia-compliant home financing solution designed to accommodate individuals whose religious beliefs prevent them from engaging in traditional interest-bearing loans. In Islamic finance, paying or receiving interest (riba) is considered haram (forbidden). Therefore, Halal mortgages avoid traditional interest structures entirely.

Instead of charging interest, Halal mortgage providers use profit-based models where a profit is built into the transaction, ensuring that the financing aligns with Islamic principles. Three common structures include:

  • Ijara (Lease-to-Own): The lender retains ownership while the client leases the property, gaining ownership gradually.
  • Cost Plus Sale (Murabaha): The lender purchases the property and sells it to the client at an agreed-upon profit margin.
  • Musharakah (Partnership: Often Diminishing Musharakah): Client and lender jointly purchase the property with the client gradually buying out the lender’s share over time.

However, these models, while compliant, have limitations that many clients find restrictive — such as lack of immediate ownership and inflexible pricing structures.

See: Halal Mortgage Structures

A Better Model: Partnering with EQRAZ for Halal Financing

I’m proud to announce that our brokerage has partnered with EQRAZ, a new and innovative company offering a superior Halal mortgage model that addresses many of the limitations seen in traditional structures.

With EQRAZ:

  • Immediate Ownership: Title to the property is transferred to the client immediately upon closing.
  • Market-Based Pricing: Clients negotiate their purchase price directly with the seller, avoiding inflated costs.
  • Profit Paid Monthly: Instead of paying the profit upfront, clients pay it monthly, similarly to how interest is paid in a conventional mortgage — but structured in a Halal-compliant way.

Most importantly, this model has been certified by respected Islamic scholars to ensure full Sharia compliance. Clients can feel confident that their financing aligns with their faith and values.

Why Offer Halal Mortgages?

Canada’s population is increasingly diverse, and there is a growing demand for financial products that reflect this diversity. Offering Halal mortgages allows us to:

  • Serve a broader client base, including many who have been sidelined from homeownership due to religious reasons.
  • Differentiate ourselves in the marketplace by providing culturally sensitive and much-needed solutions.
  • Support clients’ values and beliefs, helping them achieve their dream of homeownership without compromise.

Moreover, Halal mortgages aren’t just for Muslims. Anyone can apply, making it an inclusive product offering.

Qualification Criteria for Halal Mortgages

While Halal mortgages offer tremendous opportunities, they come with specific qualification requirements:

  • Minimum 20% down payment (insured financing is not available)
  • At least one borrower with a 700+ credit score; co-borrowers may have lower scores
  • Maximum 80% Loan-to-Value (LTV)
  • Standard income documentation required (no stated income programs)
  • Strict debt service ratio limits (GDS 39%, TDS 44%)
  • Owner-occupied properties only (no rental or investment properties)

Additionally, the qualifying “stress test” rate is currently set at 9%, reflecting a conservative and responsible underwriting approach.

Important Fee and Rate Information

Clients should be prepared for the following:

  • 2% administrative fee on the mortgage amount, payable upon commitment (not at closing)
  • Higher profit rates, currently between 7% and 8%
  • Legal fees for two lawyers (approximately $4,000)
  • Standard closing costs, including appraisal fees and land transfer taxes

Although rates are higher compared to conventional mortgages, clients seeking Halal solutions understand the premium associated with maintaining Sharia compliance.

Full Transparency and Outstanding Support

EQRAZ distinguishes itself with an unwavering commitment to transparency and customer service. They provide:

  • Full disclosure of all fees and terms before clients sign anything
  • Direct communication between clients and EQRAZ’s specialists to ensure clarity and comfort
  • Certifications and endorsements from respected Islamic scholars publicly available for review

This commitment reassures clients that they are making a fully informed decision, backed by an organization built on trust and integrity.

How We Can Work Together

If you are a client seeking a Halal financing solution, or a realtor with clients looking for faith-based homeownership options, I am here to help.

Our brokerage facilitates Halal mortgages in partnership with EQRAZ , ensuring a smooth, respectful, and professional experience from application to closing. I will personally guide you through the process, ensuring that you understand the structure, qualifications, and benefits of this unique financing option.

Important Reminder for Clients: To ensure we can facilitate your Halal mortgage properly, please do not submit your information directly to EQRAZ’s website without contacting me first. This ensures your file is handled with the attention and expertise it deserves.

Final Thoughts

Halal mortgages are not just a new product; they represent hope and opportunity for many families in Canada who have waited for a truly compliant way to own a home.

If you or someone you know could benefit from this new offering, reach out to me. Let’s open the door to homeownership while honouring your values — professionally, respectfully, and expertly.

Contact me today to learn more.
Because everyone deserves a place to call home — on their own terms.

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Allen Ehlert

Allen Ehlert

Allen Ehlert is a licensed mortgage agent. He has four university degrees, including two Masters degrees, and specializes in real estate finance, development, and investing. Allen Ehlert has decades of independent consulting experience for companies and governments, including the Ontario Real Estate Association, Deloitte, City of Toronto, Enbridge, and the Ministry of Finance.

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