The holiday season brings celebrations, family time, and a well-deserved pause for many Canadians—but it also brings temporary shutdowns at major financial institutions. Banks like RBC, TD, BMO, and Scotiabank close their doors on key dates, including Christmas Day (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26), and New Year’s Day (January 1).
For borrowers with urgent financing needs such as mortgage approvals, refinancing, or time-sensitive real estate deals—these closures can create costly delays. This is where private lenders step in, continuing to operate through the holidays and offering flexible, fast solutions when traditional banks are unavailable.
Bank Holiday Closures in Canada
Canadian banks observe statutory holidays nationwide, resulting in full branch closures and limited processing during the year-end period. While some digital banking functions remain available, mortgage underwriting, funding, and approvals often slow significantly or stop altogether as lending teams take extended breaks. Beyond the winter holidays, other closures such as Family Day in February and Civic Holiday in August also impact timelines.
However, the end-of-year holiday season consistently causes the biggest bottlenecks, particularly for real estate transactions.
For buyers and investors in competitive markets like Ontario and British Columbia, even short delays can mean missed opportunities. Traditional banks operate within rigid structures and regulatory frameworks, which limits their ability to act quickly especially during holiday periods.
Why Demand for Private Lending Continues to Grow
Private lending has grown steadily across Canada, driven by tighter bank regulations, higher interest rates, and stricter qualification rules such as the B-20 stress test. Even strong borrowers may face challenges securing timely approvals through traditional lenders.
By the end of 2025, more Canadians are turning to private mortgages as short-term or bridge financing, with typical loan amounts ranging from $70,000 to $200,000. These loans are commonly used for:
Debt consolidation
Home renovations
Real estate investments
Time-sensitive purchases
Holiday timing further accelerates this demand. Buyers and investors don’t pause their plans simply because banks are closed especially in stabilizing or improving housing markets. Private lenders focus primarily on property equity, often requiring as little as 20% equity, rather than relying heavily on income verification or credit scores. This makes them well-suited for self-employed individuals, investors, and borrowers with non-traditional income.
Private Lenders vs. Traditional Banks
Private lenders offer clear advantages when speed and flexibility matter most—especially during the holidays.
| Feature | Banks | Private Lenders |
|---|---|---|
| Approval Time | 4–6 weeks | Days |
| Holiday Availability | Closed Dec 25–26, Jan 1 | Open year-round |
| Qualification Focus | Credit & income | Property equity |
| Flexibility | Rigid terms | Customized, interest-only options |
| Typical Rates (2025) | 4–7% (prime-linked) | 4.99%–16.99% (avg. ~10.99%) |
These differences make private lending ideal for urgent scenarios, such as securing a property or completing a refinance before year-end.
Financing When Timing Matters
Greenlight Capital Canada is a trusted private lender specializing in Ontario-based mortgages for borrowers who may be underserved by traditional banks. They offer:
First, second, and third-position mortgages
Loan-to-value ratios up to 75%
Residential and commercial financing options
Their technology-driven process allows for quick approvals, transparent deal flow, and conservative lending practices making them especially reliable during holiday disruptions.
Unlike short-term or unsecured alternatives, Greenlight focuses on real estate-secured lending, providing stability for investors, homeowners, and first-time buyers facing credit or income challenges.
Common Holiday Financing Scenarios
Private lending plays a critical role during the holiday season in situations such as:
Purchasing a distressed property just days before year-end
Refinancing to consolidate post-holiday debt
Funding renovations or short-term investment projects
Supporting self-employed borrowers without traditional income documents
In these cases, private lenders can fund quickly often before banks reopen allowing deals to move forward without interruption.
Real Estate Opportunities During the Holiday Lull
December often brings less competition and more negotiating power, particularly in markets like Northern Ontario, where listing activity has increased. Buyers who can act quickly may secure better terms before January demand returns.
Private financing allows investors and buyers to take advantage of these conditions, locking in opportunities while others wait for traditional lenders to resume operations.
Real Estate Opportunities During the Holiday Lull
When traditional banks pause for the holidays, private lenders keep deals moving. As the year comes to a close, access to flexible, responsive financing can make all the difference.
Private lending ensures that timing not bank hours determines success, allowing borrowers to move forward confidently, even during the busiest time of year.
