New Mortgage Rules

Well…where do I begin? Carney and Flaherty have been doing their part to curb our seemingly insatiable appetite for debt. Their rhetoric has made us think about our spending habits, and perhaps even made some of us nervous about it.

So what’s happening? Well…in terms of borrowing money to buy a home, it is slowly getting more difficult to qualify for a mortgage. The new rules imposed by Flaherty lower government-backed mortgage amortisation to 25 years from 30 years…and even 35 years not long ago.

So what does all this mean? If you are putting less than 20% down, you require mortgage insurance. This insurance is offered through companies like CMHC (Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation). It is backed by the government and therefore subject to their new rules and regulations. The shorter the amortisation period, the higher your monthly payments. On top of that, you’ll now have to qualify accordingly. But don’t panic. If you are already in a 30 or 35 year amortised mortgage, then you will be able to remain in such providing you do not increase your principle on renewal.

We clear yet? Well..how about we make the water a little muddier. If you’re purchasing a house worth over a $1 million, you will no longer be offered the insurance (barring exception). Therefore…and this part hurts…you are required to put a whopping 20% down.

Ouch!