TECHNOLOGY @ RBC
Legislation and policies - promoting a healthy Canadian housing market
July-August 2016 - OSFI & the Government of British Columbia
OSFI increased scrutiny on mortgage underwriting standards: greater emphasis on internal controls, risk management practices and market
developments
■ BC government introduced a property transfer tax of 15% on foreign buyers registering the purchase of a home in Metro Vancouver
December 2015 - Department of Finance
Minimum down payment for new government-backed insured mortgages increased from 5% to 10% for portion of the value of a home being
purchased that is between $500,000 and $999,999 (came into effect February 2016)
April 2014 - CMHC
Discontinued offering mortgage insurance on 2nd homes and to self-employed individuals without 3rd party income validation
July 2012 - CMHC
Maximum amortization on government-backed insured mortgages reduced to 25 years from 30 years
Maximum amount that can be borrowed on a mortgage refinancing lowered to 80% from 85%
■ CMHC insurance availability is limited to homes with a purchase price of <$1 million lowered from $3.5 million
Set the borrower's maximum gross debt service ratio at 39% and maximum total debt service ratio at 44%
March 2011 - CMHC
■ Maximum amortization on government-backed insured mortgages reduced to 30 years from 35 years
■
Maximum amount that can be borrowed on a mortgage refinancing lowered to 85% from 90%
February 2010 - Department of Finance
■
Borrowers with insured mortgage terms of less than five years must meet the standards for a five-year fixed rate mortgage
Maximum amount that can be borrowed on a mortgage refinancing lowered to 90% from 95%
Minimum 20% down payment is required in order to qualify for government-backed mortgage insurance on non-owner-occupied properties
July 2008 - Department of Finance
■ Maximum amortization on government-backed insured mortgages reduced to 35 years from 40 years
■ A minimum 5% down payment is required in order to qualify for government-backed insured mortgages
Minimum credit score requirements, new loan documentation standards, setting a maximum of 45% on borrowers total debt service ratio
53 | CANADIAN HOUSING MARKET
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