Finance minister announces down payment rule changes for mortgages house price above $500,000
Justin da Rosa
Other
New down payment rules will go into effective February 15, 2016.
“The Government’s role in housing is to set and maintain a framework that is equitable, stable and sustainable. The actions taken today prudently address emerging vulnerabilities in certain housing markets, while not overburdening other regions,” Finance Minister Bill Morneau said in a release. “They also rebalance government support for the housing sector to promote long-term stability and balanced economic growth.”
The minimum down payment for new insured mortgages will increase from 5% to 10% for the portion of the house price above $500,000, the finance ministry wrote.
Minimum down payment for properties up to $500,000 will remain at 5%.
The changes are meant to reduce taxpayer exposure while supporting long-term stability of the housing market, according to the ministry.
“This measure will increase homeowner equity, which plays a key role in maintaining a stable and secure housing market and economy over the long term,” Morneau said. “It also protects all homeowners, including many middle class Canadians whose greatest investment is in their homes.”
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