Federal Government Announces Changes to Mortgage Lending Rules

Finance Minister Jim Flaherty is cracking down on Canadians' ability to qualify for a mortgage, in the government's latest attempt to rein in consumer debt.

Mr. Flaherty announced on Monday January 17, 2011 that they will be making the following changes to mortgage lending rules:

• Reduce amortization of mortgages from 35 to 30 years on insured mortgages (i.e., mortgages with down payments of less than 20%);
• Maximum borrowing limit from 90% to 85% on refinances;
• No longer insuring Home Equity Lines of Credit.

The first of these changes are to become effective on March 18, 2011 for amortization and refinancing rules and the Home Equity Line of Credit to take effect on April 18, 2011.

information courtesy of AMBA, January 17, 2011

Bob Hanscom Mortgage Agency
A Family-Run business since 2000