Proposed Mortgage Changes for Alberta

The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions is currently reviewing how Mortgages are approved for Canadians. Over the last few months we have seen some changes to the way self-employed individuals are assessed as well as a change in how investor mortgages are considered. In the upcoming weeks the following issues are on the table for Edmonton real estate:

1)      Currently mortgages are simply renewed at maturity with most lenders. There is discussion of having Canadians requalify or at the very least, be assessed for risk at time of renewal. This could affect renewal rates and terms.

2)      The viability of future income is being considered as a factor in debt ratios. This could affect your older clients nearing retirement. Currently mortgage are approved based on current income. The consideration of future income is now on the table.

3)      A discussion of reducing LTV to 65% for non-conforming mortgages is in play. There is also a discussion for further increasing the rates for these types of clients. This will affect your self employed clients even further should this be implemented.

4)      Clients can currently take a cash back or borrow the down payment to purchase their home in limited circumstances. This may end quickly as a trade-off to retain the ability to have a 5% down payment. There is discussion to increasing this to 10%. This will significantly affect all first time buyers.

5)      Heloc’s (or lines of credit) are under review. The OSFI would like to see the maximum LTV reduced from 80% to 65%. In addition to this proposed change, the OSFI would like to see Helocs amortized like a mortgage which means the interest only payment option is now under scrutiny.