The Bank of Canada is at it again, now tightening Downpayment rules for CMHC insured mortgages. Effective February 15^th, the minimum Downpayment requirement for properties above $500,000 will be 5% on the portion UP to $500,000, and will be 10% on any portion over the $500,000 mark.

Here are a few examples of changes in Downpayment requirements:
 

• $550,000 Purchase: $30,000 minimum downpayment, compared to $27,500 previously
• $600,000 Purchase: $35,000 minimum downpayment, compared to $30,000 previously
   

In our opinion, this change will not have a significant effect on our housing market. It may have a slightly higher effect on higher priced markets, such as Victoria, Vancouver, and Toronto. However, most first time homebuyers are still purchasing property under $500,000, and may not be qualified for purchases above this mark anyways. Qualified applicants that are looking in the higher ranges will only have to come up with an additional $5000 per $100,000 in purchase value above the $500,000 mark.

We may expect a very slight increase in property purchases of $500,000 or more in the next two months, with some buyers that were looking at a minimum downpayment wanting to get into the market before the new rule takes effect. After the rule takes effect, we might see some upward pressure on properties priced below $500,000. 

Thank you!

David Steinberg, BComm, AMP
Mortgage Broker/Owner

Olympic Mortgage Corporation