Starting June 1, both insured and uninsured mortgage borrowers will be subject to a stricter stress test when qualifying for their mortgage.
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions (OSFI) confirmed on Thursday May 20th, 2021 that it will move ahead with its stress test changes first announced last month, which will apply to uninsured mortgages (typically those with more than a 20% down payment).
Soon after, the Department of Finance confirmed it will follow OSFI’s lead, and apply the same higher qualifying rate to insured mortgages, or those with less than 20% down.
In both cases, borrowers will need to prove they can afford payments based on the higher of the contract rate plus 2%, or a new floor rate of 5.25%, up from the current 4.79%.
“The recent and rapid rise in housing prices is squeezing middle class Canadians across the entire country and raises concerns about the stability of the overall market,” Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland said in a statement. “The federal government will align with OSFI by establishing a new minimum qualifying rate for insured mortgages…It is vitally important that homeownership remain within reach for Canadians.”
Both OSFI and the Department of Finance said they will review the floor rate annually, likely each December at a minimum.As always, Mortgage Winners is committed to being there for you, so you can be your best for your clients. If you are considering a mortgage in the coming months, now would be a great time to connect. Please give me a call to discuss your options.
