Federal Government Changes Mortgage Rules

February 16, 2010 -- The federal government has announced changes to the rules for government-backed insured mortgages (less than 20 percent down payment) as follows:

• All borrowers will be required to meet the standards for a five-year fixed rate mortgage even if they choose a mortgage with a lower interest rate and shorter terms.
• Reduced maximum amount that can be withdrawn in refinancing a government-backed insured mortgage to 90 per cent from 95 per cent of the value of the home.
• Require a minimum down payment of 20 per cent for government-backed mortgage insurance on non-owner occupied properties purchased for speculation. Borrowers purchasing owner-occupied residential properties will still be able to access government-backed mortgage insurance with a 5 per cent down payment.
  
• For detailed info visit;
• http://www.fin.gc.ca/n10/data/10-011_1-eng.asp