Blog Post

CMHC to Increase Mortgage Insurance Premiums

Katherine Martin • Apr 02, 2015

If you were to read this headline a day sooner you might think it was some kind of April Fools joke, however today CMHC announced that it will be increasing the insurance premiums for mortgages secured with a 5% downpayment.

Effective June 1, 2015, the mortgage loan insurance premiums for homebuyers with less than a 10% down payment will increase by approximately 15%.

Although CMHC claims that this increase “is not expected to have a material impact on housing markets”, the timing of this announcement is a little peculiar in that they decided to issue the press release on a Thursday afternoon just before a long weekend.

Obviously there are questions that need to be asked and answered, but that will have to wait until next week.

CMHC is the largest mortgage default insurer in Canada. It will be interesting to see if Genworth and Canada Guaranty (the other two insurers) follow suit with the same increase in their insurance premiums. I will let you know!

Until then, have a great long weekend!

For your reference, here is the release from CMHC.

OTTAWA, April 2, 2015 — As a result of its annual review of its insurance products and capital requirements, CMHC is increasing its homeowner mortgage loan insurance premiums for homebuyers with less than a 10% down payment. Effective June 1, 2015, the mortgage loan insurance premiums for homebuyers with less than a 10% down payment will increase by approximately 15%.

For the average Canadian homebuyer who has less than a 10% down payment, the higher premium will result in an increase of approximately $5 to their monthly mortgage payment. This is not expected to have a material impact on housing markets.

Premiums for homebuyers with a down payment of 10% or more and for CMHC’s portfolio insurance and multi-unit insurance products remain unchanged. The changes do not apply to mortgages currently insured by CMHC.

“CMHC completed a detailed review of its mortgage loan insurance premiums and examined the performance of the various sub-segments of its portfolio,” said Steven Mennill, Senior Vice-President, Insurance. “The premium increase for homebuyers with less than a 10% down payment reflects CMHC’s target capital requirements which were increased in mid-2014.”

CMHC is mandated to operate its mortgage loan insurance business on a commercial basis. The premiums and fees it collects and the investment income it earns cover related claims and other expenses while providing a reasonable rate of return on its capital holding target.

CMHC contributes to the stability of Canada’s housing finance system, including housing markets, by providing qualified Canadians in all parts of the country with access to a range of housing finance options in both good and bad economic times.

Effective June 1 ^st , CMHC Purchase (owner occupied 1 – 4 unit) mortgage loan insurance premiums will be:

Loan-to-Value Ratio	Standard Premium (Current)	Standard Premium (Effective June 1 ^st , 2015
Up to and including 65%	0.60%	0.60%
Up to and including 75%	0.75%	0.75%
Up to and including 80%	1.25%	1.25%
Up to and including 85%	1.80%	1.80%
Up to and including 90%	2.40%	2.40%
Up to and including 95%	3.15%	3.60%
90.01% to 95% — Non-Traditional Down Payment	3.35%	3.85%

CMHC reviews its premiums on an annual basis and will announce decisions on premiums following this review.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) has been Canada’s authority on housing for more than 65 years.

CMHC helps Canadians meet their housing needs. As Canada’s authority on housing, we contribute to the stability of the housing market and financial system, provide support for Canadians in housing need, and offer objective housing research and advice to Canadian governments, consumers and the housing industry. Prudent risk management, strong corporate governance and transparency are cornerstones of our operations.

For additional highlights please see attached backgrounder and key fact sheet.

Follow CMHC on Twitter @CMHC_CA

Information on this release:

Karine LeBlanc, Media Relations
613-740-4513
kjleblan@cmhc.ca

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Katherine Martin

Origin Mortgages

Phone: 1-604-454-0843
Email: kmartin@planmymortgage.ca
Fax: 1-604-454-0842

A First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

By Katherine Martin • 18 Apr, 2024

Dreaming of owning your first home? A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) could be your key to turning that dream into a reality. Let's dive into what an FHSA is, how it works, and why it's a smart investment for first-time homebuyers. What is an FHSA? An FHSA is a registered plan designed to help you save for your first home taxfree. If you're at least 18 years old, have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), and have not owned a home where you lived for the past four calendar years, you may be eligible to open an FHSA. Reasons to Invest in an FHSA: Save up to $40,000 for your first home. Contribute tax-free for up to 15 years. Carry over unused contribution room to the next year, up to a maximum of $8,000. Potentially reduce your tax bill and carry forward undeducted contributions indefinitely. Pay no taxes on investment earnings. Complements the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP). How Does an FHSA Work? Open Your FHSA: Start investing tax-free by opening your FHSA. Contribute Often: Make tax-deductible contributions of up to $8,000 annually to help your money grow faster. Withdraw for Your Home: Make a tax-free withdrawal at any time to purchase your first home. Benefits of an FHSA: Tax-Deductible Contributions: Contribute up to $8,000 annually, reducing your taxable income. Tax-Free Earnings: Enjoy tax-free growth on your investments within the FHSA. No Taxes on Withdrawals: Pay $0 in taxes on withdrawals used to buy a qualifying home. Numbers to Know: $8,000: Annual tax-deductible FHSA contribution limit. $40,000: Lifetime FHSA contribution limit. $0: Taxes on FHSA earnings when used for a qualifying home purchase. In Conclusion A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a powerful tool for first-time homebuyers, offering tax benefits and a structured approach to saving for homeownership. By taking advantage of an FHSA, you can accelerate your journey towards owning your first home and make your dream a reality sooner than you think.

Understanding the Recent Housing Affordability Measures in Canada

By Katherine Martin • 18 Apr, 2024

In recent years, housing affordability has become a significant concern for many Canadians, particularly for first-time homebuyers facing soaring prices and strict mortgage qualification criteria. To address these challenges, the Canadian government has introduced several housing affordability measures. In this blog post, we'll examine these measures and their potential implications for homebuyers. Increased Home Buyer's Plan (HBP) Withdrawal Limit Effective April 16, the Home Buyer's Plan (HBP) withdrawal limit will be raised from $35,000 to $60,000. The HBP allows first-time homebuyers to withdraw funds from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to use towards a down payment on a home. By increasing the withdrawal limit, the government aims to provide young Canadians with more flexibility in saving for their down payments, recognizing the growing challenges of entering the housing market. Extended Repayment Period for HBP Withdrawals In addition to increasing the withdrawal limit, the government has extended the repayment period for HBP withdrawals. Individuals who made withdrawals between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2025, will now have five years instead of two to begin repayment. This extension provides borrowers with more time to manage their finances and repay the withdrawn amounts, alleviating some of the immediate financial pressures associated with using RRSP funds for a down payment. 30-Year Mortgage Amortizations for Newly Built Homes Starting August 1, 2024, first-time homebuyers purchasing newly built homes will be eligible for 30-year mortgage amortizations. This change extends the maximum mortgage repayment period from 25 years to 30 years, resulting in lower monthly mortgage payments. By offering longer amortization periods, the government aims to increase affordability and assist homebuyers in managing their housing expenses more effectively. Changes to the Canadian Mortgage Charter The government has also introduced changes to the Canadian Mortgage Charter to provide relief to homeowners facing financial challenges. These changes include early mortgage renewal notifications and permanent amortization relief for eligible homeowners. By implementing these measures, the government seeks to support homeowners in maintaining affordable mortgage payments and mitigating the risk of default during times of financial hardship. The recent housing affordability measures announced by the Canadian government are aimed at addressing the challenges faced by homebuyers in today's market. These measures include increasing withdrawal limits, extending repayment periods, and offering longer mortgage amortizations. The goal is to make homeownership more accessible and affordable for Canadians across the country. As these measures come into effect, it's crucial for homebuyers to stay informed about the changes and their implications. Consulting with a mortgage professional can help individuals explore their options and make informed decisions about their housing finances. If you're interested in learning more about these changes and how they may affect you, please don't hesitate to connect with us. We're here to walk you through the process and help you consider all your options and find the one that makes the most sense for you.