2019 Federal Budget – Industry Impacts

Marci • March 20, 2019

Mortgage Professionals Canada welcomes aspects of the housing affordability component of today’s Federal Budget.
 
The announcement of a new CMHC First-Time Home Buyers Incentive Plan represents a shared equity mortgage program that would give eligible first-time homebuyers the ability to lower their borrowing costs by sharing the cost of buying a home with CMHC.

The incentive would provide funding (equity sharing) of up to five percent of the purchase price of an existing home, or 10 percent of a newly constructed home. No ongoing monthly payments are required. The buyer would repay the incentive, for example at resale. The government has budgeted up to $1.25 billion over the next three years to support this program.
 
For example, if a borrower purchases a $400,000 home with five per cent down and a five per cent CMHC shared equity mortgage ($20,000), the size of the borrower’s insured mortgage would be reduced from $380,000 to $360,000, helping to lower the borrower’s monthly mortgage bill. This would make it easier for Canadians to buy homes they can afford.
 
The program limits eligibility to households earning a maximum of $120,000 annually, and lets them borrow no more than four times their annual household income. This limits a home purchase to roughly $505,000. This Incentive Plan will be discussed more fully in the coming days, but it is not expected to begin until fall, 2019. In principle, the increased equity share eligibility for newly constructed homes will help incent new construction and supply across Canada.

Further analysis is needed, however, some aspiring homebuyers, especially at the lower end of the economic ladder, will have greater opportunities to purchase a home with the assistance of this new program.

Also of note is an increase in the eligible RRSP withdrawal amount through the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP). Previously $25,000, this has been increased to a maximum to $35,000.
 
The budget included a lengthy defense of the current stress tests but does suggest that adjustments may be made in future. We will continue to discuss this issue with policymakers.
 
While we did not see immediate movement on the stress tests, and the new Home Buyers Incentive Plan can be seen as an alternate and more targeted response than an insurable 30 year amortization, we are encouraged by the announcements made today.

The forthcoming federal election will provide opportunities to continue the conversations with policymakers and candidates in the coming months. We will continue our ongoing market analysis and maintain our support for a stable housing market for our members and their customers.

 

This article was originally published by Mortgage Professionals Canada. 

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Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — September 2, 2026

By Marci Deane • September 2, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. While Canada's economic recovery is broadening, a new layer of uncertainty has entered the picture. Here is what happened and what it means for your mortgage.

What Older Canadians Should Know About Mortgage Financing

By Marci Deane • August 26, 2026
Retirement doesn’t always mean a mortgage-free life anymore. And that’s okay. Between higher home prices, rising living costs, and longer life expectancy, many Canadians are choosing to retire with a mortgage or refinance later in life to create more flexibility. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s having options that actually support the life you want to live. If you’re thinking about how a mortgage fits into your retirement years, you’re not alone—and you’re not out of options. Why work with an independent mortgage professional? Because retirement financing is not one-size-fits-all. Unlike a single bank, an independent mortgage professional can look across multiple lenders and solutions to find what truly fits your income, equity, and long-term plans—not just what one institution offers. Mortgage options available in retirement Traditional Mortgage Solutions Many retirees still qualify for standard mortgages. Pension income, investment income, and other retirement sources can often be used to support an application. If you have good equity and solid credit, this is often the lowest-cost option. Reverse Mortgages For homeowners 55+, a reverse mortgage can unlock tax-free equity from your home with no monthly payments required. There’s no income verification or medical questions, making it a helpful option for those who want to improve cash flow while staying in their home. Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) A HELOC allows you to access your home equity as needed and only pay interest on what you use. Many retirees appreciate the flexibility and like consolidating income and expenses in one place. Private Financing Sometimes life throws a curveball. If timing, income, or credit create challenges, private financing can act as a short-term bridge. It’s not usually the first choice, but it can provide solutions when traditional lenders can’t. If you’re approaching retirement—or already there—and wondering how your mortgage fits into the picture, let’s talk. A clear plan can make retirement feel a lot more secure and a lot less stressful.

What Online Mortgage Calculators Can—and Can’t—Tell You

By Marci Deane • August 19, 2026
What Online Mortgage Calculators Can—and Can’t—Tell You Online mortgage calculators are everywhere—and on the surface, they seem like a no-brainer. You plug in some numbers, and out pops what you can “afford.” Simple, right? Not quite. While the math itself is correct, the story behind those numbers is often misleading. Mortgage qualification isn’t just about numbers—it’s about context, risk, and lender policy. And that’s where calculators fall short. The Numbers Are Accurate—but the Picture Isn’t An online calculator can show you what a payment might look like at a given interest rate, or how making extra payments could reduce your amortization. That’s useful information! But when it comes to mortgage qualification , calculators don’t account for the many variables that lenders consider, such as: Your credit history and score Employment type (salary, self-employed, contract) Outstanding debts and monthly obligations Assets, savings, and down payment source The property type and location you’re buying Lenders evaluate all these factors through their internal risk models. That means two people entering the exact same numbers into a calculator could receive very different results when they actually apply for a mortgage. Why Online Calculators Can Mislead You When you see a “How much can I afford?” or “Mortgage Qualification” calculator online, it’s easy to treat the result as fact. But these tools don’t know your financial story—they only crunch the data you enter. A calculator can’t predict how a lender views your risk, how new mortgage rules apply to your file, or how things like spousal support, car loans, or variable income will impact approval. In short: calculators estimate payments, not qualification . Use Calculators the Right Way Don’t get us wrong—online calculators still have value. Use them to explore different “what-if” scenarios: How do payments change with different down payment amounts? How would a rate increase affect affordability? What if you added $100 a month to your payments? These tools are great for helping you understand your comfort zone. Just remember: they’re a starting point, not a green light. The Real First Step: Get a Pre-Approval If you’re serious about buying a home, skip the guesswork and get a mortgage pre-approval . It’s quick, free, and gives you real-world clarity on what you can afford. A pre-approval looks at your full financial picture—income, credit, debts, assets—and provides a framework for your purchase price, payment range, and rate options. It’s the only way to get a reliable answer to the question, “What can I really afford?” Final Thoughts Online calculators are convenient, but they can’t replace expert advice. Think of them as a starting point, not a solution. A professional mortgage broker can interpret the numbers, navigate lender policies, and tailor your financing strategy to your actual situation. If you’d like help understanding your true buying power—or want to get pre-approved with confidence— reach out anytime . I’d be happy to walk you through your options and help you make sense of the numbers.