Tighter Mortgage Rules Threaten Economy’s Recovery

New borrowing rules have hit homeowners so hard that it could undermine any economic recovery in Canada, says a new study from the country's mortgage brokers. The Canadian Association of Accredited Mortgage Professionals says since new rules went into effect in July, 2012, resale housing activity is 8% lower between August and October than a year earlier. Among the changes instituted by the government was a lowering of allowable amortization from 30 years to 25 years for consumers borrowing with mortgage default insurance which is backed by the federal government. A longer amortization allows consumers to lower their monthly payment and qualify for a larger loan at the expense of paying more interest over their mortgage period.

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