OSFI makes real estate loan changes aimed at reducing risks
BNN Bloomberg
Canada's banking regulator is tightening requirements for some types of real estate loans to protect homeowners who may be at greater risk from higher interest rates.
The Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions says changes affect combined loan plans like reverse mortgages or loans with shared equity features, which have grown in popularity in recent years but may be riskier for lenders.
For borrowers who owe more than 65 per cent of the loan value, a portion of their payment must to go toward the loan principal rather than to interest until they bring the loan below that threshold.
OSFI says the changes will generally take effect the next time borrowers renew their plans after the end of fall 2023, in line with the lender's fiscal year.
