government of canada

Budget 2024 housing highlights: capital gains inclusion rate on secondary homes rises to 66.7%

April 16, 2024 No Comments

Housing was a key priority in today’s federal budget, though it came as no surprise given the array of housing-related policy announcements unveiled in recent weeks.

Cautious optimism for federal plan to let rent count toward credit scores

March 31, 2024 No Comments

The federal government’s commitment to have rent payments counted toward credit scores is being welcomed by companies that already offer the service, while renter advocates have raised concerns.

Chrystia Freeland announces etension to foreign buyer ban

Federal government extends foreign buyer ban until 2027

February 4, 2024 No Comments

The federal government today announced a two-year extension to its foreign buyer ban in what it says is an effort to make housing more affordable for Canadians.

Scotiabank report on government spending impact on monetary policy

Interest rates are higher than they should be due to government spending: Scotiabank

November 19, 2023 1 Comment

Canadian interest rate are about 200 basis points higher than it otherwise would be due to government spending at all levels, including billions spent on pandemic relief.

Latest in mortgage news: Mortgage rates keep surging higher

September 28, 2023 No Comments

Mortgage providers across the country have been busy raising rates over the past week, and it could continue next week with as bond yields continue to rise.

EXCLUSIVE: CMHC to introduce limits on First-Time Home Buyer Incentive amid falling home prices (updated)

May 27, 2022 2 Comments

Now that home prices have started to fall from their February peak, the federal government is reportedly planning to introduce limits on its First-Time Home Buyer Incentive program to cover its downside risk.

Reaction to the 2022 Budget Housing Initiatives

April 7, 2022 No Comments

Heading into Thursday’s federal budget, it was no secret that measures aimed at addressing housing affordability would figure prominently.

Manhattanization of Canadian urban centres

Get Used to the “Manhattanization” of our Urban Centres, OSFI Chief Says

February 4, 2022 No Comments

Younger Canadians wanting to live in Canada’s urban centres are going to have to get used to settling for smaller living spaces.

The Latest in Mortgage News: CMHC to Review Investment Property Down Payments

January 12, 2022 1 Comment

It’s no secret that the federal government is eyeing reforms to investment properties in an effort to help reel in runaway house prices.

Proposed home equity tax on Canadian homes valued over $1 million

CMHC-Backed Report Calls for Annual Surtax on Homes Valued at $1M+

January 5, 2022 8 Comments

A new report backed by Canada’s national housing agency is calling for a home equity tax on houses valued at $1 million and more.