The Liberal Effect on Home Ownership & Bank of Canada Rate remains the same

Kelly Hudson • October 22, 2015

 

The Bank of Canada will maintain its target for the overnight rate at 1/2%. In explaining its  decision to keep its overnight rate at 0.5 per cent , the bank noted that inflation and economic activity was largely unfolding as predicted, even as low oil prices continue to weigh on the economy.
It said the country’s economy is bouncing back from the technical recession that kicked off 2015.

The rebound, the bank added, is supported by the long-awaited “signs of strength” in non-resource sectors, thanks to solid growth in the United States. “Economic momentum is rebuilding,” the report said.

DLC Chief Economist Dr. Sherry Cooper “I am not suggesting that mortgage rates will rise rapidly… I expect mortgage rates to edge up only gradually.” For excellent insight read  Canadian Interest Rates have Bottomed and Housing has Peaked

Liberal leader Justin Trudeau has repeatedly pledged help for Canada’s middle class.

Here’s what he’s promised to do as Prime Minister of Canada as it relates to household balance sheets:

1. Balancing the budget is not a priority until 2019. Trudeau is expected to go on a spending spree suggesting a greater supply of government debt and potentially higher long-term yields to come, which could mean at slightly higher fixed mortgage rates than we’d otherwise see. 

2. No cut in Bank of Canada prime rate: More spending by Ottawa puts less pressure on governor Stephen Poloz to stimulate the economy with rate cuts. The implied probability of a rate hike by next October has almost doubled, from 8% yesterday to 15% as we speak. 3. Wider RRSP Access: The Liberals say they’ll open access to the RRSP  Home Buyers’ Plan  particularly for homebuyers coping with significant life changes (divorce, death of a spouse, a sick or elderly family member, etc.). More access to down payment funds will prop up housing sales and home ownership slightly, and support home prices. 

4. More “Affordability”: The Liberal platform includes a review of housing policy in high-priced markets. The new government will “consider all policy tools that could keep home ownership within reach.” What that means, we’ll have to wait and see. It could definitely be positive for renters and income property investors, given the Liberals have promised to “direct CMHC…to provide financing to support the construction” of new rental housing. 

5. First-timer Support: Trudeau’s government will add more flexible programs for first-time homebuyers. This could mean any number of things, potentially even higher amortization limits for new buyers.

As always, I am available at any time to discuss, plan, help, and listen to your questions, concerns, and feedback. And  please  forward any of my emails on to anyone who you know would be interested in receiving it, because your referrals are what keep me in business!

Thanks for reading!
Kelly

Kelly Hudson

Mortgage Expert

Mortgage Architects

Mobile 604-312-5009  

Kelly@KellyHudsonMortgages.com

www.KellyHudsonMortgages.com

Kelly Hudson
MORTGAGE ARCHITECTS
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