Self-Employed Borrowers
New CMHC Rules for Self-Employed Borrowers
New rules for self-employed borrowers are effective today Friday, April 9th, 2010 for all mortgages insured by by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) and pose new challenges for this category of clients.
- Purchases are only available up to 90% (previously 95%)
- Refinances are only available up to 85% (previously 90%)
- Commissioned sales borrowers are no longer eligible under this program
- A minimum of 2 years consecutive self-employment will no longer be required
- Borrowers must have a minimum of 2 years work experience in the same field
Now, self-employed and commissioned-income borrowers with more than three years in the same business applying for a mortgage, are required to provide traditional proof of income (or "third party validation") through documents like financial statements, T1 Generals, Notice of Assessments and T4s etc.