The new 2018 rule requires you to be qualified on a specific rate (stress test rate), this rate is sometimes greater than your contract rate. It's designed to test your purchase power and ability to pay the loan even when rates increase.
The Stress Test Rate (the rate to be qualified) is set by our app based on the B-20 Guidelines set by the OSFI (Office of the Superintendent of Financial Institutions) and effect on January 01, 2018.
It can be either
- The greater of your contract rate OR the Bank of Canada's benchmark rate
- The greater of your contract rate + 2% OR the Bank of Canada's benchmark rate
You can fine tune these scenarios by selecting the options button in the Stress Test Tool.