1.  Borrowers will need to qualify using a 5-year fixed rate regardless of what term they choose.  If you want a 1.90% variable rate, for example, you will need to show that you can afford payments at a higher fixed rate, like 4.09%.

REASON:  This will help Canadians prepare for higher interest rates in the future and ensure they can still afford the payment in the event their rates rise at renewal or if in a variable rate mortgage.

2.  90% Maximum Refinancing - No longer will you be able to refinance your home to 95% of it's value. 90% will be the new maximum.

REASON:  To ensure borrowers are not using all their home equity in order to consolidate high interest debts with lower mortgage rates.  This will also help home owners from going into a negative equity position if the market begins to drop. 

3.  Minimum 20% Down Payment required for investment properties.  People buying non-owner occupied rental properties will need to put down 20% to get an insured mortgage, versus 5% currently.

REASON: This measure is likely aimed at tempering speculative buying of real estate by reducing the leverage available to buyers.