His certified net-zero home, the first in New Brunswick, has maxed out energy efficiency. (CBC)McLaughlin points to mortgage "stress tests" and indifference from bank-hired appraisers as obstacles pushing buyers away from these higher than average priced homes. Revamping the mortgage stress testHis first suggestion would be to revamp the mortgage stress test introduced to cool red hot housing markets in Vancouver and Toronto. He said the stress test should be adjusted to suit regional markets across the country. During the 2019 election campaign the federal Liberals promised to introduce a $5,000 grant to buyers of net-zero homes, and to offer interest free loans of up to $40,000 to homeowners and landlords for energy saving retrofits.

Source: CBC News February 06, 2020 10:52 UTC