The Reserve Bank has released the finalised framework for debt-to-income (DTI) restrictions on residential mortgage lending. Here's why it's important and what you need to know.
What are the DTI restrictions?
Like LVR restrictions, the DTI restrictions aim to protect the financial system's stability. They aim to limit the amount of new mortgage lending to borrowers seeking debt worth more than a specified amount of their incomes.
DTI limits are calculated based on a simple ratio of the borrower's total debt divided by the borrower's gross income.
What is the expected maximum DTI ratio?
There has yet to be an indication of what the maximum DTI ratio is going to be. But it's speculated to be somewhere between 5 and 7.
For example, if the debt-to-income ratio is 5, and your gross pre-tax income is $100,000, you could only borrow $500,000. ($100,000 x 5 = $500,000).
Expected exemptions Construction loans to finance the construction or purchase of a new build will be
excluded from the DTI rules.
What is the purpose of the DTI restrictions?
The aim of the DTI's, together with other recent lending changes like loan-to-value ratio (LVR) restrictions, the CCCFA, and bank stress tests, is to restrict how much Kiwis can borrow and, in return, cut the number of properties property investors can own and slow down house prices.
When will this change take effect?
There has yet to be a decision on when the RBNZ will impose the DTI restrictions. However, the banks were given 1 year, until March 2024, to prepare their systems for the possible implementation of these new rules.
More info
You can find more information on how Rent Square can help you with your property's management here.
Comments