The following is issued on behalf of the Hong Kong Monetary Authority:
 
     The HKMC Insurance Limited (HKMCI), a wholly-owned subsidiary of The Hong Kong Mortgage Corporation Limited (HKMC), announced today (October 16) that the following amendments will be made to the Mortgage Insurance Programme (MIP) for completed residential properties, in order to provide assistance to homebuyers with immediate housing needs:
 

1. The maximum property value eligible for mortgage loans up to 80 per cent loan-to-value (LTV) ratio is HK$10 million (Note 1);
2. For mortgage loans up to 90 per cent LTV ratio applicable to first-time homebuyers (Note 2), the maximum property value is HK$8 million (Note 1);
3. For homebuyers taking mortgage loans with property values going beyond the existing caps (i.e. HK$6 million for mortgage loans up to 80 per cent LTV ratio and HK$4 million for mortgage loans up to 90 per cent LTV ratio), an additional 15 per cent premium will be charged which can be paid together with mortgage repayment on a monthly basis; and
4. The maximum debt-to-income (DTI) ratio for both the above-mentioned and existing MIP loans will be set at 50 per cent (Note 3), and borrowers have to meet the stressed DTI ratio. First-time homebuyers will still be eligible for MIP loans up to 80 per cent or 90 per cent LTV ratio even if they cannot meet the stressed DTI ratio, subject to an additional adjustment to the premium based on relevant risk factors.

 
     Please refer to the Annex for the amendment details. The amendments will take immediate effect from today.
 
     The MIP is a market-based financial product which operates with its risks managed by setting relevant eligibility criteria and premiums. The HKMCI monitors the need for amending the programme in response to market changes and customer demand, taking into account potential impact on the property market. As influenced by the recent external and domestic factors, the property market sentiment has become more subdued. In light of this, the HKMCI believes that it can provide more solid support to homebuyers by raising the maximum property values of the MIP.

Note 1: The maximum property values under the existing MIP arrangement remain applicable for all residential properties, including properties under construction.

Note 2: All mortgagors are not holding any residential properties in Hong Kong at the time of applying for mortgage insurance.

Note 3: Similar to existing MIP arrangement, if an applicant is holding or guaranteeing one or more outstanding mortgages when he/she applies for the MIP, the maximum DTI ratio has to be lowered. 

Ends/Wednesday, October 16, 2019
Issued at HKT 13:55

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