The Feds have moved to preempt what some commentators have described as "a housing bubble" The finance minister's intervention was however quite cautious as befits  an active but not yet frothy market. Second homes requiring a CMHC insured mortgage must have a 20% down payment; home buyers must now qualify at the 5 year fixed posted rate and Home Equity line of credit are now to a maximum of 90% instead of 95%. All to take effect 19 April.