NHT INCREASES LOAN CEILING AND CUTS INTEREST RATES

The National Housing Trust (NHT) has improved its contributors’ ability to afford home loans, following an increase in the NHT’s loan ceiling from $5.5 million to $6.5 million. In addition, the NHT has reduced interest rates for all mortgagors and has made adjustments in the income bands to which interest rates are applied. The changes became effective on May 1, 2019, retroactive to April 1, 2019.

There’s more, as the NHT has now made additional funds available to holders of its Serviced Lots to carry out construction. The measures are expected to make more funds available to contributors than before, to pursue their homeownership goals.

These and other adjustments to the NHT’s loan policy were announced by Prime Minister Hon. Andrew Holness in his contribution to the National Budget Debate on Tuesday, March 19, 2019.

Increased Loan Limit

In a move to improve access to homeownership, the NHT now provides an additional $1 million dollars to contributors, moving from $5.5 million to $6.5 million effective on May 1, 2019, retroactive to April 1, 2019.This represents an 18% increase in the loan ceiling, in keeping with changes in construction costs. The NHT last increased its loan ceiling to $5.5 million in 2016.

In addition, the NHT has also increased the loan limit for its Construction Loan for holders of NHT Serviced Lots. These individuals may now access up to the cost of a two-bedroom unit in the scheme where the lot was purchased, to assist with construction. The contributor must commence construction within a three-year period. Previously, NHT contributors who purchased lots from the NHT, were entitled to the difference in the cost of the lot and their loan entitlement, to assist with construction.

Adjustment to Interest Subsidies

Already a market leader for low interest rates, the NHT realises that there are some contributors who still need an additional boost. Currently, interest rate subsidies are applied based on a number of categorisations. Going forward, income will be the sole determinant of interest rate subsidies. This move will allow the organisation to better identify and channel more resources to our contributors who need additional assistance. All other subsidies remain accessible through our Home Grant, Deferred, Intergenerational Mortgages or other facilities, to help contributors achieve their homeownership goal. Contributors who earn below $30,000 per week, who represent a majority of NHT contributors, will continue to access their mortgage at zero per cent. 

Updated: September 6, 2022

Contact:

National Housing Trust
4 Park Boulevard, Kingston 5
Tel: (876) 929-6500-9 OR 1-888-CALL-NHT(2255-648)
Email: wecare@nht.gov.jm