Canadian government has announced that it will introduce halal mortgage for Muslims, expanding access to financing alternatives, and supporting homeownership aspirations

This initiative aims to cater to the specific needs of the Muslim community while fostering diversity in the housing market.

The government will ban foreigners from buying land in the country for two years in its annual budget.

The federal budget 2024 highlights the government’s commitment to creating alternative financing products.

It includes halal mortgages to enable Muslim Canadians and other diverse communities to participate more fully in homeownership.

The budget outlines the government’s intention to engage with financial services providers and various communities, understanding how to improve federal policies to accommodate Canadians seeking homes.

The consultations commenced in March 2024 and will explore changes in the tax treatment of these products with the establishment of a regulatory sandbox for financial service providers.

The government aims to strike a balance between facilitating access to alternative financing options and ensuring robust consumer protections.

Halal mortgages often come at a higher cost compared to traditional interest-based loans.

Currently, major Canadian banks do not offer halal mortgages, leaving many Muslims reliant on smaller firms for investment and homeownership opportunities.

The Liberal government aims to address this gap by exploring measures that would expand mortgage policies to include alternative financing options.

The plan details are expected to be announced in the fall.

Halal Mortgages

Halal mortgages, which adhere to Sharia principles, offer payment structures that exclude interest.

There are three common types of halal mortgages ijara, Musharaka, and Murabaha.

Ijara operates on a rent-to-own model, where a bank purchases the asset and leases it back to the customer, with payments contributing to both the capital and the financial institution’s profit.

Musharaka involves a partnership between the financier and the customer, with both parties owning the property until the equity is gradually transferred.

Murabaha employs a credit system where ownership is immediately sold to the customer, incorporating profits into the final offer and accounting for factors such as the buyer’s credit history, deposit, and agreement terms.