Airdrie’s Member of Parliament says he’s concerned over countless changes that are making buying a home nearly impossible. 

“There’s been a few different changes over the last couple years that have made an impact there,” says MP Blake Richards, “Probably the biggest concern, there’s changes that are being proposed to the National Building Code. When you talk to people in the Canadian Homebuilders Association and otherwise, they’re telling me that they think that those costs will be tens of thousands of dollars in additional costs.”

Late last year, the Federal Government announced plans to change the National Building Code as part of their Climate Change Initiative.

All new homes and renovations on existing properties would have to meet new energy efficiency standards.

Richards says that these proposed changes concern him because many don’t even know they’re happening.

“It’s something that a lot of people are not aware of that these building code changes are in the works. This is a significant cost and I don’t really believe that the government has made any effort to properly consult with people on this and I don’t really believe that they’ve really tried to make sure that the information is out there so I want to make sure that people are aware that these changes are coming and they have an opportunity to have their input.”

Richards says that the costs of these building code changes could add up to an additional $35,000 to a home.

On top of the mortgage rule changes that came into effect in January, Richards worries about those just trying to get into the housing market.

“Whether it be a young couple trying to purchase their first home or whether it be parents who say that my son or my daughter has been struggling to try to save a down payment and have that opportunity to get their home as well. That was more based on the mortgage rule changes.”

Right now there’s no word from the Government as to when these changes would come into effect.

Richards says that anyone in his riding should contact him if they are concerned about these proposed changes.

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