The Liberal government could be about to impose tougher restrictions on homebuyers by raising the minimum downpayment for a government-insured mortgage. Mortgage expert Robert McLister says that there could be a sliding scale of downpayment requirements depending on the price of the home. The Huffington Post reports that it could mean a 10 per cent minimum for those buying a home of $700,000 or more; which would particularly hit those in Toronto and Vancouver where average prices are already above that level. Those buying a home above $501,000 would have to find 7 per cent as a minimum. The Finance Department told HuffPost Canada that it does not comment on unconfirmed policy options but that it regularly reviews policies in consideration of the housing market and wider economy.