First-Time Buyers · Ontario
Your first home.Within reach.
Federal, Ontario and Toronto programs can lower what you pay upfront and what you pay each month. Here is what is available, and who qualifies.
Why it matters
Every dollar counts. Use every program.
The programs
What you may qualify for.
Several can be combined. We help you map which ones fit your purchase, then coordinate with your lender and lawyer.
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Up to$40,000
First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
Save up to $8,000 a year, to a lifetime $40,000. Contributions are tax-deductible and qualifying withdrawals for your first home are tax-free.
Who: first-time buyers, 18 or older, resident in Canada.
Learn more (opens government site in a new tab) -
Up to$60,000
RRSP Home Buyers' Plan
Withdraw from your RRSP tax-free to buy your first home, then repay over 15 years. For first withdrawals from 2026 to 2028, repayments start in the fifth year after.
Tip: you can use the FHSA and this plan for the same home.
Learn more (opens government site in a new tab) -
Up to$4,000
Ontario land transfer tax refund
A refund of Ontario land transfer tax on your first home, usually applied on closing through your lawyer.
Who: Canadian citizens or permanent residents who have never owned a home anywhere, and move in within 9 months.
Learn more (opens government site in a new tab) -
Up to$4,475
Toronto land transfer tax rebate
Buying in Toronto? A rebate on the City of Toronto municipal land transfer tax, for new and resale homes.
Who: same first-time buyer rules as the Ontario refund.
Learn more (opens government site in a new tab) -
Up to$50,000
First-time home buyers' GST/HST rebate
New builds only. A full rebate of the 5% GST on homes up to $1 million, phasing out to $1.5 million.
When: purchase agreements signed from May 27, 2025.
Learn more (opens government site in a new tab) -
Up to$80,000
Ontario enhanced new housing rebate
New builds only. Up to the full 8% provincial portion of HST on homes up to $1 million, a flat $80,000 up to $1.5 million, reducing to $1.85 million. Open to all buyers, not just first-time.
When: agreements signed April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027.
Learn more (opens government site in a new tab) -
Longer30 yrs
30-year amortization
First-time buyers can spread an insured mortgage over 30 years instead of 25, which lowers the monthly payment.
Note: a slightly higher mortgage insurance premium applies.
Learn more (opens government site in a new tab)
Last updated September 2026. Figures come from Government of Canada, Government of Ontario and City of Toronto sources. Programs and rates change and eligibility rules are detailed, so confirm with your lender, lawyer or tax professional. This page is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.
Run your numbers
How much do you need down?
Our calculators stay current with the latest mortgage rules, so your numbers are always up to date.
Calculate your
- Minimum down payment
- Monthly mortgage payment
- Land transfer tax and closing costs
- What you can afford
Common questions
Straight answers.
Who counts as a first-time buyer?
It depends on the program. For Ontario's land transfer tax refund, you can never have owned a home anywhere in the world. For the FHSA, Home Buyers' Plan and GST/HST rebate, you generally can't have lived in a home you or your spouse owned in the current year or the previous four years.
Can I use the FHSA and the Home Buyers' Plan together?
Yes. The Canada Revenue Agency allows both for the same qualifying home, as long as you meet the conditions for each.
Do I need 20% down?
No. The minimum is 5% on the first $500,000 and 10% on the portion up to $1.5 million. With less than 20% down you will need mortgage default insurance, and homes $1.5 million and up need 20%.
Do these programs apply to resale homes?
The FHSA, Home Buyers' Plan, land transfer tax refunds and 30-year amortization can apply to resale homes. The GST/HST rebates are for new builds only.
Start with a conversation
One call. Your first-home plan.
No pressure, no obligation
Book your first-home consult.
- Share your plans in the form below.
- We call you to learn your goals and timeline.
- You get a custom plan covering your budget, programs and next steps.