Built by mortgage professionals
who believe education comes first.
LendCity is a team of licensed mortgage professionals under Mortgage Architects who saw first-hand how unprepared first-time buyers felt walking into the biggest purchase of their lives. So we built FirstHomeGuide.ca — a completely free, comprehensive education platform. When you're ready to take the next step, our concierge team walks you through every stage from pre-approval to closing.
Eight structured modules, province-specific program lookups, interactive calculators, and plain-language explainers — all free. And when you're ready, our team is here to help.
Built by LendCity · Powered by data from CMHC, FCAC, CRA, and provincial housing authorities
What makes this guide different
Most home buyer resources in Canada are either government PDFs that haven't been updated in years, or bank-sponsored content designed to sell you a mortgage. We built something better.
Neutral & Unbiased
Our education is free and unbiased — built on government data and real experience. When you’re ready for next steps, our licensed team provides personalized guidance with no pressure.
Province-Specific
Federal programs are only half the picture. We cover every provincial incentive, rebate, and assistance program across all 10 provinces and 3 territories so nothing catches you off guard.
Always Current
Housing policy changes fast. We track FHSA contribution limits, HBP withdrawal rules, proposed GST changes, land transfer tax rates, and provincial program updates so the guide stays accurate for 2026.
Plain Language
GDS ratios, stress tests, amortization periods — we explain every concept in language anyone can understand, with real-dollar examples using current Canadian figures.
Built on authoritative sources
Every fact, figure, and program detail in this guide is sourced from official Canadian government publications and verified against primary sources.
CMHC
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
FCAC
Financial Consumer Agency of Canada
CRA
Canada Revenue Agency
Statistics Canada
Statistics Canada
Provincial Authorities
Provincial housing and land title authorities
Verified & up to date
Content reviewed by LendCity's licensed mortgage professionals and verified against official government sources. Updated regularly. Last comprehensive review: March 2026.
53
in-depth articles
8
structured modules
13
provinces & territories covered
$0
cost — free forever
Beyond the Guide
When you're ready to move from learning to buying, LendCity's concierge team is here. We walk you through every stage — pre-approval, house hunting, offer strategy, and closing — with licensed professionals by your side the entire way.
Why this matters
85%
of prospective Canadian homeowners say they don't feel comfortable with the home buying or mortgage process.
TD Bank 2024 Survey
53%
of prospective home buyers said they'd feel "more confident" with access to quick advice from a professional.
TD Bank 2025 Survey
That's exactly what LendCity provides. Book a free call
$0
is what it costs to learn how to buy a home. Every module, calculator, and provincial program lookup is free — built and maintained by LendCity's mortgage team.
FirstHomeGuide.ca
8 modules. One complete journey.
From your very first question to life after closing — we cover every step of buying your first home in Canada.
Module 1: Are You Ready?
Find out if you qualify as a first-time buyer, check your credit score, and understand the stress test.
Module 2: Saving Smart
FHSA, RRSP Home Buyers' Plan, and how to combine them for up to $100,000 per couple.
Module 3: Down Payments & Mortgages
Down payment rules, CMHC insurance, fixed vs. variable rates, and getting pre-approved.
Module 4: Government Programs
Every federal and provincial program in one place — from HBTC to land transfer rebates.
Module 5: Finding a Home
Working with realtors, reading MLS listings, condo vs. freehold, and what to look for at showings.
Module 6: Making an Offer
Purchase agreements, conditions, bidding wars, and why home inspections matter.
Module 7: Closing the Deal
Complete closing cost breakdown: land transfer taxes, legal fees, title insurance, and what happens on closing day.
Module 8: Life After Closing
Emergency funds, property taxes, home insurance, mortgage renewal strategy, and energy efficiency grants.