The Blog
Shorter, time-sensitive posts to complement the main guide. Market updates, rule changes, and answers to common questions.
- · affordability, income, stress test, mortgage
What Income Do You Need for a $400,000 Mortgage in Canada?
Income needed for a $400,000 mortgage in Canada — GDS/TDS limits, stress test math, worked examples at 4.5% and 5.5% rates, and how debts reduce your maximum purchase price.
- · ontario, land transfer tax, closing costs, 2026
Ontario Land Transfer Tax for First-Time Buyers (2026 Rebates)
Ontario land transfer tax rates, first-time buyer rebate up to $4,000, Toronto MLTT rebate up to $4,475, worked examples, and how to estimate LTT with our closing cost calculator.
- · down payment, cmhc, mortgage, 2026
How Much Down Payment Do You Need in Canada? (2026 Rules)
Canada down payment rules for 2026 — 5% on the first $500K, 10% above that, 20% on $1.5M+ homes. Worked examples, CMHC insurance, and where your down payment can come from.
- · fhsa, savings, tax, 2026
FHSA Calculator Explained: 2026 Contribution Limits & Tax Savings
How to use an FHSA calculator for 2026 — $8,000 annual and $40,000 lifetime limits, tax deduction savings, carry-forward room, and how FHSA compares to RRSP HBP for Canadian first-time buyers.
- · announcements
Welcome to the FirstHomeGuide.ca Blog
Ongoing commentary, market updates, rule changes, and practical tips for Canadian first-time home buyers — published as we go.