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FirstHomeGuide.ca

Programs by province & territory

Click any region on the map to see the first-time buyer incentives available there — stacked with federal programs like the FHSA and HBTC.

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Click a province or territory on the map to explore first-time buyer programs and your potential savings.

Available in every province

Federal Programs for Every First-Time Buyer

The federal government provides several programs designed specifically for first-time home buyers — available regardless of which province you live in.

$40,000lifetime max

First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

Contribute up to $8,000/year. Contributions are tax-deductible and withdrawals for a qualifying home purchase are completely tax-free.

$60,000per person

Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)

Withdraw from your RRSPs for a down payment, interest-free. Couples can combine for up to $120,000. Repay over 15 years.

$1,500tax credit

Home Buyers' Tax Credit (HBTC)

A non-refundable tax credit claimed on your return for the year you purchase your home.

Variesnew builds

GST/HST New Housing Rebate

Buying a newly constructed home? You may qualify for a rebate that returns a portion of the sales tax paid on the purchase.

Canadian family reviewing first-time home buyer programs and savings strategies
Province-specific

How Provincial Programs Vary

Provincial programs differ widely and can add up to significant savings depending on where you buy.

Ontario

Up to $8,475
  • Land transfer tax rebate of up to $4,000
  • Additional Municipal Land Transfer Tax rebate of up to $4,475 for Toronto purchases

British Columbia

Up to $14,700
  • Full property transfer tax exemption on homes valued up to $835,000 (saves up to $14,700)
  • Partial exemption for homes between $835,000 and $860,000

Alberta

No transfer tax
  • No provincial land transfer tax at all
  • Saves buyers thousands compared to other provinces

Quebec

Up to $15,000
  • City of Montreal offers grants of up to $15,000 for first-time buyers
  • Available for purchases within the city

Maritime Provinces

Varies
  • Various rebates and down payment assistance programs
  • Tailored to local markets

For a comprehensive overview, the CMHC homebuying guide is an excellent starting point.

Map of Canada highlighting provincial first-time home buyer incentives and savings
Stack for maximum savings

Combine Programs for $105,000+ in Benefits

The real power comes from combining multiple programs on a single purchase. Here's what an Ontario buyer purchasing a $500,000 home could access:

FHSA down payment (tax-free)

$40,000

RRSP via HBP (interest-free)

$60,000

HBTC tax credit

$1,500

Ontario land transfer rebate

$4,000
Combined benefit
$105,500

In tax-advantaged funds and savings applied to a single transaction

Common questions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use all these programs at once?

Yes. Federal programs such as the FHSA, HBP, and HBTC are designed to stack with each other and with provincial programs. There is no rule preventing you from claiming every program you are eligible for on the same purchase. The only requirement is that you meet the individual eligibility criteria for each program, which typically means being a first-time home buyer as defined by each program and using the home as your primary residence.

Do programs change depending on where I live?

Federal programs are identical across Canada — every qualifying first-time buyer has access to the FHSA, HBP, and HBTC regardless of province. Provincial programs, however, vary significantly. Some provinces offer land transfer tax rebates, others provide direct grants, and some — like Alberta — have no land transfer tax at all, which is itself a form of savings. It is worth researching the specific programs available in the province where you plan to buy, as the differences can amount to thousands of dollars.

Find every program you qualify for

Our team knows every federal and provincial program inside out. Book a free call and we'll match you with everything available.

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