First-Time Home Buyer’s Rebate Program (Federal) – Up to $50,000
The First-Time Home Buyer’s Rebate Program helps eligible Canadians reduce the cost of purchasing or building a new home. Qualified homeowners may receive rebates of up to $50,000 depending on the property value and eligibility criteria.
Who Qualifies?
To qualify, homeowners must meet the following criteria:
- Applies to newly built home purchases including Homes, Condominiums, Townhouses, ADUs, Mobile Homes, and Pre-fab Homes
- Owner-initiated custom-built homes where homeowners hire a Builder or General Contractor, or build the home themselves
- Substantial renovations of 90% or more of a primary residence (excluding the basement)
- The property must be the homeowner’s primary residence
- Homeowners must be at least 18 years old
- Homeowners must be Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents
- Neither the homeowner nor spouse/common-law partner can have owned or lived in a home within the current year or previous 4 calendar years
Qualifying Timelines
Newly Built Homes
- Purchase Agreement must be signed after March 19, 2025 and before 2031
- Construction must begin before 2031
- Homes must be substantially completed before 2036
- Ownership and possession must occur before 2036
Custom Built Homes
- Applies to custom homes built after March 19, 2025 and before 2031
- Ownership and possession must transfer before 2036
Substantially Renovated Homes
- Applies to substantial renovations completed after March 19, 2025 and before 2031
- Must involve a primary residence occupied for 4 years or less, or a newly purchased home undergoing substantial renovation
Rebate Formula for Newly Built & Custom Homes
For homes priced between $1.0M and $1.5M, the rebate amount is gradually reduced.
| Home Price |
Approx. Rebate |
| $1,000,000 |
$50,000 |
| $1,100,000 |
$40,000 |
| $1,200,000 |
$30,000 |
| $1,250,000 |
$25,000 |
| $1,300,000 |
$20,000 |
| $1,400,000 |
$10,000 |
| $1,500,000+ |
$0 |
Note: Please contact Access Rebates to determine rebate eligibility for substantial renovations, as Fair Market Value (FMV) and renovation costs affect the rebate amount.
Application Deadline
Homeowners have 2 years from occupancy or transfer of ownership to apply for the rebate.
Processing Times
- Standard processing time is approximately 8–12 weeks
- Payments may take up to 6 months
- Some early applications from March–May 2025 experienced delays due to legislative amendments
Ontario – Additional Rebate Program
Ontario homeowners may also qualify for:
- Ontario New Home Rebate – up to $24,000
- Ontario Custom Home Rebate
- Ontario Substantial Renovation Rebate – up to $16,080
The Federal Rebate currently covers only the 5% federal portion of HST.
Nova Scotia – Additional Rebate Program
Nova Scotia homeowners may also qualify for the existing Provincial Custom Home Rebate of up to $3,000.
Additional Federal First-Time Home Buyer Programs
FHSA (First Home Savings Account)
- Accounts may be opened until age 71
- Annual contribution limit: $8,000
- Lifetime contribution limit: $40,000
- Withdrawals can be made tax-free up to 30 days after closing
Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP – RRSP Withdrawal)
- Withdraw up to $60,000 tax-free from RRSPs
- Repayment begins in the 5th year after withdrawal
- Repayment schedule spans a minimum of 15 years
- Example: Withdraw in 2026 → repayments begin in 2031
Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC)
- Claimed when filing taxes for the year the home was purchased
- Maximum claim amount: $10,000
- Potential federal tax credit: up to $1,500
Frequently Asked Questions
I already took possession of my newly built home but did not claim the rebate. Can I still apply?
Yes. You have up to 2 years from the date of occupancy or possession to apply.
My spouse owned a home in the last 4 years. Can we still qualify?
No. Both you and your spouse/common-law partner must meet the first-time home buyer criteria.
If only my name is on title, can I still qualify?
No. Eligibility still considers your spouse or partner’s home ownership history.
Can I receive both provincial and federal rebates?
Yes. Eligible homeowners may qualify for both federal and provincial rebate programs.
I owned a home outside Canada before becoming a Permanent Resident. Can I still qualify?
Yes. Canadian Citizens and Permanent Residents may still qualify depending on current eligibility requirements.
Do I qualify if my purchase agreement was signed before March 19, 2025?
No. Agreements must be signed after March 19, 2025.
If I build an ADU in my parent’s backyard, do I qualify?
Yes, provided you paid for the ADU and it will be your primary residence.
Can corporations apply for the rebate?
No. The rebate is only available to individuals, not corporations.
If my parents need to be on title to help me qualify for financing, can I still receive the rebate?
No. All owners listed on title must meet the First-Time Home Buyer eligibility requirements.
If you need assistance with improving your Credit Score to qualify for funding
Call Access Rebates at 905-678-6368.
