Ontario First-Time Buyer Programs — See What You Qualify For
FHSA, RRSP Home Buyers' Plan, land transfer rebates & more. Most buyers leave thousands unclaimed.
There are 6 government programs available to Ontario first-time buyers in 2026. A couple stacking all of them can access over $118,000 in tax advantages and rebates. We'll tell you exactly which ones apply to your situation — free, no obligation, no credit check.
Find Out Which Programs Apply to You
Takes 30 seconds · No credit check · No obligation
Newcastle Financial Corporation · FSRA Brokerage Lic. #13522
⚠️ FHSA contribution deadline: December 31, 2026. Every year you delay opening an account costs you $8,000 in contribution room that cannot be recovered.
Every Program Available to Ontario First-Time Buyers in 2026
Most buyers claim 1 or 2. We help you stack all of them.
First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
Best Program AvailableContribute up to $8,000/year in tax-deductible savings. Withdrawals for a qualifying home purchase are completely tax-free. Better than the RRSP plan because you get both the tax deduction going in AND tax-free withdrawal coming out.
RRSP Home Buyers' Plan
Stack with FHSAWithdraw up to $35,000 per person ($70,000 for couples) from your RRSP tax-free for a first home purchase. Repay over 15 years. Can be combined with the FHSA for a larger down payment.
Ontario Land Transfer Tax Rebate
Automatic at ClosingOntario rebates the full provincial land transfer tax for first-time buyers on homes up to $368,000, with a maximum rebate of $4,000. Applied automatically through your real estate lawyer at closing — no application required.
Toronto Land Transfer Tax Rebate
Toronto Buyers OnlyToronto buyers pay an additional municipal land transfer tax. First-time buyers get a rebate of up to $4,475. Combined with the provincial rebate, Toronto buyers can save up to $8,475 total at closing.
First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHBI)
Reduces Monthly PaymentsThe federal government contributes 5% (resale) or 10% (new construction) toward your home purchase, reducing your mortgage and monthly payments. In exchange, the government shares in the future appreciation of your home.
GST/HST New Housing Rebate
New Builds OnlyBuying a newly built home in Ontario? You may qualify for a rebate on the HST paid during construction, up to $24,000. Applies to new builds, substantially renovated homes, and owner-built homes.
Not sure which programs apply to you?
Tell us about your situation and we'll map out exactly which programs you qualify for — and how to stack them for the maximum benefit.
Check My Eligibility — FreeNo credit check · No obligation · Takes 30 seconds
How to Stack Programs for Maximum Savings
Programs aren't mutually exclusive — here's how a Toronto couple could combine them.
Example: Toronto Couple Buying a $750,000 Home
FHSA (both partners)
$40,000 each, tax-free down payment
RRSP Home Buyers' Plan
$35,000 each, repaid over 15 years
Ontario LTT Rebate
Applied at closing, no application needed
Toronto LTT Rebate
Applied at closing, no application needed
Total Advantage
$158,475Example is illustrative. Actual amounts depend on individual contribution history, purchase price, and location.
How Newcastle Helps You Claim Every Dollar
We Review Your Eligibility — Free
Tell us about your situation: savings, income, whether you have an FHSA open, and your timeline. We map out every program that applies to you and how to maximize the benefit.
We Factor Programs Into Your Pre-Approval
Your FHSA and RRSP HBP funds count as part of your down payment. We factor these in when getting you pre-approved, so you know your true buying power.
We Brief Your Lawyer on Rebates at Closing
Land transfer tax rebates happen through your real estate lawyer. We make sure they know it's your first home so the rebates are applied automatically — nothing slips through.
We Find Your Best Rate From 40+ Lenders
Once your programs are maximized, we shop every major bank, credit union, and alternative lender to get you the lowest rate and best terms. All free — lenders pay us.
What First-Time Buyers Say
“As first time home buyers, my wife and I had an amazing experience with Amit! He helped us secure a great rate as well as walk us through every single step in securing our first home together. He provided us with daily updates.”
Tuan Zufar Amidon
Google Review
“We had an amazing experience working with Amit. As first time home buyers we weren't too familiar with the process but Amit made everything so seamless and efficient and was with us every step of the way.”
Delaan Satkunarajah
Google Review
You're in Good Hands
Our licensed Ontario mortgage brokers have helped hundreds of first-time buyers maximize every government program available — so you don't leave a single dollar on the table.
- Licensed with FSRA (Brokerage #13522)
- We know every program and eligibility rule
- Free service — lenders pay our fee
- Dedicated broker from eligibility check to closing
Common Questions About First-Time Buyer Programs
Can I use the FHSA and RRSP Home Buyers' Plan together?
Yes — and you should. A couple using both programs can access over $110,000 in tax-advantaged funds for a down payment. FHSA contributions are tax-deductible AND withdrawals are tax-free. RRSP HBP lets you withdraw up to $35,000/person tax-free and repay over 15 years.
Do I have to apply for the land transfer tax rebates separately?
No. Both the Ontario and Toronto land transfer tax rebates are applied automatically through your real estate lawyer at closing. You don't need to file a separate application — just make sure your lawyer knows it's your first home.
What counts as a "first-time buyer" for these programs?
Generally, you must not have owned a home that you lived in as your principal residence at any time during the preceding 4 years. For the FHSA, you must not have lived in a home you or your spouse/common-law partner owned at any point in the current or preceding 4 years.
How much can I save in total by stacking all programs?
Toronto buyers stacking all available programs can potentially access: $40,000 FHSA + $70,000 RRSP HBP (couple) + $8,475 in LTT rebates + HST rebate on new builds. That's over $118,000 in combined tax advantages and rebates. We help you claim every dollar.
Does checking my eligibility affect my credit score?
No. Our initial eligibility review is completely informal — no credit check, no application, no obligation. We review your situation and tell you exactly which programs apply to you and how to maximize them. A credit check only happens if you formally apply for a mortgage.
Do I need to be pre-approved before I can use these programs?
No, but pre-approval helps because it tells you exactly how much you can afford and lets us factor in your FHSA and RRSP funds as part of your down payment. We can check your program eligibility and get you pre-approved in the same conversation.
Don't Leave Government Money on the Table
Find out which programs apply to you in 30 seconds. No credit check, no obligation — just clarity on what you qualify for.
Program details, eligibility requirements, and limits are subject to change by federal and provincial governments. Information is current as of 2026 and is for general guidance only. Consult a licensed mortgage broker and tax professional for advice specific to your situation. Newcastle Financial Corporation is a licensed mortgage brokerage (FSRA #13522).