First-Time Buyer Grants & Rebates in Ontario

First-time buyers in Ontario have access to several real savings — tax rebates, registered savings accounts, and a GST rebate on new homes. None of them are automatic; you have to know they exist and claim them. Here's the full menu of first-time buyer incentives and how much each is worth.

Key takeaways

• Provincial land transfer tax rebate: up to $4,000 for first-time buyers.
• Toronto buyers can claim an additional municipal LTT rebate of up to $4,475.
• The FHSA lets you save up to $40,000 tax-free toward a first home.
• The RRSP Home Buyers' Plan allows a tax-free withdrawal of up to $60,000.
• HOMEH's Cashback Rebate, the industry's highest, stacks on top of every government incentive.

Land transfer tax rebates

The most direct cash saving is the land transfer tax rebate. Ontario gives first-time buyers a provincial LTT rebate of up to $4,000. If you buy in the City of Toronto, you can also claim a municipal LTT rebate of up to $4,475 — together worth nearly $8,500. Full details in the land transfer tax rebate guide.

Tax-advantaged savings accounts

Two registered accounts help you save the down payment itself. The FHSA lets you contribute up to $8,000 a year ($40,000 lifetime); contributions are tax-deductible and qualifying withdrawals are tax-free. The RRSP Home Buyers' Plan lets you withdraw up to $60,000 tax-free, repaid over 15 years. Compare them in FHSA vs RRSP vs TFSA.

The GST rebate on new homes

If you're buying a newly built home, the First-Time Home Buyers' GST/HST Rebate can be worth up to $50,000. Full GST is removed on new homes valued up to $1,000,000 and phased out between $1M and $1.5M, where the purchase agreement is signed on or after May 27, 2025 and before 2031. Learn more in the GST rebate on new homes.

Most incentives must be claimed

Rebates aren't automatic. Your real estate lawyer typically handles the land transfer tax rebate at closing, but you should confirm every program you qualify for in advance.

Put it all together

Stacked together, these incentives can be worth tens of thousands of dollars. Here's a quick reference.

Stack HOMEH cashback on top

Government incentives reduce your costs — HOMEH adds to your pocket. Eligible buyers receive the industry's highest Cashback Rebate on top of every program above. See what you qualify for in the first-time home buyer guide for Ontario.

Cashback on top of every rebate

Eligible HOMEH buyers get the industry's highest Cashback Rebate, in addition to government incentives. Estimate yours with the cashback calculator.