First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Ontario (2026 Guide)
Buying your first home in Brampton or the GTA is expensive - but most first-time buyers leave real money on the table because nobody walks them through the programs they qualify for. Here are the ones that matter in 2026 and how to stack them.
Ontario Land Transfer Tax Rebate
First-time buyers can receive up to $4,000 back on Ontario land transfer tax. Buying in Toronto proper? There is an additional municipal rebate on top.
FHSA - the account every future buyer should open first
The First Home Savings Account is the best deal in Canadian personal finance: contributions reduce your taxable income like an RRSP, growth is tax-free, and withdrawals for a qualifying first home are tax-free. Open it early - contribution room starts accumulating once the account exists.
RRSP Home Buyers' Plan
Withdraw from your RRSP tax-free for your down payment and repay it over 15 years. Combined with the FHSA, a couple can put a serious six-figure down payment together tax-efficiently.
Insured mortgage rules that help first-time buyers
Longer amortizations for first-time buyers purchasing new builds and the higher insured mortgage price cap have made monthly payments more manageable on GTA-priced homes. Which rules apply to you depends on your file - this is exactly what a good mortgage agent checks in a 20-minute pre-approval call.
The right order to do things
- Get pre-approved first (know your real budget, lock a rate hold)
- Open/maximize the FHSA
- Then start viewing homes - never the other way around
As both a Realtor and mortgage agent, I run your pre-approval and your home search in one place - no handoffs, no runaround.
Start My Pre-Approval
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Ontario land transfer tax rebate for first-time buyers?
Eligible first-time buyers can receive a rebate of up to $4,000 on Ontario land transfer tax, which covers the full tax on homes up to about $368,000 and reduces it on more expensive homes.
Can I use my RRSP to buy a house?
Yes. The Home Buyers Plan lets eligible first-time buyers withdraw funds from their RRSP tax-free for a down payment, repayable over 15 years.
What is an FHSA?
The First Home Savings Account combines RRSP-style tax-deductible contributions with TFSA-style tax-free withdrawals when used for a qualifying first home.