First-Time Home Buyer Grants & Programs in Ontario 2026
Ontario first-time home buyers have access to over $40,000 in combined grants, tax credits, and savings incentives. From the Ontario Land Transfer Tax Refund to the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan, here is every program available to help you buy your first home in 2026.
Top Programs for First-Time Home Buyers
Ontario Land Transfer Tax Refund
Deadline: Ongoing (at time of purchase)
First-time buyers receive a refund of up to $4,000 on Ontario Land Transfer Tax. Covers the full tax on homes up to $368,000. Claimed through your real estate lawyer at closing.
Home Buyers' Amount (Tax Credit)
Deadline: Claim on tax return
Non-refundable tax credit of $10,000 for first-time buyers, worth up to $1,500 at the lowest federal tax rate. Claim it on Line 31270 of your income tax return for the year you purchased.
RRSP Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)
Deadline: Ongoing
Withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSP tax-free to buy or build your first home. Couples can withdraw $70,000 combined. Repay over 15 years starting in the second year after withdrawal.
First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
Deadline: Ongoing (open an account)
Contribute up to $8,000/year ($40,000 lifetime) with tax-deductible contributions like an RRSP and tax-free withdrawals like a TFSA. No repayment required when used for a home purchase.
First-Time Home Buyer Incentive
Deadline: Ongoing
Shared equity mortgage with the Government of Canada. Receive 5% (resale) or 10% (new build) of the purchase price toward your down payment. Repay when you sell or after 25 years.
Municipal First-Time Buyer Programs
Deadline: Varies by municipality
Some Ontario municipalities offer additional down payment assistance, forgivable loans, or property tax rebates for first-time buyers. Check with your local city or regional government.
How to Maximize Your First-Time Buyer Benefits
Open an FHSA Immediately
Even if you are not buying for a few years, open a First Home Savings Account now and start contributing $8,000/year. Contributions are tax-deductible, and the money grows tax-free. This is the single best savings vehicle for first-time buyers in Canada.
Maximize Your RRSP for the Home Buyers' Plan
Contribute to your RRSP at least 90 days before you plan to withdraw under the HBP. You get the RRSP tax deduction now, then withdraw $35,000 tax-free for your home. A couple can pull $70,000 combined.
Tell Your Lawyer About the LTT Refund
The Ontario Land Transfer Tax Refund of up to $4,000 is claimed at closing through your real estate lawyer. Make sure they know you are a first-time buyer so they file the refund application with your registration.
Claim the Home Buyers' Amount on Your Tax Return
Do not forget to claim the $10,000 non-refundable tax credit (Line 31270) on your tax return the year you buy. It puts $1,500 back in your pocket. Your spouse can split or transfer the credit if beneficial.
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Eligibility Requirements Summary
Who Qualifies as a "First-Time Buyer"?
For most federal and Ontario programs, you qualify if:
- You have not owned a home (or had a spouse who owned one) in the current year or the preceding four calendar years
- You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- You are at least 18 years old
- The property will be your principal residence
- You intend to occupy the home within one year of purchase
Income & Price Limits
- First-Time Home Buyer Incentive: Household income under $120,000 (or $150,000 in Toronto, Vancouver, Victoria). Purchase price limited to 4x income.
- FHSA: No income limit. Must be 18-71 and a Canadian resident.
- HBP: No income limit. Must not have owned a home in the past 4 years.
- LTT Refund: No income limit. Maximum refund $4,000.
- Home Buyers' Amount: No income limit. Non-refundable credit at 15% rate.
Stacking Your Benefits: A Real Example
Here is how a first-time buyer purchasing a $450,000 home in Ontario could benefit from stacking all available programs:
| Program | Benefit |
|---|---|
| RRSP Home Buyers' Plan (couple) | $70,000 tax-free withdrawal |
| First Home Savings Account (2 years of savings) | $16,000 + growth (tax-free) |
| Ontario Land Transfer Tax Refund | $4,000 saved |
| Home Buyers' Amount (tax credit) | $1,500 back on taxes |
| First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (5%) | $22,500 toward down payment |
| Total Combined Benefits | $114,000+ |
Note: Actual amounts vary based on individual circumstances, home price, and program eligibility. The HBP and FHSA amounts represent withdrawals from your own savings (not free money), but the tax advantages are substantial.
Official Government Resources
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What grants are available for first-time home buyers in Ontario 2026?
Ontario first-time home buyers can access: the Ontario Land Transfer Tax Refund (up to $4,000), the federal Home Buyers' Amount ($10,000 tax credit worth $1,500), the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan ($35,000 withdrawal), the First Home Savings Account (FHSA, $40,000 lifetime), and the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (shared equity, 5-10% of purchase price). Combined, these programs provide over $40,000 in benefits.
How do I get the Ontario Land Transfer Tax Refund?
First-time buyers in Ontario receive a refund of up to $4,000 on Land Transfer Tax, which covers the full tax on homes up to $368,000. You claim it at the time of registration through your lawyer. You must be at least 18, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and must not have owned a home anywhere in the world previously.
What is the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan?
The RRSP Home Buyers' Plan lets first-time buyers withdraw up to $35,000 ($70,000 per couple) from their RRSPs tax-free to buy or build a qualifying home. You must repay the amount within 15 years, starting the second year after withdrawal. The funds must have been in your RRSP for at least 90 days before withdrawal.
Can I use the FHSA and RRSP Home Buyers' Plan together?
Yes, you can use both the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) and the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan simultaneously. The FHSA allows $8,000/year ($40,000 lifetime) in tax-deductible contributions, and withdrawals for a home purchase are completely tax-free with no repayment required. Combined with the $35,000 HBP, a couple could access over $150,000 in tax-advantaged funds.
Who qualifies as a first-time home buyer in Ontario?
For most Ontario programs, a first-time buyer is someone who has not owned a home (or had a spouse who owned one) in the current year or the preceding four calendar years. You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and at least 18 years old. The property must be your principal residence. Some programs, like the FHSA, have their own specific definitions.