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Saad Saleem Tabani
Broker of Record & Home Developer

Meet Saad Saleem Tabani

With over a decade of experience in the Canadian housing market and leading many residential development projects. At Bridge we have honed our skills to provide you with a results-driven real estate experience. We build homes, help families Bridge into their next home and navigate complex real estate trends. Learn more

Buyer Tips

Ontario First-Time Homebuyer Incentives 2025: Key Programs & Rebates

Ontario first-time homebuyer incentives for late 2025 make buying your first home more attainable through expanded tax rebates, new GST/HST exemptions, down payment support, and targeted provincial programs [1][2][3].

Key Incentives for Ontario First-Time Buyers

  • New HST Relief on Homes Up To $1M: Provincial and federal rebates now remove all 13% HST for first-time buyers of newly built homes valued at or under $1 million, meaning up to $80,000 in tax savings [2].
  • RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan: Withdraw up to $60,000 tax-free per buyer from your RRSP for a home purchase, with a 15-year repayment schedule [3].
  • First Home Savings Account (FHSA): Contribute up to $40,000 for your first home with tax-free withdrawals—may be combined with the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan for extra purchase power [3].
  • Land Transfer Tax Rebates: Ontario rebate up to $4,000 and Toronto’s municipal rebate up to $4,475 help reduce your closing costs on eligible homes [4].
  • Local Down Payment Assistance: Select municipalities such as Mississauga, Oakville and Burlington offer forgivable or interest-free loans to help with down payments—eligibility rules and amounts vary [4].

Who Qualifies as a First-Time Buyer?

You’re typically considered a first-time homebuyer in Ontario if you have not owned a home in the last four years, are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and plan to use the new home as your primary residence. Special provisions exist for those with a disability, or buying for a related person who is eligible for the Disability Tax Credit [3].

FAQs: Ontario First-Time Buyer Incentives

  1. How much can I save with the new HST rebate?
    First-time buyers can save up to $80,000 on qualifying new homes, thanks to combined provincial and federal rebates [1][2].
  2. Can I use both the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan and FHSA?
    Yes, you can combine both programs for a larger down payment benefit [3].
  3. [13]
  4. Are there local down payment programs?
    Yes, many Ontario municipalities offer their own assistance; check your area for eligibility and conditions [4].
  5. When do these incentives apply?
    Rebates and new tax breaks generally apply to agreements signed after May 27, 2025 and certain programs run through the year-end [2].
  6. How do I find the best incentive for my situation?
    Consult a local mortgage professional or real estate agent who keeps track of ongoing provincial and municipal programs [4].
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Sources:

  1. Global News – First-time Ontario homebuyers are set to receive a major tax break
  2. Ontario Government – 2025 Fall Statement: HST Relief for First-Time Home Buyers
  3. RateHub – First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Canada 2025
  4. The Martin Group – Incentives for First-Time Home Buyers in Ontario

Tags: first-time homebuyer, ontario incentives, tax rebate, down payment support, land transfer tax, RRSP home buyers plan, FHSA, real estate, buying a home, 2025 programs

Sanjeevan

Sanjeevan

CTMO

Sanjeevan Premkumar is the Chief Technology & Marketing Officer at Bridge, specializing in digital strategy and real estate market research. He combines technical insight with a deep understanding of the property sector.