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FTHB GST / HST Rebate

Last Updated: Nov. 25, 2025

A Young Buyer’s Guide to Saving Up to $50K

If you’re a young Canadian trying to buy your first place, you’ve probably felt like the market is… a lot. The good news? The federal government has rolled out a first time home buyer GST rebate that can seriously lower the cost of a new build — condos, townhomes, even houses you build yourself.

This guide breaks down what the new GST/HST rebate is, who qualifies, and how to actually use it. Think of it as your starter pack for navigating the new Canadian housing rebate rules.

1. What Is the First-Time Home Buyer GST Rebate?

The government is introducing a new First-Time Home Buyer GST/HST Rebate (FTHB GST Rebate). It’s meant to:

1. Help first-time buyers afford new homes
2. Increase the supply of new entry-level housing

How much can you get back?

100% rebate of the 5% GST on eligible new homes

Up to $50,000 in savings

Full rebate for homes up to $1,000,000

Phased-out rebate from $1M to $1.5M

No rebate over $1.5M

2. Who Actually Counts as a First-Time Home Buyer?

You qualify if:

You’re 18 or older

You’re a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

You plan to live in the home as your primary residence

You are the first occupant

You haven’t owned and lived in a home in the past four calendar years, anywhere in the world

Your spouse/partner also meets all these requirements

You can only claim this rebate once in your lifetime.

3. What Types of Homes Qualify?

You may be eligible if you:

Buy a new home from a builder (condo, townhouse, detached, semi)
Build your own home on land that you own or lease
Buy "co-op housing" shares that give occupancy rights (don't know what that means? its okay, almost no one does! But if you want to learn about it, drop us an email)

The home must be newly built, intended as your primary residence, and you must be the first to move in. Remember, the this rebate is for first time home buyers only! For the universal GST / HST New Housing rebate, click here!

4. Key Dates & Deadlines

To qualify:

Agreement must be signed May 27, 2025 - Dec 31, 2030
Construction must start before 2031
Completion must occur before 2036
You must take ownership before 2036
Cancelling and re-signing old contracts doesn’t make them eligible

These rules apply to builder purchases, owner-built homes, and co-op shares.

5. How This Fits Into the Bigger Rebate Picture

This rebate may stack with:

Provincial land transfer tax rebates
Other Canadian housing rebate programs

Provinces (including Québec) have not yet confirmed whether they will match it on the provincial portion of HST or QST. We know there's a lot to consider, so if you need any help at all, please reach out to us here and we'll be happy to guide you through it.

6. How the Rebate Is Paid

Before Royal Assent

Builders cannot credit the new rebate
You must pay GST/HST upfront and apply to the CRA later

After Royal Assent

Builders can credit the rebate on closing, similar to the current GST/HST rebate

7. How This Fits Into the Bigger Rebate Picture

This rebate may stack with:

Provincial land transfer tax rebates
Other Canadian housing rebate programs

Provinces (including Québec) have not yet confirmed whether they will match it on the provincial portion of HST or QST.

8. Quick Self-Check

You are likely to qualify if:

You’re are 18 or older

You’re are a citizen/PR

Buying a new build under $1.5M

You plan to live there

You are the first occupant

Neither you nor your partner has owned and lived in a home in 4 years

Final Thoughts

The new first time home buyer GST rebate could save you up to $50K, making homeownership more realistic — especially if you’re buying new construction. Understanding the timelines, rules, and restrictions helps you budget accurately and avoid surprises. As details finalize, this GST/HST rebate may become one of the most powerful tools for young Canadians entering the market.

Want personalized guidance? Contact us to get started.

20+ Years of Experience • $Millions in Rebates Secured • 99.99% Success Rate • Knowledgeable Experts • Friendly Support • 20+ Years of Experience • $Millions in Rebates Secured • 99.99% Success Rate • Knowledgeable Experts • Friendly Support •

Get up to$30,000back!