First-Time Home Buyer Incentives & Rebates in Ontario (2026)

First-time buyers in Ontario leave real money on the table simply by not knowing what to claim. Between tax rebates, credits, and tax-advantaged savings, the programs below can add up to many thousands of dollars. Here's the current 2026 list — including which programs still exist and which have quietly ended.

The short answer

As an Ontario first-time buyer in 2026 you can claim: the Ontario land transfer tax rebate (up to $4,000, plus a separate Toronto municipal rebate), the federal Home Buyers' Amount tax credit, and the tax advantages of the FHSA and RRSP Home Buyers' Plan. The old federal First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (shared equity) has ended and is no longer available. See first-time buyer mortgage options.

1. Ontario land transfer tax rebate

Ontario charges land transfer tax on every purchase, but first-time buyers get a rebate of up to $4,000 — which fully covers the LTT on homes up to a certain price and reduces it above that. If you're buying in the City of Toronto, there's an additional municipal land transfer tax with its own first-time-buyer rebate (up to $4,475). Estimate both with our Ontario land transfer tax calculator.

2. Home Buyers' Amount (federal tax credit)

The federal Home Buyers' Amount lets first-time buyers claim $10,000 on their tax return, worth about $1,500 back as a non-refundable credit. It's claimed the year you buy — easy to miss if no one tells you.

3. FHSA — tax-free down payment savings

The First Home Savings Account gives a tax deduction on contributions ($8,000/year, $40,000 lifetime) and tax-free withdrawals for a first home, with no repayment. It's the single most valuable savings tool for buyers — details in FHSA vs. RRSP Home Buyers' Plan.

4. RRSP Home Buyers' Plan

Withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP tax-free toward a first home, repaid over 15 years. Combine it with the FHSA for a larger tax-advantaged down payment.

What's no longer available

The federal First-Time Home Buyer Incentive — the shared-equity program where the government took a stake in your home — was discontinued and stopped accepting applications in 2024. If an older article or a well-meaning relative mentions it, it no longer applies. Stick to the live programs above.

How the savings stack up

A typical Ontario first-time buyer can combine the LTT rebate (up to $4,000+), the Home Buyers' Amount ($1,500), and the tax savings from FHSA contributions into several thousand dollars — before counting the bigger down payment the FHSA/HBP build. Fold these into your budget alongside the down payment and closing costs (use the closing costs calculator).

Frequently asked questions

What is the Ontario first-time home buyer land transfer tax rebate?

A rebate of up to $4,000 on Ontario land transfer tax for eligible first-time buyers, which eliminates the provincial LTT on lower-priced homes. Toronto buyers get an additional municipal rebate of up to $4,475.

Is the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive still available?

No. The federal shared-equity First-Time Home Buyer Incentive was discontinued and stopped accepting new applications in 2024.

What is the Home Buyers' Amount?

A federal non-refundable tax credit: first-time buyers claim $10,000 on their return for about $1,500 back. Claim it in the year you purchase.

Can I claim more than one program?

Yes — the LTT rebate, Home Buyers' Amount, FHSA, and RRSP Home Buyers' Plan are separate and can be used together. A broker helps you capture all you qualify for.

Don't leave money behind. Talk to us — we'll make sure you claim every rebate and credit you're entitled to as part of your first home purchase.