Down payment assistance
programs in Canada —
2026 guide.
Down payment assistance programs in Canada are mostly tax-advantaged accounts, rebates and credits rather than cash grants. Here are the eight worth knowing in 2026, who qualifies for each, how it works and the limits that apply.
Stack every program
you qualify for.
Most buyers use one account and miss the rest. We map the full picture — and only the programs that are still open in 2026.
Stack $200K in tax-advantaged funds
A couple can each combine the FHSA ($40,000 per person) with the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan ($60,000 per person) for up to $200,000 of tax-advantaged down payment — before touching a dollar of after-tax savings.
Buy with as little as 5% down
Insured mortgages let you buy with 5% down on homes up to $1.5M. Since December 15, 2024, first-time buyers also access a 30-year amortization — lower monthly payments at the same insured rate.
Gifted funds can cover the whole down payment
On an insured, owner-occupied purchase, a gift from an immediate family member can cover the entire minimum down payment. We draft the gift letter correctly the first time so your file clears without delays.
Expert program stacking — at no cost to you
An FSRA-licensed advisor maps every program that applies to your file, plans the timing across accounts, and pre-approves you across 100+ lenders. On standard A-lender files, the lender pays us — not you.
From programs mapped
to keys in hand.
Timing matters. Open your FHSA early, season your RRSP funds, and deposit gifts before the documentation window closes.
Check what you qualify for
Tell us whether you are a first-time buyer, where you are buying, what you have saved and any family help. We map which programs apply, and the limits on each, before you move any money.
Line up the funds in the right order
We plan the timing: FHSA room, RRSP funds that have been in place at least 90 days before an HBP withdrawal, and a gift deposited early enough to be documented properly.
Get pre-approved with a verified down payment
Your lender verifies each source at pre-approval. We compare your file across 100+ lenders and flag the rebates your lawyer should claim at closing.
We can help
whatever your story.
Tap any situation below to see how we approach it.
If you’re…You have an FHSA and want to use it now
You have an FHSA and want to use it now
If your account has been open at least one day and you have a written purchase agreement, you can make a qualifying withdrawal. We verify your eligibility and plan the timing so nothing is taxed by mistake.
Map my FHSA withdrawalIf you’re…You have RRSP savings from years ago
You have RRSP savings from years ago
Funds that have been in your RRSP for at least 90 days before closing can be withdrawn tax-free under the Home Buyers’ Plan — up to $60,000 per person. We combine it with your FHSA if you have one.
Model my HBP withdrawalIf you’re…Your parents or family are gifting the down payment
Your parents or family are gifting the down payment
Gifts from immediate family can cover the full minimum down payment on an insured purchase. We draft the gift letter correctly the first time so the lender doesn’t flag it and delay your closing.
See gifted down payment rulesIf you’re…You can only put 5% down right now
You can only put 5% down right now
An insured mortgage lets you buy with 5% down on homes up to $1.5M. We model the insurance premium, the true monthly cost and how it compares to saving 20% — the answer isn’t always what you expect.
Model my 5% down purchaseIf you’re…You and your partner are buying together
You and your partner are buying together
Two first-time buyers can each use their own FHSA and RRSP HBP. We plan the optimal sequence — which account to deplete first — and maximise the combined down payment for your tax situation.
Stack our programs togetherIf you’re…You’re unsure which program fits your timeline
You’re unsure which program fits your timeline
Open an FHSA as early as possible — room only builds once the account exists. We map your full timeline, flag when RRSP funds are 90 days seasoned, and plan any gift deposit to hit the documentation window.
Plan my timelineHow the programs add up
for a couple in 2026.
Two first-time buyers purchasing together can each use their own FHSA and RRSP HBP — the accounts are individual.
| Program | Limit | Tax treatment | Repayment | Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FHSA — First Home Savings Account | $8,000/yr · $40,000 lifetime | Deductible in, tax-free out — unique in Canada | None | Live |
| RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) | $60,000 withdrawal per person | Deductible in; withdrawal is tax-free | Over 15 years to your RRSP | Live — stacks with FHSA |
| 5% Insured Mortgage | Homes up to $1.5M | Not a tax program — insurance premium added to loan | No repayment — it’s your mortgage | Live · 30-yr amort since Dec 15, 2024 |
| Land Transfer Tax Rebates | Up to $8,475 (Ontario + Toronto) | Credit applied at closing — not a tax return item | None | Live — varies by province |
| First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHBI)Ended | Was 5%–10% government shared equity | Not a tax program — government took a home stake | At 25 years or on sale, indexed to home value | Discontinued March 21, 2024 |
Limits are per-person unless stated. Both the FHSA and the HBP are individual accounts — two buyers can each use both. We model the optimal order before you withdraw a dollar.
Common questions,
clear answers.
Grants vs. credits, the FTHBI, gift letters, repayment rules — answered plainly.
Are there government grants for a down payment in Canada?
At the federal level, help mainly comes through tax-advantaged accounts and credits (the FHSA, the Home Buyers’ Plan and the Home Buyers’ Amount) rather than cash grants. Some provinces and municipalities run their own programs, so check where you are buying.
Is the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive still available?
No. The federal shared-equity First-Time Home Buyer Incentive closed to new applications on March 21, 2024. If an older article, a relative or a sales brochure mentions it, it no longer applies. Plan around the live programs instead.
Can my whole down payment be a gift?
On an insured, owner-occupied purchase, a gift from an immediate family member can cover the entire down payment, provided it is documented with a signed gift letter and the funds are traceable.
Do I have to repay FHSA or HBP withdrawals?
A qualifying FHSA withdrawal is never repaid. HBP withdrawals must be repaid to your RRSP over 15 years, and a missed annual repayment is added to your taxable income for that year.
Can a mortgage broker help with these programs?
Yes. A broker checks which programs apply, plans the timing so lenders can verify each source, and flags rebates for your lawyer to claim. On standard prime files the lender pays the broker, so the service is typically free to you.
We’ll try to beat your rate.
If we can’t, we pay you $500.¹
¹ Rate Beat: eligible Big-6 bank written offers only · same product, term & amount · $500 paid to you or your nominated charity at closing · conditions apply
Find a down payment specialist in your city
Down payment assistance programs work the same across Canada, but property prices, land transfer tax rules and local programs differ. Talk to an advisor who knows your market.