Understanding First-Time Home Buyer Rebates and Incentives in Ontario

Introduction

Buying your first home in Ontario can feel like stepping onto the ice for your first big game—exciting, a little intimidating, and full of rules you need to understand. The good news? There are government rebates and incentives designed to help first-time buyers get in the game more affordably.

In this guide, we’ll break down the programs that can save you money on closing costs, reduce your tax bill, help fund your down payment, and even return a portion of your CMHC premium if you go green. We'll also highlight municipal programs in places like Brantford and Norfolk County and explain how we can connect you with a local expert who guarantees energy audit results—so there are no surprises.

1. Land Transfer Tax Rebates (Ontario + Municipal)

Ontario first-time buyers may be eligible for up to $4,000 in land transfer tax rebates from the province.

Example:

On a $500,000 home, the Ontario land transfer tax is approximately $6,475. If you’re eligible for the $4,000 rebate, you’d only pay $2,475.

If you’re buying in Toronto, there’s an additional municipal rebate of up to $4,475. However, most buyers in Brantford, Haldimand, Oxford, and Norfolk County are not subject to the Toronto LTT—so your savings are focused on the provincial rebate.

🧮 Want a faster and easier way to calculate your land transfer tax? Use our custom-built calculator tools on our website—built for real Ontario buyers, not a generic government spreadsheet.
👉 Try the Land Transfer Tax Calculator

💡 When you're actively home shopping, we’ll build you a personalized Property Finance Sheet that breaks down all the costs: purchase price, LTT, down payment, closing costs, and more—so you know the real monthly and upfront numbers before you put in an offer.

2. First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

This new registered savings account allows you to contribute up to $8,000 per year (to a lifetime max of $40,000) and withdraw funds tax-free when buying your first home.

• Contributions are tax-deductible (like an RRSP)

• Withdrawals are tax-free (like a TFSA)

• Can be combined with the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) for additional savings

Example:

If you and your partner both contribute $8,000 this year, that’s $16,000 tax-deductible and ready for your down payment—plus any growth in the account.

3. Green Home Programs: Save 25% on CMHC Fees

If you're buying a home with energy-efficient upgrades—or planning to add them—you may be eligible for a 25% rebate on your CMHC insurance premium through the CMHC Eco Plus program.

✅ Applies to both new builds and retrofits that meet EnerGuide or other certified energy standards
✅ You must complete an energy audit and qualify based on home performance

Local Advantage:

We’ve partnered with a local certified energy advisor who will pre-screen your home and guarantee whether it will qualify—before you pay for the audit.

💡 If the home fails to meet qualifying standards, you pay nothing for the audit. No guesswork. No risk.

🔗 Learn more about CMHC Eco Plus: CMHC Green Home Incentives

First Time Home Buyer Rebates

4. Local Municipal Rebates (Where Available)

Some municipalities in Ontario offer additional incentives or rebates for first-time homebuyers or energy-efficient upgrades.

Brantford:

While Brantford doesn’t currently offer a first-time buyer rebate, they do have home energy upgrade programs through Enbridge and local utility providers.

• 🔗 Enbridge HER+ Program (Up to $10,000 rebate)

Norfolk County & Haldimand County:

Currently, no dedicated municipal rebates for first-time buyers, but green energy grants and utility incentive programs are often available through your hydro or natural gas provider. We help connect you to what’s active when you’re ready to apply.

📣 Pro Tip: These programs change frequently—when you work with us, we’ll make sure you don’t miss a local rebate.

Let’s Build Your Incentive Strategy

From down payment tools to green rebates, these incentives aren’t just icing on the cake—they can shave thousands off your upfront costs.

As your mortgage coach, I’ll help you:

• Maximize your rebates

• Time your purchase to qualify strategically

• Connect with local professionals who guarantee results

• Build a custom property finance breakdown before you offer on any home

📞 Book your free 30-minute strategy call
👉 Schedule here

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FAQs: First-Time Buyer Incentives in Ontario

1. Who qualifies as a first-time homebuyer?

You must have never owned a home, or not owned one in the past 4 years, and must occupy the home as your principal residence.

2. Can I combine the FHSA and RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan?

Yes—and it’s a powerful strategy. You could access $35,000 (RRSP) + $40,000 (FHSA) = $75,000 per person tax-advantaged.

3. What counts as a green home for the CMHC rebate?

Homes that meet EnerGuide standards or other third-party verified energy benchmarks.

4. Is the CMHC Eco Plus rebate guaranteed?

No—but our local partner will pre-screen and guarantee whether your home will pass before you pay.

5. Are there any rebates for closing costs besides LTT?

Incentives like the FHSA and provincial LTT rebate are your best bets. There are no direct federal rebates for legal or appraisal fees.

🏒 Final Word: Don’t Leave Free Money on the Bench

Buying your first home already takes planning—don’t leave thousands in incentives untapped. With the right guidance, you can maximize rebates, save on fees, and even unlock surprise savings you didn’t know existed.

Let’s get you into the market—and make sure you take full advantage of every break you’re entitled to.

🔗 Explore more tools and calculators: adamwalkermortgages.com/calculators