Blog Discover the Benefits of Canada’s New First-Time Home Buyer GST Program 

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June 2, 2025

Discover the Benefits of Canada’s New First-Time Home Buyer GST Program 

By Cantiro Homes

Empowering Canadians to Achieve Homeownership

The Government of Canada recently announced the First-Time Home Buyer GST Program, designed to provide financial relief and encourage more Canadians to take the leap into homeownership. 

If you’re considering purchasing your first home, the First-Time Home Buyer GST Program could be the key to unlocking your dream. Ask a Cantiro Area Sales Manager at any one of our show homes in Edmonton and Calgary to find out how to take full advantage of this beneficial program. 

Understanding the First-Time Home Buyer GST Program 

The program offers a rebate on the Goods and Services Tax (GST) for eligible first-time home buyers, making it easier for them to afford their dream homes. It will apply to the same types of housing and apply similar eligibility criteria and conditions as the existing GST/HST New Housing Rebate, with certain modifications to ensure that the rebate is targeted at first-time home buyers. 

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for the First-Time Home Buyer GST Program, applicants must meet specific criteria when purchasing a newly constructed home including: 

  • that you or your spouse/common-law partner cannot have owned a home in the past. 
  • the agreement of purchase and sale for the home is entered into with the builder on or after May 27, 2025 and before 2031. 

How the GST Rebate Works

The GST rebate is calculated based on the purchase price of the new home. Eligible buyers can receive a rebate of the GST paid on homes up to $1,000,000. 

How to Calculate GST

Most new home builders provide a List Price that includes the home, lot and GST. To find the GST, you can use these formulas: 

GST Inclusive Amount (List Price) / 1.05 (Value of an applicable GST Rate) = Base Price 

then 

GST Inclusive Amount – Base Price = GST 

For example, to find the 5% GST amount for a home with a List Price of $400,000: 

$400,000 / 1.05 = Base Price of $380,952 

$400,000 – $380,952 = GST of $19,048 

For your convenience, here is a reference chart: 

Benefits of the Program

The First-Time Home Buyer GST Program offers several advantages for prospective homeowners: 

  • Reduced Financial Burden: The rebate helps lower the overall cost of purchasing a new home, making homeownership more accessible. 
  • Encouragement to Enter the Housing Market: By offering financial incentives, the program motivates individuals and families to invest in their first home. 
  • Boosting the Economy: Increased home purchases stimulate the housing market and contribute to economic growth. 

Steps to Apply 

Applying for the First-Time Home Buyer GST Program involves several steps: 

  • Determine eligibility by reviewing the program criteria. 
  • Contact Area Sales Manager to start the process.

As of June 2025 the application process for this program is still developing, and our team is excited to work with you through the process, ask a Cantiro Area Sales Manager at any one of our show homes in Edmonton and Calgary to find out how to take full advantage of this beneficial program.

The First-Time Home Buyer GST Program is an initiative offered by the Government of Canada. The details, eligibility criteria, and rebate amounts outlined in this blog are based on information available at the time of writing and are subject to change without notice. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, please consult official Government of Canada resources.

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