05/27/2026
Did you know that when buying a home together in Ontario, ONE person may qualify as a first-time home buyer… while the other DOESN’T? And yes, it can affect your benefits and rebates.
Here’s how it works ⬇️
You MAY qualify as a First-Time Home Buyer if:
• You’ve NEVER owned a home anywhere in the world
• OR you haven’t owned a home in the last 4 years
• OR you recently separated/divorced and meet CRA conditions
You may NOT qualify if:
• You currently own or previously owned a home
• Your name was on title before (even with family)
• You lived in a home your spouse/common-law partner owned while together
What are the benefits in Ontario?
✔️ Land Transfer Tax Rebate (up to $4,000 provincially)
✔️ Possible Toronto Land Transfer Tax Rebate (up to $4,475 extra)
✔️ Ability to use the First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
✔️ RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan withdrawal options
✔️ Access to certain first-time buyer incentives/programs
IMPORTANT:If one buyer qualifies and the other doesn’t, you may still receive PARTIAL rebates based on ownership percentages.
Example:
If 1 buyer qualifies and owns 50% of the property, only 50% of the rebate may apply.
Every situation is different, especially for couples, parents co-signing, or buyers who owned property abroad.
Thinking about buying and unsure if you qualify? Send me a DM and I’ll help break it down for your situation!
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