As of May 27, 2025, buying your first home in Canada just became a whole lot easier—and more affordable. The new First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate lets you save up to $50,000 on the purchase of a newly built home. Whether you’re browsing quick possession homes or considering a custom build, this rebate is your opportunity to make that dream of homeownership a reality.
And as your trusted Edmonton Realtor, I’m here to guide you through every step of the process—from understanding how the rebate works to finding the perfect home that fits both your lifestyle and your budget.
What Is the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate?
The First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate is a newly announced initiative by the Canadian government aimed at helping first-time home buyers afford a brand-new home.
Here’s what it means:
- Full 100% GST rebate on homes priced up to $1 million
- Partial rebate on homes priced between $1 million and $1.5 million
- No rebate for homes above $1.5 million
This rebate applies to:
- New builds purchased directly from a builder
- Self-built homes
- Shares in a cooperative housing unit
Read the official announcement on Canada.ca.
How Much Can You Save?
Let’s say you’re purchasing a new home in Edmonton for $800,000. Normally, you’d pay $40,000 in GST (5%). But under this rebate program, you’d receive the entire amount back—a full $40,000 in savings.
Here’s how that breaks down:
| Home Price | GST (5%) | Rebate Amount | Effective GST Paid |
|---|---|---|---|
| $700,000 | $35,000 | $35,000 | $0 |
| $1,000,000 | $50,000 | $50,000 | $0 |
| $1,250,000 | $62,500 | $25,000 | $37,500 |
| $1,500,000 | $75,000 | $0 | $75,000 |
That’s real money you can put toward your down payment, furniture, closing costs, or simply save for peace of mind.
Who’s Eligible for the Rebate?
To qualify for the rebate, you must:
- Be a first-time home buyer
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Be at least 18 years old
- Use the home as your primary residence
- Sign your purchase agreement on or after May 27, 2025
- Purchase a home priced under $1.5 million
You’re considered a first-time buyer if you or your spouse/common-law partner haven’t owned a home in the current or previous four calendar years.
Important Timelines You Should Know
Timing matters. Here are the key dates:
- Purchase Agreement Date: Must be signed between May 27, 2025 and December 31, 2030
- Construction Deadline: The home must be substantially completed by December 31, 2035
Even if you’re just starting your home search now, you’ve got time. But the sooner you act, the sooner you save.
Why This Rebate Is a Game-Changer for Edmonton Buyers
Edmonton continues to be one of Canada’s most affordable major cities for homeownership. With many new builds priced well under $1 million, this rebate gives first-time buyers the financial edge they need to compete confidently in today’s market.
And as your Realtor, I’ll help you:
- Find eligible properties that qualify for the rebate
- Connect with reputable builders
- Navigate the paperwork so you don’t miss out on any savings
This Isn’t Just for Builder Homes
Did you know the rebate also applies if:
- You’re building your own home
- You’re hiring someone to build on land you own
- You’re buying a share in a cooperative housing corporation
These alternative paths to ownership are still eligible—as long as the home is your primary residence, construction starts after May 27, 2025, and completes before 2036.
Key Conditions and Limitations to Be Aware Of
- You can only claim the rebate once in your lifetime
- If your spouse/partner has claimed it before, you’re ineligible
- Assignment sales are excluded—the original agreement must be dated on or after May 27, 2025
- Rebate will be disallowed if an old agreement is cancelled and rewritten just to qualify
Make sure you speak to a knowledgeable Realtor (like me!) to ensure you’re making a fully compliant and informed decision.
Can You Stack This Rebate with Other First-Time Buyer Programs?
Yes! The GST rebate can be combined with other federal incentives, including:
- First Home Savings Account (FHSA) – Save up to $40,000 tax-free
- RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)
- First-Time Home Buyer Incentive – Government shares up to 10% of your home’s cost
Together, these programs can significantly reduce the cost and risk of your first home purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is this GST rebate automatic?
Usually, the rebate is built into your purchase agreement when buying from a builder. I’ll help ensure it’s properly applied.
2. What if I buy a home priced at $1.3 million?
You’ll receive a partial rebate, phased out linearly. For $1.3M, you may still save around $20,000–$30,000.
3. Do I need to apply separately?
No separate CRA application is typically required for builder homes. But for self-builds, I’ll help you gather everything you need.
4. Can I use this on a second home or rental property?
No. This rebate is only for your primary residence, and you must be the first occupant.
5. Can this be used if I build my own home?
Yes! You can recover GST paid on labour, materials, and construction costs—up to $50,000.
6. Where can I read the full government rules?
Right here: Canada.ca – GST Relief for First-Time Buyers
How I Can Help You Take Advantage of This Rebate
As your local Edmonton Realtor, my job is to:
- Identify qualifying new builds
- Work directly with builders and lawyers to ensure you get every dollar you’re entitled to
- Guide you through financing, rebates, and paperwork
- Help you avoid pitfalls that could void your eligibility
You don’t have to go it alone—I’m here to help from start to finish.
Let’s Get You Into a New Home—For Less
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to buy your first home, this is it. With up to $50,000 in GST relief and plenty of brand-new homes available in Edmonton, there’s never been a better opportunity.
Visit EdmontonNewBuilds.ca to explore new homes, or reach out to me directly for personalized help finding your ideal property.
