First-Time Homebuyer Programs
Sunday - April 21st, 2024
Maximizing Benefits as a First-Time Homebuyer in Canada
Are you feeling overwhelmed by the prospect of buying your first home? As a first-time homebuyer in Canada, you have access to various benefits and programs that can make the process smoother and more affordable. In this blog post, we’ll break down everything you need to know to maximize your savings and achieve your dream of homeownership.
Before we delve into the details, allow me to introduce myself. I’m Jarrett White, a Mortgage Broker based in BC, Canada, assisting people nationwide with their mortgage needs. Our services extend to four provinces: BC, Alberta, Ontario, and Nova Scotia. If you have any questions about mortgages, I’m here to be your reliable resource at absolutely no cost to you.
Now, let’s get into the benefits available to first-time homebuyers in Canada.
1. 5% Down Payment Program: This program allows you to put down as little as 5% of the purchase price, with the remainder financed through a mortgage. You must intend to live in the property, and mortgage default insurance is required. Contrary to popular belief, this program is not exclusive to first-time homebuyers.
2. Land Transfer Tax Discount: This benefit varies by province. For example, in BC, you can receive an $8,000 discount on the Land Transfer Tax for homes purchased under $835,000, as of April 1st, 2024. Alberta does not have a Land Transfer Tax but charges a Title Transfer Fee and a Mortgage Registration Fee.
3. First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit: This tax credit allows you to reduce your taxable income by $10,000 in the year you buy your first home, resulting in potential tax savings.
4. Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP): The HBP allows you to withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSP to use towards your down payment, without paying income tax on it. This amount must be repaid into your RRSP over the next 15 years. This will be increased to $60,000 per person as of April 16th 2024
5. FHSA Account: The FHSA is a savings account specifically for first-time homebuyers. You can contribute up to $8,000 per year and withdraw up to $40,000 tax-free for your down payment. Unlike the HBP, you are not required to repay the funds into the account.
These programs can significantly reduce the financial burden of buying your first home. If you’re interested in learning more about these benefits or need assistance with your mortgage, feel free to reach out. If you found this information helpful or want to learn more, please consider subscribing to my YouTube channel and watching the video below that outlines these programs in more detail. Your support helps me reach more people like you who are embarking on their homeownership journey. Thank you for reading, and I look forward to assisting you with your mortgage needs.