First-time home buyers receiving keys to their new Ontario home
Complete 2025 Guide

First-Time Home Buyer GuideOntario 2025

Everything you need to know about buying your first home - from saving for a down payment to getting the keys to your dream home.

5%
Minimum Down Payment
$60K
Max HBP Withdrawal
$4,000
Land Transfer Tax Rebate
50+
Lenders I Work With
Complete Guide

What's Covered in This Guide

Everything you need to navigate your first home purchase with confidence

Section 1

Down Payment Requirements

In Ontario, the minimum down payment depends on the purchase price of your home. Understanding these requirements is the first step to homeownership.

Down Payment Calculator
Minimum requirements based on purchase price
Purchase Price up to $500,000Example: $25,000 on $500K
5% minimum
$500,000 - $999,999Example: $35,000 on $600K
5% on first $500K + 10% on remainder
$1,000,000 and aboveExample: $200,000 on $1M
20% minimum

Example Calculations

$600,000 Home
  • 5% on $500,000 = $25,000
  • 10% on $100,000 = $10,000
$35,000 (5.8%)
$800,000 Home
  • 5% on $500,000 = $25,000
  • 10% on $300,000 = $30,000
$55,000 (6.9%)
Section 2

Government Programs & Incentives

First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHBI)
A shared-equity mortgage program from the Government of Canada
Federal Program

The FTHBI offers 5% or 10% of the home's purchase price towards your down payment. This reduces your mortgage amount and monthly payments.

5% for existing homes
10% for new construction
No monthly payments on incentive
Repay after 25 years or when you sell
Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)
Withdraw from your RRSP tax-free for your first home
RRSP Program

The HBP allows you to withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSPs to put toward your down payment - without paying tax on the withdrawal.

Up to $60,000 per person ($120,000 per couple)
Tax-free withdrawal
15 years to repay
Start repayment in 2nd year after withdrawal
Ontario Land Transfer Tax Rebate
Save up to $4,000 on land transfer tax
Provincial

First-time home buyers in Ontario can receive a refund of up to $4,000 on the provincial land transfer tax. Toronto buyers can also get up to $4,475 from the municipal rebate.

Toronto Buyers - Extra Savings!

You may qualify for both provincial ($4,000) and Toronto ($4,475) rebates for a total savings of up to $8,475!

Section 3

Step-by-Step Buying Process

1
Get Pre-Approved
1-2 days

Before house hunting, get mortgage pre-approval to know your budget and show sellers you're serious.

2
Find a Real Estate Agent
1 week

Work with a licensed agent who knows your target neighborhoods and can negotiate on your behalf.

3
House Hunt
2-8 weeks

View properties that match your criteria and budget. Take your time to find the right home.

4
Make an Offer
1-3 days

Submit a competitive offer with your agent's guidance. Be prepared for negotiations.

5
Home Inspection & Appraisal
1-2 weeks

Get a professional inspection and the lender will order an appraisal to verify the value.

6
Final Mortgage Approval
1-2 weeks

Submit all final documents for mortgage approval and finalize your rate.

7
Closing Day
Closing day

Meet with your lawyer, sign documents, get your keys, and move into your new home!

Section 4

Required Documents

Income Verification
  • Most recent pay stubs (2-3)
  • T4 slips (last 2 years)
  • Notice of Assessment (last 2 years)
  • Employment letter
  • T1 General (if self-employed)
Assets & ID
  • Bank statements (3 months)
  • Down payment proof/source
  • Government-issued photo ID
  • Void cheque
  • Gift letter (if applicable)
Section 5

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1
Not getting pre-approved first

You might fall in love with a home you can't afford, or lose out because you weren't prepared to move quickly.

2
Making large purchases before closing

Buying a car or furniture on credit can affect your debt ratios and jeopardize your mortgage approval.

3
Not accounting for closing costs

Closing costs typically run 1.5-4% of the purchase price. Budget for these in addition to your down payment.

4
Skipping the home inspection

A $500 inspection can save you from thousands in unexpected repairs. Never skip this step.

5
Only comparing mortgage rates

Terms, penalties, prepayment options, and portability matter as much as the rate. Look at the full picture.

Ready to Get Started?

Ready to Buy Your First Home?

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