First Time Home-Buyers’ Tax Credit

Matt Chan • March 17, 2016

Everything You Need to Know!

Have you heard about a First Time Home Buyers Tax Credit, but aren’t sure what it is or if you qualify? You are in the right place!

The Government of Canada recently published this video on their website to explain the First Time Home-Buyers’ Tax Credit. Watch the video or read the transcript below to see if you might be eligible to save up to $750 on your next tax return! Keep reading to view a Q&A from the Canada Revenue Agency site. 

Click here or the image below to open the video in a new window. 

Transcript

NARRATOR: Meet the Lees.

The Lees heard that the Government of Canada wants to help first-time home buyers with a tax credit and they’re excited to learn more!

They’ve just purchased their first home, and they can use some tax savings.

So how does it work?

The First Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit is a non-refundable tax credit that you can claim if you bought a qualifying home.

A non-refundable tax credit reduces the federal income tax that the Lees have to pay.

However, if the total of their non-refundable tax credits is more than their federal income tax payable, the Lees won’t receive a refund for the difference.

So how do the Lees save this tax money?

The tax credit is based on $5,000. For 2015, their credit is 15%, the lowest personal income tax rate, times $5,000.

We’ll spare the Lees the math—the credit is $750,

maybe enough savings to hire student painters or buy that reclining chair they’ve been eyeing.

But what’s a qualifying home?

The home has to be in Canada, and can be new, or already built.

It can be a condominium, an apartment, a townhome, a detached, or semi-detached home.

It can also be a mobile home, or a share in a co-operative housing corporation if the share in the co-op gives you the right to own the unit.

And the home must be registered in Dave and / or Kim’s name.

Either Dave or Kim or both can make the claim, since the buyer and the buyer’s spouse or common-law partner qualify.

And people who buy their first home with their friends also qualify. No matter what, the combined total amount claimed can’t be more than $5,000.

But the credit is for first-time home buyers. Dave owned his apartment while he was in college.

Is he still eligible?

A buyer who has not owned a home in the year of purchase or in any of the last four preceding years qualifies. So Dave qualifies as long as he has not owned a home since 2010.

Kim’s aunt, who is disabled bought a home that will accommodate her disability. Kim is extra happy because her aunt can claim the Home Buyers’ Tax Credit as well.

People who are disabled, or buying the home for a disabled relative, also qualify for the credit, and it does not have to be their first home.

It must enable the person with the disability to live in a more accessible dwelling or in an environment better suited to their personal needs and care.

Dave and Kim are so excited to be saving money on their income tax! All they need to do is fill in the amount on Line 369 of Schedule 1, Federal tax and voila! Up to $750 saved.

Want to be like Dave and Kim?

Visit www.cra.gc.ca/hbtc for more information about the First Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit.

From the Canada Revenue Agency

1. What is the home buyers’ tax credit (HBTC)?

For 2009 and subsequent years, the HBTC is a new non-refundable tax credit, based on an amount of $5,000, for certain home buyers that acquire a qualifying home after January 27, 2009 (i.e., generally means that the closing is after this date).

2. How is the new HBTC calculated?

The HBTC is calculated by multiplying the lowest personal income tax rate for the year (15% in 2009) by $5,000. For 2009, the credit will be $750.

3. Am I eligible for the HBTC?

You will qualify for the HBTC if:

you or your spouse or common-law partner acquired a qualifying home; and
you did not live in another home owned by you or your spouse or common-law partner in the year of acquisition or in any of the four preceding years.
If you are a person with a disability or are buying a house for a related person with a disability, you do not have to be a first-time home buyer. However, the home must be acquired to enable the person with the disability to live in a more accessible dwelling or in an environment better suited to the personal needs and care of that person.

4. What is a qualifying home?

A qualifying home is a housing unit located in Canada acquired after January 27, 2009. This includes existing homes and those being constructed. Single-family homes, semi-detached homes, townhouses, mobile homes, condominium units, and apartments in duplexes, triplexes, fourplexes, or apartment buildings all qualify. A share in a co-operative housing corporation that entitles you to possess, and gives you an equity interest in, a housing unit located in Canada also qualifies. However, a share that only provides you with a right to tenancy in the housing unit does not qualify.

Also, you must intend to occupy the home or you must intend that the related person with a disability occupy the home as a principal place of residence no later than one year after it is acquired.

5. Who is considered a person with a disability for purposes of the HBTC?

For the purposes of the HBTC, a person with a disability is an individual who is eligible to claim a disability amount for the year in which the home is acquired, or would be eligible to claim a disability amount, if we ignore that costs for attendant care or care in a nursing home were claimed for the Medical Expense Tax Credit.

6. If I buy a house, can my spouse or common-law partner claim the HBTC?

Either one of you can claim the credit or you can share the credit. However, the total of your combined claims cannot exceed $750.

7. My friend and I intend to jointly purchase a home, and we both meet the conditions for the HBTC. Can we both claim the credit?

Either one of you can claim the credit or you can share the credit. However, the total of your combined claims cannot exceed $750.

8. Do I have to register the acquisition of the home under the applicable land registration system?

Yes. Your interest in the home must be registered in accordance with the land registration system applicable to where it is located.

9. How will I claim the HBTC?

Beginning with the 2009 personal income tax return, line 369 is incorporated into the Schedule 1, Federal Tax to allow you to claim the credit in the year in which you acquired the qualifying home.

10. Do I have to submit any supporting documents with my income tax return?

No. However, you must ensure that this information is available, should it be requested by the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

11. Is the HBTC connected to the existing Home Buyers’ Plan?

No. Although some of the eligibility conditions for the HBTC and the Home Buyers’ Plan are similar, the two are not connected. Your eligibility for the HBTC will not change whether or not you also participate in the Home Buyers’ Plan.

12. Where can I get more information about the new HBTC?

The CRA encourages taxpayers to check its Web site often—all new forms, policies, and guidelines are posted there as soon as they become available.

13. In which taxation year can I claim the HBTC?

You can claim the HBTC in the taxation year in which the qualifying home is acquired.

14. If I purchase a condominium as my qualifying home in which occupancy takes place in one taxation year but the legal transfer of ownership only takes place in the subsequent taxation year, in which taxation year can I claim the HBTC?

You can claim the HBTC in the subsequent year in which your interest in the condominium (or a right in Quebec) will be registered in accordance with the land registration system or other similar system applicable where it is located.

CONTACT

Share

RECENT POSTS

What Mortgage Lenders Need to Know About Your Down Payment Source

By Matthew Chan • September 9, 2026
Why the Source of Your Down Payment Matters More Than You Think When buying a home, most people focus on how much they need for a down payment. What often gets overlooked is that where the down payment comes from matters just as much to the lender . The source of your down payment affects approval, risk assessment, and how your mortgage is structured. Here’s why lenders care—and what you need to know. 1. Anti–Money Laundering Requirements Lenders aren’t just being cautious—they’re legally required to verify the source of your down payment. To comply with anti–money laundering regulations, lenders must document where every dollar of the down payment came from on every purchase. Acceptable Down Payment Sources Down payments can come from: Your own savings or investments Borrowed funds through an insured program (such as FlexDown) A gift from an immediate family member How You Prove the Source Personal savings: You’ll need bank statements showing the funds have been in your account for at least 90 days , or proof they were accumulated through payroll deposits or other acceptable sources. Borrowed funds: Any borrowed portion must be included in your debt service ratios , since you’re responsible for repayment. Gifted funds: A signed gift letter is required confirming the money is a true gift with no repayment obligation , along with proof the funds were deposited into your account. 2. Financial Suitability and Risk The source of your down payment also tells the lender a lot about your financial habits. Down payments coming from your own savings demonstrate: Positive cash flow The ability to save consistently Strong financial management This reassures lenders that you’re more likely to keep up with mortgage payments. If the down payment is borrowed or gifted, lenders may look more closely at the rest of your application to ensure the mortgage remains affordable. Why a Larger Down Payment Helps From a lender’s perspective, more equity equals lower risk. The more money you have invested in the property, the less likely you are to walk away from the mortgage. This reduces the lender’s exposure and can sometimes result in better terms. 3. Down Payment and Loan-to-Value (LTV) Your down payment directly establishes your loan-to-value ratio (LTV)—the percentage of the property’s value being financed. In Canada: Lenders can finance up to 95% of a property’s value The buyer must contribute at least 5% as a down payment Example: On a $400,000 purchase: Maximum mortgage = $380,000 Minimum down payment = $20,000 How the Source Affects LTV Property value must be genuine and independently supported. Lenders rely on appraisals and comparable sales—not artificial price inflation. If: The seller provides money back The buyer doesn’t bring the full down payment independently Funds move “behind the scenes” …the lender considers this a change to the LTV and may decline the mortgage. All financial details of the purchase must be fully disclosed. Non-disclosure is mortgage fraud , and lenders will not proceed if the numbers don’t align. Final Thoughts Lenders ask for detailed documentation about your down payment source for good reason—it affects legality, risk, and the structure of your mortgage. Understanding these rules upfront helps avoid delays, declined applications, and last-minute surprises. If you’d like to review your down payment options or talk through mortgage financing, feel free to connect anytime. I’d be happy to walk you through the process and help you plan with confidence.

Bank of Canada Holds Rate at 2.25% — September 2, 2026

By Matthew Chan • September 2, 2026
The Bank of Canada announced today that it is holding its target for the overnight rate at 2.25%, with the Bank Rate at 2.5% and the deposit rate at 2.20%. While Canada's economic recovery is broadening, a new layer of uncertainty has entered the picture. Here is what happened and what it means for your mortgage.

How to Finance a Spousal Buyout After Separation or Divorce

By Matthew Chan • August 26, 2026
Mortgage Options During Divorce or Separation: What You Should Know If you’re going through—or considering—a divorce or separation, you may not realize that there are mortgage solutions specifically designed to help one party keep the home . For many people, the family home is their largest asset and where most of their equity is tied up. In situations like this, a spousal buyout program can allow one person to refinance the property and buy out the other party’s share—often up to 95% of the home’s value . This option can work whether you want to keep the home or your former partner does. What Is the Spousal Buyout Program? The spousal buyout program is a refinancing option that allows one owner to purchase the other owner’s share of the property as part of a separation or divorce settlement. In some cases, it can also be used to pay off jointly held debts, as outlined in a legal agreement. Below are some of the most common questions about how the program works. Is a finalized separation agreement required? Yes. Lenders require a signed and finalized separation agreement that clearly outlines how assets and debts are to be divided. This document is essential for approval. Can the funds be used for renovations or personal debts? No. Funds from a spousal buyout can only be used to: Buy out the other owner’s share of equity Pay off joint debts specifically listed in the separation agreement They cannot be used for renovations, personal loans, or unrelated expenses. How much equity can be accessed? The maximum amount available is the amount required to: Buy out the other party’s agreed-upon share of equity Pay off any joint debts listed in the agreement This amount cannot exceed 95% loan-to-value . What is the maximum loan-to-value allowed? The maximum loan-to-value is the lesser of : 95%, or The remaining mortgage balance plus the required buyout and joint debt payout The property must be the primary owner-occupied residence . Do all parties need to be on title? Yes. All individuals involved in the buyout must currently be registered on title. Your solicitor will confirm this through a title search. Does this only apply to married or common-law couples? No. While commonly used for married or common-law couples, the program may also apply to siblings or friends who jointly own a property and need one party to exit the mortgage. These cases are typically reviewed on an exception basis and require insurer approval. If no separation agreement exists, the purchase contract must clearly outline the buyout terms. Is a full appraisal required? Yes. A physical, on-site appraisal is required to confirm the property’s value before the mortgage can be finalized. Final Thoughts This overview covers some of the most common questions about mortgage options during separation or divorce, but every situation is different. Working with an independent mortgage professional gives you access to multiple lenders, specialized programs, and unbiased advice—so you can clearly understand your options and choose what’s best for your future. If you’re navigating a separation and need guidance around keeping or selling the home, feel free to connect anytime. All conversations are handled with discretion and confidentiality, and I’d be happy to walk you through your options.