Canada’s Economic Action Plan Offers Incentives for Homeownership
Buying your first home is one of the largest investments of your life. Canada’s Economic Action Plan introduces the First-Time Home Buyers’ (FTHB) Tax Credit and the expansion of the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) to provide you with additional benefits and help you realize your dream of homeownership.
First-Time Home Buyers' (FTHB) Tax Credit
The costs associated with purchasing a home, such as legal fees, disbursements and land transfer taxes, can be a particular burden for first-time homebuyers who must pay these costs, as well as save money for a down payment. To assist first-time homebuyers with the costs associated with the purchase of a home, the Government of Canada introduced a FTHB Tax Credit in 2009 — a $5,000 non-refundable income tax credit amount on a qualifying home acquired after January 27, 2009. For an eligible individual, the credit will provide up to $750 in federal tax relief starting in 2009.
Expansion of the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)
To provide first-time homebuyers with greater access to their RRSP savings to purchase or build a home, the Government of Canada has increased the Home Buyers’ Plan withdrawal limit to $25,000 from $20,000 per person for withdrawals made after January 27, 2009.
To obtain more information on the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit and the Home Buyers’ Plan, call 1-800-O-Canada or visit the Canada Revenue Agency website at www.cra.gc.ca.
Looking for More Homebuying Information?
When it comes to buying your home, nothing is more valuable than peace of mind. That’s why for more than 65 years, CMHC has shared a wealth of knowledge and housing expertise to contribute to a positive homeownership experience for Canadians. Browse through our wealth of homebuying information. You’ll find everything you need, from homebuying videos, to mortgage calculators, to home hunting worksheets.
CMHC also provides mortgage loan insurance that enables you to buy a home with a minimum down payment of 5% — with interest rates comparable to those with a 20% down payment. Obtain a 10% premium refund, and a premium refund for a longer amortization period (if applicable) when using CMHC-insured financing to purchase an eligible energy-efficient home. This can add up to savings of $688 for a typical $250,000 mortgage with a 5% down payment amortized over 25 years. Ask your mortgage professional about CMHC.
