Buying your first home can be challenging, especially when you are trying to save for a down payment while managing other expenses. Fortunately, several federal programs can help eligible first-time buyers save, access funds or reduce certain costs.
The first-time home buyer programs in Canada available in 2026 include the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP), the Home Buyers’ Amount and the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST/HST Rebate.
Each program works differently, so understanding the eligibility rules and limits can help you decide which options may apply to you.
Table of Contents
First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Canada at a Glance
| Program | Key 2026 Information |
|---|---|
| FHSA | $8,000 participation room in the first year; $40,000 lifetime limit |
| Home Buyers’ Plan | Up to $60,000 can be withdrawn from an RRSP if eligible |
| Home Buyers’ Amount | Up to $10,000 claim amount for a qualifying home |
| FTHB GST/HST Rebate | Up to $50,000 for eligible first-time buyers of qualifying new homes |
Eligibility requirements apply to every program, so these amounts should not be treated as automatic benefits.
1. First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
The First Home Savings Account, or FHSA, is designed to help eligible first-time home buyers save toward a qualifying home.
In the year you open your first FHSA, your participation room is $8,000. The lifetime FHSA limit is generally $40,000.
Contributions may generally be deducted from income for tax purposes, while qualifying withdrawals used to purchase or build a qualifying first home can be made tax-free when the CRA requirements are satisfied.
Unused participation room may also be carried forward, subject to CRA rules and limits.
For buyers who are still several years away from purchasing a home, an FHSA can therefore be an important part of a down-payment savings strategy.
2. Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)
The Home Buyers’ Plan allows eligible individuals to withdraw funds from their RRSP to buy or build a qualifying home.
The current HBP withdrawal limit is $60,000 per eligible individual.
Unlike a qualifying FHSA withdrawal, however, an HBP withdrawal generally needs to be repaid to the RRSP according to the program’s repayment rules.
This distinction is important when comparing the two programs.
Eligible buyers may also be able to use the FHSA and HBP for the same qualifying home, provided they meet the requirements of both programs.
3. Home Buyers’ Amount
The Home Buyers’ Amount is a federal non-refundable tax credit for eligible home buyers.
For a qualifying home, an eligible person can claim up to $10,000.
It’s important to understand what that number means: the $10,000 is the amount claimed for purposes of calculating the tax credit, not $10,000 of cash paid to the home buyer.
Eligibility rules apply, including rules concerning whether you or your spouse or common-law partner owned and lived in another home during the relevant period.
4. First-Time Home Buyers’ GST/HST Rebate
This is an especially important program to know about in 2026.
The First-Time Home Buyers’ GST/HST Rebate is now available, and the CRA is accepting applications.
Eligible first-time home buyers can receive a rebate of 100% of the GST, or federal portion of the HST, on a new home valued up to $1 million.
For eligible new homes valued between $1 million and $1.5 million, the rebate is gradually reduced. The maximum federal rebate is $50,000.
This program does not simply provide $50,000 to everyone buying their first home. It applies to qualifying new or substantially renovated housing and has specific eligibility, purchase, construction, occupancy and timing requirements.
Can You Use More Than One First-Time Home Buyer Program in Canada?
In some situations, yes.
For example, an eligible buyer may be able to use both an FHSA qualifying withdrawal and the Home Buyers’ Plan toward the same qualifying home.
Other measures, such as the Home Buyers’ Amount or the new GST/HST rebate, operate separately and have their own eligibility requirements.
This means first-time home buyer programs in Canada should be considered together rather than assuming you must choose only one.
However, qualifying for one program does not automatically mean you qualify for all of them.
Provincial First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Canada
Federal programs are only part of the picture.
Depending on where you purchase your home, provincial or municipal programs may also be available. These can include land transfer tax rebates or other home-buyer assistance.
Because these programs vary considerably by location, buyers should check the official provincial or municipal government information for the area where they plan to purchase.
Other Costs First-Time Buyers Should Prepare For
Government programs can help, but buying a home still involves expenses beyond the down payment.
These may include legal fees, land transfer taxes where applicable, home inspection costs, title insurance, property tax adjustments and other expenses associated with completing the purchase.
For a detailed breakdown, see our Closing Costs in Canada guide.
You can also read our guides to Down Payment in Canada, Mortgage Pre-Approval in Canada, Mortgage Rates in Canada, and Home Insurance in Canada as you work through the buying process.
Frequently Asked Questions
What first-time home buyer programs are available in Canada in 2026?
Major federal options include the FHSA, Home Buyers’ Plan, Home Buyers’ Amount and First-Time Home Buyers’ GST/HST Rebate. Each has separate eligibility requirements.
How much can I put into an FHSA?
Your FHSA participation room is $8,000 in the year you open your first FHSA, and the general lifetime FHSA limit is $40,000.
How much can I withdraw through the Home Buyers’ Plan?
Eligible individuals can currently withdraw up to $60,000 from their RRSP under the HBP, subject to the program’s rules.
Can I use an FHSA and the Home Buyers’ Plan together?
Yes. If you satisfy the requirements of both programs, you may use qualifying FHSA and HBP withdrawals for the same qualifying home.
Is the new first-time buyer GST/HST rebate available now?
Yes. The CRA announced on March 17, 2026 that applications were being accepted. Eligible buyers may receive up to $50,000, depending on the home and applicable GST or federal portion of HST.
Official Resources
CRA — First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
CRA — Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)
CRA — Home Buyers’ Amount
CRA — First-Time Home Buyers’ GST/HST Rebate