THE 2026 FIRST-TIME BUYER INCENTIVE CHECKLIST

How to claim up to $50,000 in government rebates, tax savings, and incentives on your first GTA home.

The headlines are focused on high interest rates, but they are completely ignoring the massive government incentives that just became available to first-time buyers. If you know how to stack these rebates, your barrier to entry drops significantly.

Check off these four incentives to see how much "free money" you qualify for:

✅ 1. The HST Rebate (Up to $50,000)

If you are buying a newly constructed home or a pre-construction condo, you are likely eligible for the new federal GST rebate.

• The Math: You get a refund of the HST on new builds priced up to $1.5 Million.
• The Result: A straight deduction of up to $50,000 from your purchase price or mortgage amount.

✅ 2. The Land Transfer Tax (LTT) Rebate (Up to $8,475)

First-time buyers are exempt from a massive chunk of the closing costs that repeat buyers have to pay.

• The Math: You qualify for up to a $4,000 rebate on the Ontario Land Transfer Tax. If you buy within the City of Toronto borders, you get an additional rebate of up to $4,475 on the Municipal Land Transfer Tax.
• The Result: Up to $8,475 in cash savings on closing day.

✅ 3. The 30-Year Amortization Rule

This isn't a cash rebate, but it is the biggest monthly money-saver for 2026 buyers.

• The Math: First-time buyers purchasing new builds can now stretch their insured mortgage over 30 years instead of the standard 25.
• The Result: This drops your monthly carrying cost by hundreds of dollars, making your mortgage payment much closer to what you are currently paying in rent.

✅ 4. The FHSA (First Home Savings Account) Return

If you haven't opened an FHSA, you are missing out on the ultimate tax shield.

• The Math: You can contribute up to $8,000 per year. It goes in tax-deductible (like an RRSP) and comes out completely tax-free (like a TFSA).
• The Result: Contributing to this account literally lowers your taxable income, often resulting in a larger tax refund that you can add directly to your down payment.

YOUR NEXT STEP: DON'T GUESS YOUR NUMBERS.

Every buyer's situation is unique, and missing a deadline on these programs means losing the money forever.

Our team at EXIT Realty Legacy offers a free, 15-minute Rebate Audit. We will review your income, your timeline, and your target neighborhoods to tell you exactly how much government funding you qualify for.