Buying your first home is a life-changing milestone — but for most people, it’s also an overwhelming financial challenge. As prices climb and upfront expenses grow, many first-time buyers find themselves wondering if homeownership is still within reach.

The good news? A new federal rebate program is making newly built homes thousands of dollars more affordable, and the First-Time Buyers Event is designed to help you take full advantage of it.

This special event, hosted in Mississauga, focuses on one goal: teaching first-time buyers how to access the 13% HST/GST rebate on eligible newly built homes. For many, this rebate could be the difference between simply dreaming of homeownership and actually stepping through the front door of their first property.

This blog gives you a complete overview of:

What the rebate is
Why this event is so valuable
What you’ll learn
How the process works
What to prepare
A long FAQ section answering the most common homebuyer questions

Let’s get you fully prepared.

What Is the First-Time Buyers Event?

The First-Time Buyers Event is an educational session tailored specifically for new buyers who want to understand how to save money when purchasing a newly built home. Unlike general real estate seminars, this event focuses entirely on the new 13% HST/GST rebate and how first-time buyers can qualify.

Attendees get step-by-step guidance on:

How the rebate works
Who qualifies
Which homes are eligible
How to calculate your potential savings
How to work with builders offering rebate assignments
Which documents are needed at closing
Common mistakes that cost buyers thousands

If you’re considering a pre-construction condo, townhouse, modern build, or planning to build your own home — this event is a must-attend.

Why This Rebate Matters for Today’s Homebuyers

Housing affordability has become a major concern across the country. Even with solid income and savings, many first-time buyers struggle with:

Rising down payments
High closing costs
New-build premiums
Provincial and municipal fees
Interest rate uncertainty

The introduction of this rebate gives eligible buyers a much-needed boost — and it’s happening at exactly the right time.

1. The Savings Are Substantial

The rebate can amount to thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars depending on the purchase price. Many buyers don’t realize just how much of their new home cost is tied to the federal tax portion — until they see what the rebate puts back into their pocket.

2. It Can Lower Your Upfront Costs

If your builder allows you to assign the rebate directly to them, the savings may be applied to your purchase price or closing fees. That means:

Lower mortgage amount
Lower closing costs
Lower cash needed upfront

For first-time buyers, that reduction can change everything.

3. The Rebate Has Strict Timelines

The government has put specific timing rules in place. You must:

Sign your purchase agreement within a set eligibility window
Ensure your home’s construction aligns with the rebate schedule
Occupy the home as your principal residence

Missing these deadlines can disqualify you from receiving the rebate, even if you meet every other requirement. The event provides clarity on these rules so there are no surprises later.

4. New Program = Lots of Confusion

Because the rebate is new, many builders, lawyers, and buyers are still adjusting. There can be misunderstandings around:

Price thresholds
Eligibility definitions
Rebate assignments
Builder credits
Documentation requirements

The event breaks down the fine print so buyers can make confident choices.

What You Will Learn at the Event

This isn’t a surface-level overview. It’s a deep dive into everything a first-time buyer needs to know.

1. How the 13% HST/GST Rebate Works

You’ll learn:

Which portion of the tax the rebate covers
How the rebate is calculated
How much rebate different price points qualify for
How the rebate phases out for higher-priced homes
What happens if your home price exceeds the qualifying limit

This is explained using real numbers and real property scenarios.

2. What Qualifies as a “First-Time Homebuyer”

Many buyers are surprised to learn that the definition is more complicated than simply “I’ve never owned a home.”

You’ll get clarity on:

Criteria for single buyers
Criteria for married couples
Rules for common-law partners
What happens if your partner owned a home years ago
How long you must go without owning a home to re-qualify
How family gifting or co-signing affects eligibility

This is one of the most valuable parts of the event because the rules affect every buyer differently.

3. Which Properties Are Eligible

Not all homes qualify. The event explains exactly which types do, including:

Newly built condos
Builder townhomes
New detached homes
Co-op units in new developments
Owner-built homes
Substantially renovated homes
Homes built on leased land

Resale homes do not qualify, and the event clarifies why.

4. How Builders Handle the Rebate in Contracts

Builder contracts can be intimidating — and rebate language is often buried in the legal fine print. You’ll learn:

What a “rebate assignment” clause means
Whether the builder deducts the rebate from your price
When you must apply for the rebate yourself
How much the builder can claim
What documents you’ll need
Questions to ask before signing anything

This section alone can save buyers from costly mistakes.

5. How Much You Can Save: Real Scenarios

The event includes practical examples such as:

Buying a $600,000 pre-construction condo
Buying a $950,000 townhome
Buying a $1.2M new-build home
Building a home on land you own

Each example shows how the rebate affects:

Total purchase price
Mortgage amount
Closing costs
Upfront money needed

It’s the easiest way to see your savings clearly.

6. How the Rebate Combines with Other Incentives

You’ll also learn how the rebate stacks with:

First Home Savings Account (FHSA) withdrawals
RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)
Provincial land transfer tax rebates
Municipal first-time buyer grants
The existing federal housing rebate

Maximizing these together can dramatically reduce total upfront costs.

Why Attend In Person?

In today’s digital world, you could try to piece this information together online — but the event offers benefits you won’t get from articles or YouTube videos.

✓ Clear Answers from Experts

Bring your questions and get real, specific answers for your situation.

✓ Current, Up-to-Date Information

The rebate is new. The event gives insights based on the latest updates.

✓ Learn from Real Examples

Seeing real buyer scenarios makes everything more understandable.

✓ Meet Other Buyers

Networking with others gives you perspectives you won’t find online.

✓ Understand Your Builder Contract

Knowing what to look for in your purchase agreement is crucial.

✓ Avoid Costly Mistakes

Many buyers lose rebate eligibility simply because they misunderstood timing or paperwork requirements.

This event gives you the clarity needed to move forward confidently.

Who Should Attend the Event?

This event is designed for:

First-time buyers wanting to purchase within the next 1–5 years
Anyone considering a pre-construction or newly built home
Buyers planning to occupy the home as a principal residence
People who want to reduce their upfront home-buying costs
Couples unsure of their first-time buyer status
New immigrants exploring their first home purchase
Parents or guardians helping their children buy their first home
Anyone planning to build a home on land they already own

If you’re not sure whether you’ll qualify, that’s an even better reason to attend.

How to Prepare Before the Event

Your experience will be even more valuable if you prepare ahead of time.

1. Know Your Budget and Price Range

Even approximate numbers help experts guide you better.

2. Write Down Your Questions

Example questions:

Do I qualify if I owned a home 6 years ago?
Does my spouse’s housing history affect me?
How does the rebate work with a pre-construction condo?
Can I apply for this rebate and the existing federal rebate together?
Does the builder apply the rebate or do I claim it later?

3. Research Builders or Projects You’re Interested In

If you have a specific condo project or developer in mind, the event will help you understand whether their contract structure works in your favour.

4. Bring Basic Income and Savings Information (Optional)

This isn’t required, but if you want a clearer idea of your affordability, it helps.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

This is a complete updated FAQ section for your blog.

Q1. What is the 13% HST/GST rebate for first-time buyers?

It is a federal rebate that helps first-time homebuyers recover up to the full federal portion of HST/GST when purchasing a newly constructed home. This can significantly reduce your total cost.

Q2. Do resale homes qualify?

No. Only:

New builds
Pre-construction properties
Substantial renovations
Owner-built homes

are eligible.

Q3. Who is considered a first-time buyer?

Generally, you are a first-time buyer if:

You have not owned and occupied a home as your principal residence in the last four years
You meet certain residency or citizenship requirements
Your spouse or partner also meets the criteria

If your partner has previously owned a home, you may lose eligibility — the event explains this fully.

Q4. Can I buy the home as an investment?

No. You must intend to live in the home as your primary residence.

Q5. What types of homes qualify?

Eligible homes include:

Newly built condos
New townhomes
New semi-detached and detached homes
Homes built on land you own or lease
Co-op units in new developments
Substantially renovated homes

Q6. How much money can I save?

This depends on the home’s purchase price and current tax structure. Many buyers save anywhere from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars.

Q7. Does the builder apply the rebate or do I apply myself?

It depends on the builder. Some apply it upfront. Others require you to apply after closing. You’ll learn exactly what questions to ask before signing a contract.

Q8. Can I stack this with other incentives?

Yes! Buyers often combine the rebate with:

First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)
Land transfer tax rebates
Municipal programs
Federal new-home rebates

Q9. What paperwork is required to receive the rebate?

Typically:

Signed purchase agreement
Occupancy or closing documents
Proof of primary residence
Rebate application forms
Builder assignment forms (if applicable)

Q10. What if I’m unsure about my eligibility?

That’s exactly why this event exists. Bring your questions — experts will help you understand whether you qualify and what steps to take next.

Final Thoughts: Why This Event Is Worth Attending

The first home you buy is one of the most important financial decisions you will ever make. Understanding the 13% HST/GST rebate is not just useful — it can fundamentally reshape what you can afford and how soon you can buy.

Your Guide to the First-Time Buyers Event: Unlocking the 13% HST/GST Rebate