For many Canadians, owning a home is more than a financial milestone — it’s a dream tied to stability, independence, and long-term security. But in today’s market, rising home prices, higher interest rates, and increasing closing costs can make the path to ownership feel intimidating.

Fortunately, new opportunities are emerging for first-time buyers, especially those interested in newly built or pre-construction homes. One of the most promising incentives is the 13% HST/GST rebate, a program that can return a significant amount of money to eligible homebuyers. But like any government program, the details matter — and understanding how to qualify is essential.

That’s where the First-Time Buyers Event comes in. This in-person session is built to simplify the process, answer your questions, and guide you through the rebate rules so you can take advantage of every dollar available to you.

This blog walks you through everything the event covers, why it’s valuable, and what you can expect to learn — along with a detailed FAQ section to help you prepare before you attend.

What Is the First-Time Buyers Event?

The First-Time Buyers Event is an informative session created specifically for individuals and families preparing to purchase their first home. Rather than offering broad or generic advice, this event focuses on one important topic:

How first-time buyers can access the 13% HST/GST rebate when purchasing a newly built home.

The session includes:

A step-by-step explanation of the new rebate
Eligibility rules
The rebate process from purchase to closing
How to verify if your home qualifies
How much you can expect to save
How builder contracts relate to the rebate
Which documents are required to apply
Common mistakes first-time buyers should avoid

Think of it as a practical roadmap for making a new-construction home more affordable.

Why the 13% HST/GST Rebate Matters

Buying a home already comes with hurdles — down payments, mortgage approvals, and closing costs. For new builds, buyers must also account for taxes that significantly increase the total purchase price.

The 13% HST/GST rebate can dramatically reduce that cost, making it one of the most valuable incentives for first-time buyers today.

Here’s why it’s a game-changer:

1. It Can Put Thousands of Dollars Back Into Your Pocket

The rebate refunds the federal portion of the tax paid on a newly built home. Depending on the purchase price, this can translate into a significant reduction in closing costs.

For many buyers, this savings is enough to:

Reduce their mortgage amount
Increase their down payment
Cover other closing fees
Help with moving or furnishing costs

2. It Makes New-Build Homes More Accessible

Pre-construction and newly built properties tend to be more expensive than resale homes. While buyers are drawn to the modern features, energy efficiency, and warranties, the initial cost can be higher.

This rebate helps bridge that gap, making new-build homes more attainable for first-time buyers.

3. The Rules Are New — and Confusing

Because the rebate was recently introduced, many buyers (and even some professionals) are still learning the rules. There’s confusion around:

Eligibility
Price thresholds
Required documents
Occupancy rules
Builder rebate assignments

This event cuts through the confusion with clear explanations.

4. Timing Matters

Many buyers don’t realize that their eligibility for the rebate depends on specific timelines, such as:

When they sign the purchase agreement
When construction is completed
When they take possession
When they file the rebate application

Missing these deadlines can mean losing the rebate altogether — something the event helps you avoid.

What You Will Learn at the Event

The event is structured to give first-time buyers the confidence they need to move forward with a new-build home purchase.

Below is an overview of the main topics covered during the session:

1. How the Rebate Works

You’ll gain a clear understanding of:

Which portion of the tax is refunded
How the rebate is calculated
The maximum rebate amount
How different price points affect eligibility
The difference between federal and provincial rebates
How much you can expect to save in your specific situation

By the end, you’ll know exactly how to estimate your potential rebate.

2. What Qualifies as a “New Home”

Not every property qualifies, and this is where buyers often get confused.

The event explains the categories of eligible homes, such as:

Pre-construction condos
Newly constructed townhouses
New detached homes
Owner-built residences
Co-op units in new developments
Substantially rebuilt properties

You’ll also learn why resale homes do not qualify for this rebate.

3. First-Time Buyer Eligibility Rules

Eligibility extends beyond “I’ve never owned a home.” This section clarifies:

Whether you qualify if your spouse owned a home in the past
How common-law relationships affect eligibility
What counts as “occupying a home as a primary residence”
How long you must wait if you previously owned a home
How co-signers and guarantors impact your status
What documentation the government requires

This is often the most eye-opening part of the session for attendees.

4. How Builder Contracts Handle the Rebate

Builder agreements can be complex. They often include rebate clauses that buyers don’t fully understand until after signing.

The event explains:

What a rebate assignment is
When the builder applies the rebate to your price
When the buyer applies for the rebate separately
What the builder can claim
Which disclosure statements to look for
How your lawyer finalizes the rebate at closing

This information helps you avoid surprises and keeps you in control during the purchase.

5. Real-World Rebate Scenarios

To make everything easier to understand, the event walks through real examples, such as:

A first-time buyer purchasing a $550,000 condo
A couple buying a $900,000 townhouse
A family building a home on their own land
Buyers purchasing a co-op unit in a new development

These examples show you exactly what the rebate looks like in different price ranges.

6. How to Combine the Rebate With Other Incentives

Most first-time buyers qualify for multiple programs — not just one. The event helps you understand how to combine the rebate with:

The First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
The Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)
Provincial land transfer tax rebates
Municipal incentives
Other new-home rebate programs

When used together, these programs can significantly lower the overall cost of homeownership.

Why Attend This Event In Person?

While online articles and videos can be helpful, nothing compares to learning directly from professionals who work with these rebate programs every day.

Here’s why attending in person makes a difference:

✓ You get answers tailored to your situation.

Every buyer’s circumstances are unique, and experts can address your specific concerns.

✓ You learn how to avoid expensive mistakes.

Many first-time buyers lose eligibility due to misunderstandings — this event prevents that.

✓ You gain clarity on complex rebate rules.

Tax and rebate programs are complicated. The event makes them easy to understand.

✓ You meet other first-time buyers.

You’ll hear questions and scenarios you may not have thought of yourself.

✓ You leave with a clear action plan.

You’ll know exactly what to do next, whether you plan to buy now or in a few years.

Who Should Attend the First-Time Buyers Event?

This event is ideal for:

Individuals planning to buy their first home
Couples unsure about their eligibility
Buyers considering new-construction or pre-construction homes
New Canadians exploring the homebuying process
Parents helping children purchase their first home
Anyone thinking of building their own home
Buyers planning to purchase within 1–5 years

If you’re not sure whether you qualify, attending the event will help you find out.

How to Prepare Before Attending

A little preparation will help you get the most value out of the event.

1. Know your general budget.

Even a rough number helps experts give more accurate guidance.

2. Write down your questions.

Common examples include:

Does the rebate apply to my specific home type?
Do I qualify if my partner owned a home before?
How do I apply the rebate with my builder?
What documents are needed for the application?

3. Bring information about the home you’re interested in.

If you already have a development or builder in mind, you’ll get advice tailored to it.

4. Think about your timeline.

When you plan to buy affects which programs you’re eligible for.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Below is an expanded FAQ section for buyers preparing to attend the event.

Q1. What is the 13% HST/GST rebate?

It is a federal rebate that allows first-time buyers to recover the federal portion of the tax paid on newly built homes. This rebate can reduce total buying costs significantly.

Q2. Do resale homes qualify?

No. The rebate only applies to new properties, including:

Pre-construction homes
Newly built properties
Owner-built homes
Substantial renovations

Resale homes do not qualify.

Q3. Does the home need to be my primary residence?

Yes. Investment properties are not eligible. You must intend to live in the home as your main residence.

Q4. Can couples qualify if one partner owned a home before?

Often no — if one partner previously owned and lived in a home, both may lose eligibility. The event provides detailed explanations based on specific scenarios.

Q5. How long does it take to receive the rebate?

If the builder applies it, the savings may be immediate.
If you apply after closing, processing times vary — experts at the event will explain current timelines.

Q6. Can I combine this rebate with my FHSA or HBP withdrawals?

Yes. The rebate works alongside other incentives, helping reduce both upfront and long-term costs.

Q7. What documents do I need to apply for the rebate?

Typical documents include:

Signed purchase agreement
Closing statements
Proof of occupancy
Identification
Completed rebate forms

Your lawyer usually assists with this.

Q8. When should I apply for the rebate?

This depends on:

Your builder
Your contract terms
Whether the rebate is assigned
When you close or take occupancy

The event clarifies the timing for your specific situation.

Q9. What if I don’t know whether I qualify?

The event is designed for exactly this. Bring your questions, and experts will walk you through the rules based on your personal circumstances.

Final Thoughts: Why You Should Attend

Becoming a homeowner for the first time is a major milestone — one that deserves thoughtful planning and expert guidance. The First-Time Buyers Event makes the process easier by giving you the knowledge and confidence to take advantage of every incentive available to you.

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