A Guide to First-Time Home Buyer Programs, Loans, and Grants

Calgary is considered one of the best places to live in Canada, and for good reason. The city boasts a high standard of living, with a vibrant community and countless recreational activities like boating, golf, and hiking. One of the things that makes Calgary special is its stunning natural beauty. Locals are never far from an outdoor adventure, from the majestic Rocky Mountains to the winding Bow River.

With rising housing prices, it can be difficult to afford a home, especially for young adults. Thankfully, in Canada, there are assistance programs designed to help first-time home buyers achieve homeownership. These programs offer financial help, educational resources, and support to make purchasing a home more accessible.

First-time home buyers often face financial barriers when trying to enter the housing market. This can be due to various reasons, such as student loan debt, high living expenses, or the cost of housing in certain areas. These obstacles can make it difficult for first-time buyers to save up for a down payment and qualify for a mortgage. Thus, financial assistance programs can be crucial in helping first-time home buyers overcome these challenges and own a home.

One of the most common ways first-time home buyers receive assistance in Canada is through down payment assistance programs. These programs offer funding to help cover the initial down payment costs, which can be a significant financial hurdle. Down payment assistance is offered at federal, provincial, and municipal government levels. The most common programs are shared equity mortgages, where the lender and owner share the benefits and disadvantages of the property’s value.

First-time buyers are awarded a loan between 5% and 15% of the property to cover the down payment, and the loan is repaid as a percentage of the property value upon selling or a time cap. By receiving this assistance, first-time home buyers can secure a mortgage and begin building equity in their own property.

In addition to down payment assistance, Canada also offers tax deductions and savings programs specifically geared toward first-time home buyers. For example, one of the incentives is a First Home Savings Account (FHSA), where buyers contributing a minimum of $8,000 annually can qualify for up to $40,000 tax-free savings. Buyers may also be eligible for a tax credit of up to $1,500 or a tax rebate.

In addition, the Home Buyers’ Plan allows buyers to withdraw up to $35,000 from their retirement plan to use towards a down payment without incurring taxes. These programs, in conjunction with down payment assistance, make it more feasible for first-time home buyers to become a homeowner in Canada.

First-time home buyers in Canada can also benefit from educational resources aimed at helping them navigate the home-buying process. These tools can include online courses, workshops, and seminars that cover important topics such as budgeting, credit scores, assistance eligibility, and mortgage requirements. First-time home buyers can make wise decisions and better understand their financial options for purchasing a home.

Charitable organizations offer assistance in Canada to first-time home buyers who may need additional support. These organizations often provide resources such as discounted legal services, workshops on financial literacy, and access to affordable housing opportunities. By offering these services, charitable organizations help first-time buyers overcome financial barriers and ensure homeownership remains an option. For example, Habitat for Humanity offers low-income individuals the opportunity to own a home through a unique “sweat equity” program, where recipients work alongside volunteers to build their own homes.

Employer-assisted housing benefit programs can be an additional resource for first-time home buyers in Canada. Your employer may offer these programs as part of their benefits package and can provide financial assistance for down payments or closing costs. The assistance program can help employees buy homes with forgivable loans, matched savings, or grants. The program also provides educational workshops, ownership counseling, and information on local and federal programs.

As a first-time home buyer, conducting thorough research before making any financial decisions is important. Research can involve exploring different financial assistance programs if you can combine multiple programs for the most benefits and the requirements for assistance. Common questions buyers encounter can include:

A first-time home buyer has never owned a home or has not owned one in the past four years. These individuals often face challenges when entering the housing market, such as saving up for a down payment and qualifying for a mortgage with increasing home prices. Canada offers various financial assistance programs and resources aimed at helping first-time home buyers who may not have been able to purchase a home without support.

First-time buyer programs are aimed at moderate to low-income families and individuals who cannot buy a home without assistance. The programs have strict qualifications to ensure that the programs are used wisely and effectively. Depending on whether the program is backed at a municipal or provincial level, requirements may vary or change yearly. Working with a lender or real estate professional is always best to understand the programs, how they work, and your financial responsibility.

Generally, down payment assistance programs in Canada require an income less than $100,000, a home price less than $500,000, a legal resident making the purchase, use of the home as a primary residence, and pre-qualified for a mortgage.

Navigating the housing market can be overwhelming, and the process can be stressful for first-time buyers with limited knowledge. Getting expert help from a local real estate professional is critical. A reputable agent can help you identify local and federal programs and resources, connect you with charitable organizations, and guide you through the home-buying process. With the proper support, you can avoid mistakes and delays in your journey and start searching for homes.

The McKelvie Group is a Calgary real estate team with expert realtors experienced in complex transactions and first-time home buyer support. Learn more about your options to make homeownership a reality.