How Much Can You Save?
By combining available programs, a first-time buyer purchasing a $750,000 new condo in Oakridge could potentially save:
$40,000
FHSA Savings
$60,000
HBP Withdrawal
Up to $13,000
PTT Savings
Up to $7,800
Tax Credits
First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
FederalA registered plan that lets you save up to $40,000 tax-free for your first home. Contributions are tax-deductible (like an RRSP) and withdrawals for a home purchase are tax-free (like a TFSA).
- Contribute up to $8,000 per year
- Lifetime contribution limit of $40,000
- Tax-deductible contributions reduce your income tax
- Tax-free withdrawals when used for a qualifying home
- Can carry forward unused contribution room (max $8,000)
- Available to Canadian residents aged 18-71 who haven't owned a home
Home Buyers' Plan (HBP)
FederalWithdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP tax-free to buy or build your first home. You must repay the amount over 15 years, starting the second year after the withdrawal.
- Withdraw up to $60,000 tax-free ($120,000 per couple)
- Funds must be in your RRSP for at least 90 days
- Repay over 15 years (minimum 1/15th per year)
- Can be combined with FHSA for maximum savings
- Must not have owned a home in the last 4 years
First-Time Home Buyer PTT Exemption
Provincial (BC)First-time buyers can be fully exempt from BC's Property Transfer Tax on homes up to $500,000, with a partial exemption for homes up to $525,000.
- Full exemption on homes up to $500,000
- Partial exemption between $500,000 and $525,000
- Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Must have lived in BC for 12+ consecutive months
- Must not have previously owned a home anywhere in the world
- Property must be your principal residence
Newly Built Home PTT Exemption
Provincial (BC)Buy a brand-new or pre-sale home and get a full PTT exemption on homes up to $750,000, or a partial exemption up to $800,000. Can be combined with the first-time buyer exemption.
- Full exemption on new homes up to $750,000
- Partial exemption between $750,000 and $800,000
- Applies to pre-sale condos and newly constructed homes
- Must be your principal residence
- Particularly relevant for Oakridge Park and Cambie Corridor pre-sales
First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit (Federal)
FederalA non-refundable tax credit of up to $10,000, providing up to $1,500 in federal tax relief in the year you buy your first home.
- Claim up to $10,000 on your tax return
- Provides up to $1,500 in tax relief
- Claimed in the year you buy your first home
- Both you and your spouse can claim if eligible
GST/HST New Housing Rebate
FederalIf you buy a newly built home, you may qualify for a rebate of part of the GST paid. In BC, the rebate can be up to 36% of the GST on homes up to $350,000, with a partial rebate up to $450,000.
- Rebate of up to 36% of the 5% GST paid
- Maximum rebate of $6,300
- Applies to new construction and major renovations
- Partial rebate for homes between $350,000 and $450,000
- Often assigned to the builder and reflected in the purchase price
Aparna's Advice for First-Time Buyers
“Start your FHSA as early as possible, even if you won't buy for a few years. The tax deduction alone makes it worthwhile. And don't overlook the newly built home PTT exemption — with all the new development in Oakridge and the Cambie Corridor, this can save you thousands.”
Have Questions About These Programs?
Navigating first-time buyer programs can be confusing. I'm happy to walk you through your options.