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)

Federal

A 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)

Federal

Withdraw 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)

Federal

A 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

Federal

If 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
AK

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.