Ontario government has announced plans to offer a full 8% HST rebate on new homes priced up to $1 million, complementing the federal government’s 5% HST removal already in place.

These measures would completely eliminate the 13% HST on new builds — meaning no HST upto 1 Million $ for FTHB.  This could translate to savings of up to $130,000 on a newly built home, making homeownership more affordable for thousands of first-time buyers across the province.

🏘 Who Qualifies?

• First-time buyers who have not owned a home in the last four years

• Purchasing a new or substantially renovated home

• Homes priced up to $1 million for full savings; partial relief may apply for homes $1–1.5 million

• Homes above $1.5 million are not eligible

🏛️ Federal Alignment and Eligibility for Ontario HST Rebate

• The new Ontario rebate is based on the federal government’s May 27, 2025 proposal to eliminate the full federal portion of HST.

• Implementation depends on federal legislation and regulatory changes.

• To qualify, the agreement of purchase and sale must be signed on or after May 27, 2025.

• Buyers must acquire the home for use as their primary residence, following federal eligibility rules.

❓ First-Time Buyer FAQ

Q: What counts as a “new” home?
A: Homes purchased directly from a builder or substantially renovated homes sold as new.

Q: Does this apply to resale homes?
A: No. Only new or substantially renovated homes qualify.

Q: How do I claim the rebate?
A: Builders often apply the rebate at closing. Buyers may also apply through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Q: Is there a price cap?
A: Full rebate for homes up to $1 million, phased reduction for $1–1.5 million homes. Homes above $1.5 million are not eligible.

📞 Ready to Buy in Ottawa?

If you’re looking for new home anywhere in Ottawa or surrounding area, I can help you find options that qualify for the full HST rebate, maximizing your savings and simplifying your first home purchase.

Contact Me today 613.404.8706 to start your journey into homeownership!

Ontario HST rebate, first-time homebuyers, new home savings Ontario, Ontario housing affordability, HST rebate 2025

Canada’s housing market is shifting gears after years of rapid change. According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), 2025 will be a year of modest cooling and stabilization, followed by a stronger rebound in 2026 as market conditions normalize.

Key Highlights

• 🏠 Home sales are forecast to reach about 469,500 units in 2025, a 3% decline from 2024.

• 💰 The average national home price is expected to dip 1.4% to roughly $676,700.

• 🌎 Market performance will vary by region — while Ontario and British Columbia may experience further price and sales declines, many other provinces are projected to see 4%–8% price growth in 2025.

• 📈 By 2026, CREA anticipates a rebound, with sales rising 7.7% to about 509,500 units and average prices climbing 3.2% to approximately $698,600.

• ⚠️ CREA notes there’s higher-than-usual uncertainty due to fluctuating interest rates, economic headwinds, and regional supply-demand imbalances.

What This Means for Buyers, Sellers & Investors

• Buyers: 2025 could offer more choice and negotiating power, particularly outside major urban markets. However, affordability will remain challenging until interest rates ease further.

• Sellers: In Ontario and B.C., expect longer listing times and softer prices. In contrast, sellers in regions with limited inventory — such as parts of the Prairies or Atlantic Canada — may still see steady demand.

• Investors: Patience may pay off. 2026’s projected rebound suggests renewed opportunity for capital growth as economic stability returns.

Regional Nuance Matters

CREA emphasizes that national figures tell only part of the story. Local market conditions — such as job growth, housing supply, and migration patterns — will drive performance. Detached homes in expensive markets may cool faster, while affordable segments and smaller cities could stay resilient.

Looking Ahead

2025 appears to be a transition year for Canadian real estate — a period of recalibration before renewed growth. With borrowing costs expected to gradually ease, and population growth continuing to support long-term demand, the outlook for 2026 is cautiously optimistic.

If you’re planning to buy, sell, or invest, this is a good time to watch local data closely and prepare for shifting opportunities as the market regains momentum. Contact me to find discuss opportunities for you  @ 6134048706

Source: CREA

As fall begins, Ottawa’s housing market remains resilient, with growing inventory, steady demand, and stable prices, fueled by the Bank of Canada’s rate cut 📉 to 2.5%.

Ottawa Key Market Highlights for September 2025:

• Sales: 1,089 homes sold,  +2.4% from Sept 2024

• Inventory: 4,388 listings

• New Listings: 2,832  

• Prices: Avg. $690,397,  +0.3% YoY

Tips for Clients: 

• Sellers: Price smart, stage for fall appeal.

• Buyers: Push pre-approvals, explore diverse options.

• Stay Sharp: Watch October data for rate-cut impacts.

Let’s ConnectReady to navigate this balanced market?  DM me for comps or strategies.

#OttawaRealEstate Data: OREB September 2025 Report