Are you a first-time home buyer in Ottawa? Ontario has expanded its HST rebate program, making it easier than ever to afford a newly built or substantially renovated home. This is one of the biggest financial boosts for first-time buyers in recent years.

🚀 Key Benefits for First-Time Buyers in Ontario

• Existing provincial HST rebate: Up to $24,000 for first-time buyers purchasing a new home.

• New 2025 measure: The 8% provincial HST is fully eliminated for homes priced up to $1 million.

• Combined savings: When added to the federal GST/HST rebate, buyers could save up to $80,000.

• Eligible homes: Newly built or substantially renovated homes (resale homes are not eligible).

This means more money for your down payment, renovations, or moving costs, helping you step into homeownership faster.

🏘 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

💡 Ottawa-Area Example Savings

Here’s what first-time buyers in Ottawa could save under the expanded HST rebate program:

Estimates combine provincial and federal HST rebates.

❓ 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, or buyers can apply through the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA).

Q: Is there a price cap?
A: Full provincial rebate applies to homes up to $1 million. Partial relief may apply up to $1.5 million.

✨ Why This Matters for Ottawa Buyers

With rising home prices, affordability is a top concern. Ontario’s expanded HST rebate helps first-time buyers in Ottawa reduce upfront costs, lower mortgage amounts, and invest more into their new home.

📞 Ready to Buy in Ottawa?

If you’re searching for new homes in Ottawa or Nepean, our expert real estate team can help you find homes that qualify for the full HST rebate — maximizing your savings and making your first home purchase easier. Contact us today to get started!

• 📈 Home Sales:

  • 1,177 homes sold in October

  • 🔼 Up 8.1% from September

  • 🔽 Down 1.2% from October 2024

  • ➤ Sales improving month to month — buyers are active again.

• 💰 Average Price:

  • $709,002 average sale price

  • 🔼 Up 2.7% month-over-month

  • 🔼 Up 5.7% year-over-year

  • ➤ Prices holding steady with healthy, moderate growth.

• 📋 New Listings:

  • 2,405 new listings in October

  • 🔽 Down 15.1% from September

  • 🔼 Up 13.4% compared to last year

  • ➤ Typical fall slowdown, but still more choice than in 2024.

• 🏠 Active Listings:

  • 4,232 homes currently on the market

  • 🔽 Down 3.6% from last month

  • 🔼 About 21% higher than a year ago

  • ➤ Plenty of options for buyers, but inventory is slowly tightening.

• 📦 Inventory Levels:

  • 3.6 months of supply (down from 4.0)

  • ➤ Slight shift toward sellers, yet still a balanced market.

• 📅 Year-to-Date Totals:

  • 12,197 homes sold (+3.3%)

  • 💵 Total sales volume: $8.55 billion (+6.5%)

  • 📊 Average YTD price: $700,869 (+3%)

  • ➤ Steady growth continues in 2025.

• 🏡 MLS® HPI Benchmark:

  • $622,700 in October

  • 🔽 Down 0.7% month-over-month

  • 🔼 Up 0.7% year-over-year

  • ➤ Slight monthly dip, long-term values stable.

✅ Bottom Line

Ottawa’s real estate market remains stable, balanced, and resilient — prices are steady, demand is solid, and supply is tightening slightly as we move into winter.

🤝 Thinking of Buying or Selling in Ottawa?

If you're looking for a home in Stittsville, Kanata, Barrhaven, Nepean, Riverside south or Orleans.
📞 Reach me - Jai Patel, Realtor® — your local expert in Ottawa’s diverse communities.
📧 jaipatelrealtor.ca | ☎️ 613-404-8706