Everything You Need to Know About the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate

Thinking about buying your first home? The First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate (“FTHB GST Rebate”) helps eligible buyers save even more on the purchase of a brand-new home.

What is the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate?

The federal government has introduced a new GST rebate for first-time home buyers to help reduce the cost of purchasing a new home. With this program, buyers can get back some or all of the 5% GST when purchasing a new construction home. For homes priced up to $1 million (before taxes), first-time buyers may receive a full rebate of the Goods and Services Taxes (“GST”).

For many Canadians, GST is a significant upfront expense, and this program is designed to make homeownership more attainable.

Contact our team to learn how this applies to your specific home.

Who qualifies?

You may be eligible if:

  • You are at least 18 years old.
  • You are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
  • You have not previously claimed the FTHB GST Rebate.
  • You have not lived in a home that you or your spouse or common-law partner owned, whether in or outside of Canada, as your primary place of residence at any time in the in the current calendar year or the past four calendar years.
  • The home must be your primary place of residence.
  • Purchase agreement is entered into with Streetside between March 20, 2025 and December 31, 2030 and construction of the home begins before 2031.

How does the rebate work?

StreetSide will apply for the FTHB GST Rebate directly on the purchaser’s behalf. With this approach, an upfront credit of the applicable FTHB GST Rebate will be provided in the Purchase Agreement entered into with a qualifying purchaser, helping improve overall affordability.

StreetSide’s sale prices shown on the website only include the standard GST New Housing Rebate.

Therefore, first-time home buyers who qualify for the FTHB GST Rebate may either qualify for a rebate of: (1) the difference between the standard GST New Housing Rebate already included in our pricing and the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate or (2) for homes $450,000 + (before GST) a full rebate of the GST for homes under $1 Million (before GST).

GST Rebate Calculator

Purchase Price Our pricing includes the partial GST rebate, where applicable.
GST Rate 5%

Which homes are eligible?

The FTHB GST Rebate applies to both new construction and move in ready home options. All StreetSide homes qualify! Home types include:

  • Townhomes
  • Single Family Homes
  • Duplexes
  • Condos
  • Bungalows

FAQ

What is the difference between the new construction GST rebate and the first-time home buyers' GST rebate?

The New Construction GST Rebate is a partial rebate on new homes that reduces the amount of GST you pay. It covers a portion of the 5% GST, not the full amount, and is available to most buyers (excluding investors). With StreetSide, this rebate is already built into the price you see.

The First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate is an additional benefit for eligible first-time buyers that provides a top-up of the standard rebate. With this rebate, you can receive a full refund of the 5% GST, instead of just a partial rebate.

What this means with StreetSide pricing if I qualify for the First Time Home Buyers' GST rebate?

Our home prices already include the standard (partial) GST rebate, meaning the price is shown after that first reduction. As a first-time buyer, you receive an additional rebate that covers the remaining portion of the 5% GST, bringing your total benefit up to 100% GST amount.

How is the First Time Home Buyers' GST rebate claimed?

StreetSide submits the rebate on behalf of the buyer and the amount is taken off the purchase price.

Can I get the GST rebates as an investor?

The GST rebate is only available to purchasers who will be living in the home as their primary residence. It does not apply to investors or rental properties.

Can StreetSide help me with financing?

Absolutely! We’d be happy to connect you with our mortgage partners. They have access to exclusive rates, which could save you thousands.

The FTHB GST Rebate is subject to eligibility requirements set by the Government of Canada, as amended from time to time. StreetSide Developments pricing may already include the applicable GST New Housing Rebate. Any additional rebate credit available to an eligible purchaser for the FTHB GST Rebate may represent the difference between the GST New Housing Rebate already included in the purchase price and the newly enacted First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate. Buyer(s) will have to apply for the rebate themselves for transactions entered into prior to April 1, 2026. The information provided in this material is solely for the user’s information and convenience and, while thought to be accurate and functional, it is provided without warranty of any kind. Streetside Development Corporation, its agents, employees or contractors will not be liable to you for any damages, direct or indirect, arising out of your use of the information contained in this material. Further, if there is any inconsistency or conflict between any of the information contained in this material and the applicable legislative requirement, the legislative requirement shall prevail. This material is current to May 2026. The law is constantly changing with new legislation, amendments to existing legislation, and decisions from the courts. It is important that you keep yourself informed of the current law and prospective buyers should consult with a mortgage professional, lawyer, or tax advisor to confirm eligibility and rebate details.