First Time Home Buyer incentive | What we know so far

Carola Singer • June 20, 2019

If you've been hearing about a new incentive for First Time Home Buyers and wondering how it might impact you, look no further, below you will find all relevant information to date. As more information is released, you can expect to find it published here.

From the government of Canada, as part of their national housing strategy, the best source for information on this new First Time Home Buyer Down Payment Incentive / Shared Equity program can be found here:

https://www.placetocallhome.ca/fthbi/first-time-homebuyer-incentive.cfm

Here are some of the highlights

  • The program launches Sep 2nd, 2019, first closing for Nov 1, 2019
  • Mortgage amount cannot exceed 4x your household income. Max income $120k
  • 5% down payment / shared equity for re-sale (existing home) available
  • 5% or 10% down payment / shared equity for new construction available
  • The incentive is repayable after 25 years or when the property is sold (whichever is first)
  • If you have never owned a home, haven't owned a home for 4 years, or have recently experienced a marital breakdown, you may be eligible for the incentive
  • Mobile and Manufactured homes are eligible for this program
  • You will still need a minimum of 5% down payment from your own source (no borrowed funds)
  • The incentive will be registered as a second charge on your title

If you have any questions about this program and how it might impact you as you qualify for a mortgage, please contact me anytime!

RECENT POSTS 

By Carola Singer April 10, 2026
Your credit score is one of the most important numbers in your financial life — especially when it comes to getting a mortgage. But for most Canadians, how that number actually gets calculated remains a bit of a mystery.
By Carola Singer April 8, 2026
Why a Mortgage Pre-Approval Protects Both Your Head and Your Heart There’s no denying it—buying a home is an emotional journey. In a competitive market, it can feel like you need to stretch beyond your comfort zone or bid above asking just to have a chance. That pressure can make it hard to separate what you want from what you can realistically afford. One of the biggest pitfalls buyers face is falling in love with a home that’s outside their price range. Once that happens, every other property seems like a compromise—even the ones that might have been a perfect fit otherwise. The best way to avoid this heartache? Get pre-approved before you start shopping. What a Pre-Approval Does for You A mortgage pre-approval gives you more than just a number—it provides clarity, confidence, and protection: Know your buying power : Shop within your true price range and avoid disappointment. Spot potential roadblocks : Uncover issues like credit bureau errors before you make an offer. Get organized : Learn exactly what documentation you’ll need so there are no surprises. Lock in a rate : Many lenders hold your rate for 30–120 days, giving you peace of mind if rates rise. Save yourself heartache : Protect yourself from falling for a home you can’t afford. Head vs. Heart Buying a home is about balance. Your head tells you what’s financially sound, your heart tells you what feels right—and both matter. A pre-approval helps bring those two sides together, so you can make confident choices without emotional stress clouding your judgment. The Bottom Line Looking at properties for fun is one thing—but if you’re serious about buying, a pre-approval is the smartest first step you can take. It sets realistic expectations, saves time, and protects your emotions along the way. If you’d like to explore your options and get pre-approved, I’d be happy to walk through the process with you. Let’s make sure you’re ready to shop with confidence.