Are there special mortgage programs for first-time buyers?
Are there special mortgage programs for first-time buyers? Yes — and they can save you thousands if you act smart.
Quick answer
Yes. There are targeted First-Time Buyer Programs that reduce your down payment, lower monthly costs, and give tax or fee relief. They vary by country and province, but the strategy is the same: use available programs, get pre-approved, and lean on an expert to pick the right mix.
What these programs do
- Lower down payment requirements (insured mortgages like CMHC).
- Shared-equity incentives that reduce mortgage costs upfront (First-Time Home Buyer Incentive).
- Allow you to tap retirement savings for a down payment without penalties (Home Buyers’ Plan / RRSP HBP).
- Provide rebates or tax credits on closing costs and land transfer taxes.
These are not myths. They’re built to get buyers into homes earlier — legally and safely.
How to decide which First-Time Buyer Programs to use
- Get pre-approved now. Pre-approval shows what lenders will allow and which insured products you qualify for.
- Check eligibility for the federal incentive and your province’s rebates. Rules change; eligibility matters.
- Calculate total cost. Don’t focus only on down payment. Consider mortgage insurance, interest rate change, and resale implications.
- Use the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan correctly if you have RRSP funds — it’s effectively an interest-free loan from yourself with repayment rules.
- Speak with a mortgage broker and a local realtor who knows regional rebates and lenders.
Practical steps you can take today
- Pull your credit report and correct errors to boost your mortgage terms.
- Save a dedicated down payment fund and document gifts or transfers if family helps.
- Book a 30-minute strategy call with an expert to map programs to your numbers.
- Compare lenders: same income and price can yield very different monthly payments depending on program and mortgage insurance.
Beware of simple fixes
Some programs look cheap but add long-term cost. Shared-equity offers can reduce monthly payments now but affect future equity. Mortgage insurance allows low down payment purchases but raises monthly cost and limits refinancing. Know the trade-offs.
Why work with a local expert?
A local agent knows the real, current incentives, provincial rebates, and which lenders move fast. That knowledge turns a confusing stack of programs into a practical plan that gets you keys faster.
Tony Sousa is the local expert who helps first-time buyers combine programs for maximum advantage. If you want a straightforward plan and clear numbers, email tony@sousasells.ca or call 416-477-2620. Visit https://www.sousasells.ca to book a strategy call.
