First-Time Home Buyer Eligibility Quiz | Ali Bolourchi | RE/MAX | ali.realtor
Ontario 2026 Edition
First-Time Home Buyer Eligibility Quiz
Find out in under 3 minutes which programs and rebates you qualify for — and how much money you could save on your first home purchase.
$130K+Max HST Savings
$8,475LTT Rebates (Toronto)
$60KRRSP via HBP
$40KFHSA Lifetime Limit
Question 1 of 100% Complete
1
Have you ever owned a property — anywhere in the world — that you lived in as your principal residence?
📌 Why this matters: Different programs have different rules. The Ontario Land Transfer Tax Rebate requires you to have never owned a principal residence. However, the Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) and FHSA allow re-entry if you haven't owned a home you lived in during the past 4 calendar years — so previous owners may still qualify for key programs.
2
In the past 4 years, has your current spouse or common-law partner owned a home they lived in as their principal residence?
📌 Why this matters: For the FHSA and the Home Buyers' Tax Credit, if you are buying with a spouse/partner who owned a home in the past 4 years, you cannot be considered a first-time buyer for those programs — even if you personally have never owned. This rule does not apply to the Land Transfer Tax Rebate if you personally have never owned.
3
What is your current residency or citizenship status in Canada?
📌 Why this matters: You must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or certain work/study permit holder to qualify for the FHSA, HBP, and the federal Home Buyers' Tax Credit. The Ontario Land Transfer Tax Rebate requires you to be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
4
Are you at least 18 years of age?
📌 Why this matters: All Ontario and federal first-time buyer programs require the purchaser to be at least 18 years old at the time of purchase. This is a non-negotiable threshold.
5
What type of property are you planning to buy, and how will you use it?
📌 Why this matters: The Land Transfer Tax Rebate and the Home Buyers' Tax Credit both require the home to become your principal residence. The 2026 HST Relief Program applies to both principal residences and residential rentals. The type of property affects which credits and rebates apply.
6
What is your approximate budget / expected purchase price?
📌 Why this matters: Purchase price directly determines the size of your HST rebate and Land Transfer Tax rebate. The Ontario HST Relief (April 2026–March 2027) applies to new homes up to $1.85M with a declining benefit. The LTT Rebate phases out above $368,000.
7
Do you currently have a First Home Savings Account (FHSA), or are you planning to open one?
📌 Why this matters: The FHSA is one of the most powerful savings tools available. You can contribute up to $8,000/year (lifetime limit: $40,000), get a tax deduction on contributions, and withdraw entirely tax-free when buying your first home. It can be combined with the HBP for maximum impact.
8
Do you have an RRSP with savings you could use toward a down payment?
📌 Why this matters: The Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) lets you withdraw up to $60,000 tax-free from your RRSP for a down payment (or $120,000 combined with your spouse). You have 15 years to repay it back into your RRSP. Funds must have been in the RRSP for at least 90 days before withdrawal.
9
When are you planning to purchase your first home?
📌 Why this matters: Some programs are time-sensitive. The Ontario HST Relief Program (full 13% rebate on new homes) runs from April 1, 2026 to March 31, 2027. The FHSA requires you to open the account before buying. Knowing your timeline helps prioritize which programs to act on first.
10
Are you planning to purchase within the City of Toronto (not just the GTA)?
📌 Why this matters: Properties within Toronto's city limits are subject to a second Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT) on top of the provincial LTT. First-time buyers in Toronto are eligible for an additional rebate of up to $4,475 — stacked with the provincial $4,000 rebate for total savings of up to $8,475.
Your Program Eligibility Breakdown
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Disclaimer: This quiz is intended for general informational and educational purposes only. Results are approximate and based on the information you have provided. Program eligibility rules, contribution limits, rebate thresholds, and tax implications are subject to change by federal and provincial governments. This tool does not constitute legal, financial, tax, or mortgage advice. Always verify current program details directly with the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), the Ontario Ministry of Finance, and consult with a qualified mortgage professional, accountant, or real estate lawyer before making any financial decisions. Ali Bolourchi and RE/MAX are not responsible for any decisions made on the basis of this quiz.
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Thank you — I'll personally review your results and reach out within 24 hours with a tailored plan. In the meantime, feel free to browse current listings on my website.
Disclaimer: This quiz is intended for general informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Program eligibility, limits, and availability are subject to change. Please verify all information with the CRA, Ontario Ministry of Finance, or a qualified professional before making any financial decisions.
This website may only be used by consumers that have a bona fide interest in the purchase, sale, or lease of real estate of the type being offered via the website.
The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of the PropTx MLS®. The data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed to be accurate.
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