2026 First-Time Buyer Programs in Ontario
First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
Contribute up to $8,000/year (max $40,000 lifetime), get a full tax deduction, and withdraw tax-free for your first home. This is the single most powerful tool available to first-time buyers today.
Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)
Withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSP tax-free and repay it over 15 years. Many Ottawa Valley first-time buyers combine the HBP with their FHSA to maximize their down payment.
First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit
Claim up to $10,000 on your tax return in the year of purchase for a federal tax credit of up to $1,500. No application required — declare it on your return.
Ontario Land Transfer Tax Rebate
First-time buyers in Ontario receive a rebate of up to $4,000 on provincial land transfer tax. On a $400,000 Ottawa Valley home, this covers nearly all of your land transfer tax obligation.
Your Step-by-Step First Home Buying Roadmap
Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage
Before you look at a single property, know your budget. A pre-approval confirms how much you can borrow, locks in your rate for up to 120 days, and makes your offers much more competitive. I connect buyers with trusted local mortgage brokers who know Renfrew County inside out.
Define Your Must-Haves and Nice-to-Haves
We will have a detailed buyer consultation — in person or virtually — to map out exactly what you need: bedrooms, community, schools, rural vs. town, garage, and budget ceiling. This shapes every search and showing that follows.
Get Set Up on a Live MLS Alert
I set up a personalized MLS search based on your exact criteria. The moment a matching property lists, you will receive an alert before most buyers even know it exists. In competitive price ranges, speed is everything.
Tour Properties with an Expert Eye
I provide honest, experienced feedback at every showing. First-time buyers often worry about things that cost $200 to fix and overlook things that cost $20,000. I help you see the full picture so you can make a confident decision.
Make a Strategic Offer
When you find the right home, I prepare a CMA to confirm value and craft a competitive offer that protects you. We will talk through price, conditions, deposit, and closing date before anything is submitted.
Close With Confidence
From accepted offer through inspection, financing approval, and closing day — I coordinate every step. You will never be left wondering what comes next.
Frequently Asked Questions for First-Time Buyers
Ready to Start Your Ottawa Valley Home Search?
Let’s talk. I offer a free, no-pressure buyer consultation to help you understand your options and build a plan that fits your life.
Ready to Start Your Home Search?
Book a free buyer consultation with Kayla. No pressure, no obligation — just honest answers and a clear roadmap for buying your first home.
Ready to Start Your Home Search?
Book a free buyer consultation with Kayla. No pressure, no obligation — just honest answers, local knowledge, and a clear plan for buying your first home.