The Ontario government has announced the details of their new rebate program and it is going to benefit many more people than originally anticipated.
Beginning April 1, the federal and provincial governments will be waiving the HST on new homes valued up to $1 million with a maximum $130,000 rebate available on homes up to $1.5 million. That rebate decreases proportionally on homes up to $1.85 million, with all homes priced above the upper threshold eligible for a maximum rebate of $24,000.
This program will be in effect for one year ending on March 31, 2027.
The federal government’s GST rebate remains in effect retroactively for first-time homebuyers who bought between March 20, 2025 and April 1, 2026. Those buyers are still eligible to receive up to $50,000 off on homes up to $1 million, and a decreased rebate on homes up to $1.5 million.
Camcos has several communities with models now eligible for these savings. Visit our communities page to see which one may be right for you.
FAQ
What is the difference between HST, PST, and GST? Are these multiple programs?
HST (13%, Harmonized Sales Tax) is the combination of PST (8%, Provincial Sales Tax) and GST (5%, federal sales tax). The Ontario government and Canadian government have reached a joint agreement to waive the full 13% on new construction home purchases for one year beginning April 1, 2026. Previously, the federal government announced a GST rebate for first-time buyers which remains available in other provinces, and retroactively for first-time purchases made in Ontario between March 20, 2025 and April 1, 2026.
Does this apply to all homes or only certain types?
All newly constructed homes qualify, as well as condos, or “substantially renovated homes.” That includes builder inventory homes that were constructed before the beginning of the program, as well as homes under construction, and homes expected to be completed within the designated time period (see below). Homes that are to be used as vacation properties and short-term rentals do not qualify, nor do multi-unit rentals. Resale homes are already exempt from HST.
Who is eligible for this program?
It appears that all new homebuyers are eligible for the HST rebate in Ontario provided that: 1) They are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident; and 2) the purchase agreement is completed in the specified time period and construction is completed in the specified time period (see next question). It is, however, a good idea to confirm your eligibility independently with a lawyer.
Are investors eligible?
Yes, a buyer that meets the above criteria who is purchasing a property for the purpose of renting to a long-term tenant is eligible, however the timing requirements are different. Construction must begin before March 31, 2027 and must be substantially completed before December 31, 2029 to qualify. If you are purchasing your primary residence, construction must begin by the end of 2028 and be completed by the end of 2031.
Do I pay upfront and apply for the rebate afterwards?
The builder may submit the rebate on your behalf and issue a credit on your purchase price so you do not have to pay upfront. However, some builders may not offer to do so. In that case, you do have the option to submit the paperwork to the Canada Revenue Agency yourself.
Does this program expire?
The current HST rebate is expected to end March 31, 2027. The GST rebate for first-time homebuyers will apply until the end of 2030.
Further Resources:
- News Release: Ontario Expanding HST Rebate to Lower the Cost of New Homes in Partnership with the Federal Government
- Government of Canada: First-Time Homebuyer’s GST Rebate
*This post is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. Camcos does not make any representations as to eligibility, and we encourage you to consult legal counsel. We will continue to update this post as new details become available.
**Last updated April 20, 2026.