Who counts as a first time buyer in Ontario?
By Natalia Halenda, Sales Representative, RE/MAX Jazz Inc., Brokerage. Updated
The short answer
It depends on the program. For the land transfer tax refund you must never have owned a home anywhere in the world. For the FHSA and the Home Buyers' Plan, you must not have lived in a home you or your spouse owned in this year or the previous four.
From the guide: Buying your first home in Durham Region in 2026: the money, the programs and the steps
More questions from this guide
General information, not legal, tax or mortgage advice. Rates, prices and rebate rules change often. Confirm the details with your real estate lawyer and a licensed mortgage professional before you make a decision.