New GST Rebate for First-Time Buyers: Save Big on New Homes in Winnipeg (2025 Update)!
Good news on the horizon for First-Time Home Buyer’s GST Rebate
Feeling the Pinch? There Might Just Be a Silver Lining…
We get it. Everyone is feeling the pinch right now.
Groceries cost more (have you seen the price of eggs lately?), utilities are creeping up, and that home you could have snagged in 2020 for $341,175? It now sells for around $459,231 in Winnipeg. Life has gotten expensive—and fast.
But here’s the thing: it’s not all bad. Especially if you’re a first-time buyer thinking about building or purchasing a brand new home.
🧾 What’s the First-Time Home Buyer’s GST Rebate?
In May 2025, the Canadian government introduced the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate (FTHB GST Rebate)—a new initiative designed to make homeownership more accessible for Canadians entering the market for the first time.
This rebate allows eligible buyers to recover up to 100% of the GST paid on new homes priced up to $1 million, with a phased-out reduction for homes priced between $1 million and $1.5 million. Homes over $1.5 million do not qualify.
📊 The Highlights:
Buy new, save big: You can receive a full 100% rebate on the GST for new homes priced up to $1 million. That’s potentially $50,000 back in your pocket.
Phased-out savings: For homes priced between $1 million and $1.5 million, the rebate decreases gradually. A $1.25M home? You’d get a 50% rebate.
Sorry luxury seekers: Homes at or over $1.5 million don’t qualify. But if you are a first-time home buyer with a budget of $1.5 million or more, kudos to you! You’re doing AMAZING!
✅ Do You Qualify?
Here’s what you’ll need:
Be at least 18 years old
A Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Not have owned (or lived in a spouse/partner’s owned home) in the past 4 calendar years
The home must be your primary residence
🏡 What Types of Homes Count?
A new home bought from a builder
An owner-built home
Shares in a co-operative housing corporation
And to qualify? You’ll need to:
Sign a purchase agreement between May 27, 2025 and 2031
Start construction before 2031 and substantially complete the home before 2036
This is a one-time benefit per person—and only if your spouse/partner hasn’t already claimed it. So yes, it’s generous… but it’s also exclusive.
Want to geek out on the fine print? You can visit CRA’s official rebate page for more.
So, Will This Tip the Scales for You?
We’d love to hear what you think. Is this enough to get you seriously considering building new? Or are you still feeling hesitant given where rates are at?
As always, we’re here to help break down the numbers, walk through the process, and see what makes the most sense for you. Because at the end of the day, your timing should be based on what’s right for you—and we’ll help guide you through the rest.
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#AgentJen
Jennifer Queen
Tel: (204) 797-7945
Email: Jennifer@QueenTeam.ca