The First-Time Home Buyers GST Rebate Is Now Officially in Effect

If buying your first home is on your 2026 vision board, there’s a federal update that you’ll want to know about—a First-Time Home Buyers’ (FTHB) GST/HST rebate that significantly reduces the upfront tax on a newly built home.

In March 2026, Bill C-4—which included the proposed GST rebate for first-time home buyers—received Royal Assent, allowing potential buyers to have the opportunity to take advantage of these savings and find their first home. This means that the bill has received the go ahead to officially become a law.

What This Rebate Means for First-Time Buyers

This rebate credits the GST (or federal portion of HST) for eligible first-time home buyers purchasing a new home. This home must be the individuals primary place of residence.

The CRA’s current details say:

• On a new home up to $1 million, it will cover 100% of GST (up to $50,000).
•  Between $1 million and $1.5 million, the rebate phases out
•  At $1.5 million and above, is no rebate

What “Phasing out” Means Between $1M and $1.5M

“Phasing out” simply means the rebate gradually decreases as the home price rises above $1,000,000—rather than dropping to zero all at once. The closer the purchase price is to $1.0M, the closer you are to the full rebate. The closer it gets to $1.5M, the rebate moves closer to $0. A helpful way to picture it: around the midpoint ($1.25M), the rebate would be roughly half of the maximum.

For many first-time buyers, these kinds of savings help make room in the budget for some of the practical (and exciting) stuff—like window coverings, furniture, landscaping, or simply keeping more to work with as you settle in.

The GST Rebate Eligibility: Building with Trico Homes

Our team is ready to provide you with more information about how you can benefit from the GST rebate. If you’ve signed a purchase agreement with Trico Homes between March 20, 2025* (or, before 2031), you’re potentially eligible. We’ve broken down the requirements into three sections – purchaser information, title & ownership, and requirements specific to homes purchased from a builder – that need to be confirmed for you to be eligible:

Purchaser Information

• Are you 18 years of age?
•  Are you a Canadian citizen or permanent resident? (Valid PR Card required – work permits do not qualify)

Please note that we will require your SIN number to verify eligibility.

Title & Ownership

• Can you confirm that you have not lived in a home, that you or your spouse or common-law partner owned, or jointly owned, whether in or outside of Canada, as your primary place of residence at any time in the calendar year or in the previous 4 calendar years?
• Can you confirm that neither you or your spouse or common law partner have previously received the First-Time Homebuyers GST/HST rebate?

Homes Purchased From a Builder

• Do you meet the eligibility criteria for the existing GST/HST new housing rebate, or would you if the maximum purchase price of the home increased from $450,000 to $1.5 million?
• Will the construction or substantial renovation of the home begin before 2031 and be substantially completed before 2036?
• Will the ownership of the home be transferred to you before 2036?

Please confirm dates of eligibility on the CRA website, here.

Other Considerations

There are some other considerations we will have to look into that could impact your eligibility, including:

• Home ownership anywhere in the world may impact eligibility
• Adding or removing individuals from your title may impact eligibility

Planning Your Homebuying Journey in 2026

Here are a few simple, practical next steps to take advantage of the GST Rebate:

• Ensure you are eligible.
• Keep your paperwork organized. Your purchase agreement, key dates, and supporting documentation to confirm eligibility matter for this program
• Reach out to our sales team. If you purchased after March 20, 2025, and are shopping for a new home before 2031, we can help walk you through what comes next

Reach Out to Trico For More Information

If you’re eligible for the GST/HST rebate or are thinking about buying your first home in 2026, Trico’s team can help you explore communities, home types, and timelines that fit your life. Book a meeting with a Trico team member to talk through your goals, your timeline, and what you’re looking for in a first home. Inquire today—we’d love to help you take the next step with confidence.

Please note: this is general information, not tax or legal advice, details could change. Eligibility is not guaranteed by Trico Homes and will be determined at closing by a lawyer.