Eligibility Criteria

Learn what eligibility criteria are in Canadian real estate, how they apply to rebates and incentives, and how to confirm qualification before applying.

Eligibility Criteria

May 22, 2025


What are Eligibility Criteria?

Eligibility criteria are the specific requirements a person must meet to qualify for government programs, rebates, mortgage products, or real estate incentives.

Why Eligibility Criteria Matter in Real Estate

In Canadian real estate, eligibility criteria apply to programs such as the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, land transfer tax rebates, and mortgage insurance qualifications.


Common eligibility factors include:
  • Age and residency status
  • Income limits or debt thresholds
  • Home purchase price and location
  • Property type and occupancy (e.g., principal residence)


Failing to meet these requirements can disqualify applicants or result in a clawback of funds. Verifying eligibility before applying ensures smoother transactions and better financial planning.


Understanding eligibility criteria allows buyers to take advantage of cost-saving opportunities and secure the right financial tools.

Example of Eligibility Criteria in Action

A couple earning $170,000 is ineligible for the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive because they exceed the household income cap for their region.

Key Takeaways

  • Sets the rules for accessing programs or rebates.
  • May include income, citizenship, or residency.
  • Varies by program and region.
  • Must be verified before applying.
  • Key to unlocking homebuying benefits.

Related Terms

Additional Terms

Sales-To-New-Listings Ratio (SNLR)

The Sales-To-New-Listings Ratio (SNLR) is a real estate metric that compares the number of homes sold to the number of new listings in a given period.. more

Market Type

Market type refers to the classification of a real estate market based on supply, demand, and pricing trends, typically categorized as buyer’s,. more

Outparcels

Outparcels are stand-alone commercial properties located near or on the outer edge of a larger retail or shopping centre complex.. more

Halo Effect

The halo effect in real estate refers to the positive influence that a popular or high-end development has on the surrounding property values and. more

Sump Pump

A sump pump is a mechanical device installed in the lowest part of a basement or crawl space to remove accumulated water and prevent flooding.. more

Structural Integrity

Structural integrity refers to a building’s ability to withstand its intended loads without failure, deformation, or collapse during its lifecycle.. more

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