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.
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
- First-Time Homebuyer Rebate
- Principal Residence
- Mortgage Insurance
- Down Payment
- Government Incentive
CMHC
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501 W Georgia Street (1), 595 W Georgia Street (2), and 388 Abbott Street (3) in downtown Vancouver. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group
A rendering of the rooftop amenity space between the South Tower (left) and North Tower (right) planned for 501 W Georgia Street. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group
A ground-level rendering from the corner of Richards Street and Dunsmuir Street. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group
A rendering of the public plaza at the corner of Seymour Street and W Georgia Street (left) and the retained heritage Randall Building (right). / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group
A rendering of the three-level observation deck and restaurant at the top of the 68-storey hotel planned for 595 W Georgia Street. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group
A rendering of the 63-storey North Tower planned for 501 Georgia Street (left) and the 68-storey hotel planned for 595 W Georgia Street. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group
The ground-level layout planned for 501 W Georgia Street and 595 W Georgia Street. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group
A rendering of the 38-storey social housing tower planned for 388 Abbott Street in Vancouver. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group 
A ground-level rendering of the tower planned for 388 Abbott Street in Vancouver. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group 
Renderings of the Indigenous art gallery (left) within the 38-storey social housing tower planned for 388 Abbott Street. / Henriquez Partners Architects, Holborn Group 
Attorney General and former-Minister of Housing Sean Fraser spoke about the launch of Build Canada Homes at a media event in Nova Scotia. / Sean Fraser, Twitter