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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

Back-End Ratio

The back-end ratio, or debt-to-income ratio, measures the percentage of a borrower’s gross monthly income spent on total monthly debt obligations,. more

Airspace Rights

Airspace rights are the legal rights to control, use, or sell the space above a parcel of land, separate from the ownership of the land itself.. more

Absorption Rate Analysis

Absorption rate analysis is the evaluation of how quickly available properties in a given market are being sold or leased during a specific time period.. more

Vacancy Rate

The vacancy rate is the percentage of all available rental units in a property or market that are unoccupied at a given time.. more

Sustainability

Sustainability in real estate refers to designing, constructing, and operating properties in ways that minimize environmental impact, support social. more

Soft Costs

Soft costs are the indirect expenses incurred in a construction project that are not directly tied to physical building materials or labour.. more

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