First-Time Home Buyer Incentive
Understand Canada’s First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, how it reduces mortgage payments, and what to consider before accepting this shared-equity program.
May 22, 2025
What is the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive?
The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive is a federal shared-equity program that helps eligible Canadians reduce monthly mortgage payments by providing a portion of the home’s purchase price.
Why the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive Matters in Real Estate
Launched by the Government of Canada through CMHC, the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHBI) aims to improve affordability by contributing 5% or 10% toward a home’s purchase in exchange for an equivalent ownership stake.
Key features:
- 5% for resale homes
- 5% or 10% for new construction
- Must be repaid after 25 years or when the home is sold
- Repayment is based on the home’s current market value
Eligibility criteria include:
- First-time buyer status
- Household income under $120,000 (or $150,000 in select regions)
- Total borrowing amount cannot exceed four times annual income
This incentive lowers monthly mortgage payments without requiring interest payments. However, because the government retains a share of the home’s equity, appreciation or depreciation affects the amount to be repaid.
Buyers should weigh the short-term savings against the long-term equity trade-off and consider how property value changes could impact repayment.
Example of the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive in Action
A buyer receives 10% ($45,000) toward a new home purchase through the FTHBI. Upon selling the home for $550,000, they repay 10% ($55,000) to the government.
Key Takeaways
- Government shares in home equity.
- Lowers monthly mortgage payments.
- Must be repaid based on home’s future value.
- Eligibility based on income and home price.
- Ideal for buyers prioritizing lower monthly costs.
Related Terms
- Shared Equity
- Down Payment Assistance Programs
- CMHC
- Affordability Programs
- Mortgage Qualification


Canada residential unit sales by month, actual, 2019 and 2024-2026. Data through June 2026. Source:
Canada residential sales-to-new-listings ratio, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source:
Canada residential months of inventory, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source: Source:
Year-over-year change in residential average sale price for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2022 to June 2026. Average price is shown here as a regional mix measure, not a substitute for HPI or local comparable sales. Source:
Year-over-year change in residential unit sales for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2024 to June 2026. Source: 






15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)
Renderings of the tower proposed for 15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)

Goldberg Group 
10-storey apartment building currently occupying 525 Eglinton Avenue East/WND Associates
Rendering of 525 Eglinton Avenue East/Wallman Architects
The Mayfair West site and its surrounding context. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
Renderings of Mayfair West. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
