First-Time Home Buyer RRSP Withdrawal
Learn how first-time buyers can use the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan in Canada to withdraw funds for a down payment and what rules apply.
May 22, 2025
What is the First-Time Home Buyer RRSP Withdrawal?
The First-Time Home Buyer RRSP Withdrawal, also known as the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP), allows eligible Canadians to withdraw up to $35,000 from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to buy or build their first home.
Why the First-Time Home Buyer RRSP Withdrawal Matters in Real Estate
This program provides a valuable resource for first-time buyers by enabling them to access retirement savings without immediate tax consequences.
Key features include:
- Withdraw up to $35,000 (or $70,000 per couple)
- Funds must be repaid to the RRSP over 15 years
- No tax withheld at withdrawal if conditions are met
- Must not have owned a home in the past four years
To qualify, the buyer must have a written agreement to buy or build a qualifying home. The withdrawn funds can be used for the down payment or other purchase-related expenses.
The repayment schedule begins the second year after withdrawal, with annual minimum payments. If a repayment is missed, the amount is added to the person’s taxable income for that year.
The HBP helps reduce borrowing needs and makes it easier to afford a first home. However, it’s important to understand the long-term impact on retirement savings and stay on track with repayments to avoid tax penalties.
Example
A first-time buyer withdraws $25,000 from their RRSP for a down payment. They repay $1,667 annually over 15 years to avoid tax on the withdrawal.
Key Takeaways
- Withdraw up to $35,000 from RRSP tax-free.
- Must be repaid over 15 years.
- Useful for down payments.
- Helps reduce mortgage size and interest.
- Must meet first-time buyer eligibility.
Related Terms
- Home Buyer’s Plan (HBP)
- Down Payment
- RRSP
- First-Time Home Buyer Incentive
- Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)


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)
