First Time Buyers Event – Unlocking the 13% HST & GST Rebate

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone — and also, often, a stressful one. Between saving up for a down payment, navigating mortgage approvals, and figuring out closing costs, the finances can quickly feel overwhelming. What if there was an opportunity to reduce a significant chunk of that upfront cost? That’s exactly what the First Time Buyers Event is all about: helping first-time home buyers learn how to access a 13% HST (Harmonized Sales Tax) & GST (Goods and Services Tax) rebate — potentially saving tens of thousands of dollars.

Whether you’re eyeing a condo, townhouse or attached home — or just beginning to explore the possibility of buying your first home — this event can shed light on how to make your first home purchase more affordable.

What is the First Time Buyers Event

The First Time Buyers Event is an in-person seminar aimed at first-time home buyers who want to understand how to claim the new HST/GST rebate for newly constructed homes and condos. According to the event listing, it is organized by “Team Arora” and takes place at 290 Derry Rd W, Mississauga, Ontario.

It’s a three-hour session, giving participants ample time to explore:

How the rebate works
Who is eligible
What kinds of homes qualify
What the application process looks like (or will look like once legislation is finalized)
Common pitfalls and what to watch out for

In short: this is not a generic “first-home buying 101” seminar — it is laser-focused on the tax/rebate benefit recently proposed for first-time home buyers. That makes it especially valuable for someone buying a new build.

Why This Event Matters Right Now

A New Rebate for First-Time Buyers

In May 2025, the federal government introduced a legislative proposal to launch a new rebate called the First-Time Home Buyers’ (FTHB) GST Rebate. Under this proposal:

First-time buyers who purchase newly built homes from a builder, or build their own homes, may recover up to 100% of the GST (or federal portion of HST) — effectively eliminating that cost.
The rebate applies to homes valued up to CAD $1 million (full rebate), with a gradual phase-out for homes priced between $1 million and $1.5 million.
That means first-time buyers could potentially save up to CAD $50,000.

Given the rising cost of real estate, especially in many Canadian cities, a rebate of this size can make a real difference — sometimes bridging the gap between a stretch budget and a realistically achievable first home.

This event helps demystify this rebate: eligibility, qualifying property types, deadlines, and the “catch.”

Complementary to Existing Housing Rebates

It’s worth noting that this new FTHB GST rebate is separate from — but intended to complement — the existing GST/HST New Housing Rebate for newly built or substantially renovated homes.

That means first-time buyers could benefit from both, depending on their circumstances. But the eligibility criteria, application process, and rebate amount differ. That nuance — and when each rebate applies — can be confusing. This makes a deep-dive event particularly useful.

Timeliness: The Early-Bird Advantage

According to the proposed legislation:

The purchase agreement with the builder must be entered into on or after May 27, 2025 and before 2031 (i.e., the “window” for the rebate has effectively begun).
Construction (or substantial renovation) must begin before 2031, with completion and transfer to the buyer before 2036.

Because the rules are new, now is a good time for first-time buyers — event participants can stay ahead of the curve, ask questions before committing to a purchase agreement, and position themselves to get the rebate.

What You Will Learn at the Event

If you attend the First Time Buyers Event, you can expect a comprehensive overview and practical guidance on the following:

Eligibility Criteria
- What qualifies as a “first-time home buyer” under the new legislation (age, residency, prior home ownership history, etc.).
- What types of homes are eligible: newly built homes, condos, townhomes, co-ops, owner-built homes, homes on leased land (with certain conditions), and substantially renovated homes.
How Much You Can Save — Realistic Scenarios
- Full GST/HST rebate on homes priced at or below CAD $1 million.
- A sliding rebate for homes priced between CAD $1 million and $1.5 million — for example, a home at CAD $1.25 million might get a 50% rebate (≈ CAD $25,000 savings).
- No rebate for homes priced at or above CAD $1.5 million.
Application Process & Timing
- When and how to apply (or how your builder might apply on your behalf). Under the new system, builders can pay or credit the rebate — effectively passing the savings directly to buyers at closing.
- What needs to happen (purchase agreement date, construction timeline, occupancy) for eligibility.
Potential Risks, Pitfalls & Things to Watch Out For
- Agreements signed before May 27, 2025 are not eligible.
- If your spouse or common-law partner previously claimed the rebate, you may not be eligible.
- If builder assigns the rebate to themselves (commonly done), you need to understand the paperwork and ensure you still get the benefit.
How This Fits Into Broader Homebuying & Financial Planning
- Rebates like this can significantly reduce upfront costs — but there are still down payments, closing costs, legal fees, and other expenses to budget for.
- Understanding the rebate helps you set more realistic budgets and timelines.
- Because this program is new and evolving, being well informed (as through this event) could help you avoid costly mistakes or misplaced expectations.

Why Attend In Person — Not Just Read Online

You might wonder: “Why attend a 3-hour event if I can just read about the rebate on the government website?” That’s a fair question. Here’s why the in-person First Time Buyers Event might be worth your time:

Live Q&A with Experts: The rebate rules are new, complex, and in flux. Having a chance to ask real questions — about dates, eligibility, home types, or partial rebates — can save you from misunderstandings or surprises at closing.
Guidance Through Real Cases: Every home purchase is different (condo vs detached house, condo pre-sale vs built house, owner-built vs builder-built, co-op vs conventional). Hearing scenarios and examples helps you better understand how the rebate applies in “real life.”
Network with Other First-Time Buyers: Sharing experiences with other attendees can help you learn — and maybe even find a buying partner or someone else going through the same path.
Avoid Paperwork Mistakes: Rebates often involve forms, timing conditions, and potentially giving the rebate to the builder. In a seminar, you’re more likely to get clarity on what documents are needed and when.
Make Faster, Better Decisions: Real estate decisions (especially for first-time buyers) are often time-sensitive. Having the clarity early helps you move more confidently.

Limitations & What Is Still Unclear

As promising as the rebate is, there are a few caveats and “we’re still waiting” elements — partly why attending a dedicated event helps.

As of now, while the rebate proposal has been tabled, some details are still subject to change.
Updated rebate application forms and guides from the tax authority will follow once the legislation receives final approval (“Royal Assent”).
The rebate only covers the federal portion of the tax (GST or federal part of HST). Whether provincial/territorial parts of HST (where applicable) or other fees (e.g. local taxes, development charges, legal fees etc.) are also discounted depends on other programs or builder/policy specifics. Some local agencies may or may not offer additional rebates.
Because the rebate is new, builders, lawyers, and purchasers may have different interpretations about how and when it’s applied — and whether the discount is given at closing or as a post-closing refund.
Finally, since the rebate only applies to newly built or substantially renovated housing, it does not benefit buyers of resale homes.

These uncertainties make a workshop or event about the rebate all the more valuable — you’ll get the latest, most practical guidance, and better understand the “what ifs.”

Who Should Definitely Attend the Event

If you fall into any of the following categories, this event would be especially relevant for you:

You’re a first-time home buyer in Canada (or moving to Canada), and you’ve never owned a home in the past 4–5 years.
You’re planning to buy a newly built home or condo from a builder (or are considering a presale).
You’re open to purchasing a co-op unit, a home on leased land, or even building/renovating your own home.
You want to maximize savings and minimize upfront tax costs as part of your home-buying budget.
You want a clear understanding of eligibility, paperwork/administrative requirements, and potential pitfalls.
You want to compare this rebate with other existing incentives (e.g., existing new-housing rebate, local or provincial incentives).

What You Should Do Before Attending

To get the most out of the event, prepare yourself with:

A clear idea of the type of home you plan to buy (condo, townhouse, semi-detached, etc.), the likely price range, and whether it will be a “new build.”
Any prior home-ownership or dwelling history over the past several years (especially whether you or your spouse/common-law partner owned a primary residence).
A list of questions: e.g., “If my signed purchase agreement is on June 1, 2025, but closing is 2026 — do I still qualify?”, “What if the home is on leased land?”, “What paperwork will be needed at closing?”
A rough budget including down payment, closing costs, legal fees, and other non-tax expenses — to compare “with rebate vs without rebate.”
Awareness that the rebate is new, and that final legislation may still evolve; be ready to adapt based on updated guidelines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Below is a set of FAQs many first-time buyers ask. You can use this section on your blog or even bring these questions to the event.

Q: What exactly is the 13% HST & GST Rebate?

A: The “13% HST & GST rebate” refers to a proposed new rebate for first-time home buyers in Canada — the First-Time Home Buyers GST Rebate (FTHB GST Rebate). Under this proposal, first-time buyers purchasing newly constructed homes from a builder (or building their own) may recover the federal portion of the GST (or HST), meaning — under the right conditions — they pay little to no federal sales tax on the purchase price.

For homes priced up to CAD $1 million, the rebate is equal to 100% of the federal tax (i.e. full rebate). For homes between $1 million and $1.5 million, the rebate is phased out gradually; for homes at or above $1.5 million, no rebate applies.

Q: Who is eligible for this rebate?

A: To qualify for the rebate, you must generally meet all the following criteria:

You must be a “first-time home buyer.” That means you — and your spouse/common-law partner, if applicable — have not owned and lived in a home (as a primary residence) in the current calendar year or the four preceding calendar years.
You must be at least 18 years old, and a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
The home must be newly built or substantially renovated (or you build it on land you own/lease), or a condominium unit, townhouse, co-op share, etc., per the definitions in the legislation.
The purchase must be for use as your primary place of residence — not a rental or investment property.
If buying from a builder: the Agreement of Purchase and Sale must be entered into on or after May 27, 2025 (the date the new legislation takes effect), and before 2031.
If owner-built: construction (or substantial renovation) must begin after that date and be completed, with occupancy before 2036.
Neither you nor your spouse/common-law partner must have previously received this first-time buyer rebate.

Q: What kinds of homes are eligible for the rebate?

A: The rebate applies to:

Newly built houses (detached, semi-detached, townhouses) from a builder
Condominium units or townhouses sold by a builder
Homes on leased land (if lease conditions meet certain criteria)
Owner-built homes (including if you hire a contractor) — provided construction starts after the specified date
Shares of a co-operative housing corporation (co-op) for a newly built or substantially renovated co-op project

Q: How much could I save with this rebate?

A: For eligible first-time buyers:

For homes priced up to CAD $1,000,000 — up to a full rebate of the federal GST/HST. That can translate into savings of up to CAD $50,000, depending on the tax rate and home price.
For homes priced between CAD $1,000,000 – $1,500,000 — a sliding (linear) rebate. For example, a home valued at CAD $1.25 million could be eligible for roughly 50% of the maximum rebate (≈ CAD $25,000).
Homes priced at or above CAD $1.5 million do not qualify for the rebate.

Q: Do I pay the full HST/GST and then get the rebate — or is the rebate applied at closing?

A: It depends. Under the proposed rules, the rebate can be assigned to the builder. That means the builder may credit the rebate amount toward the purchase price — so in effect, you never truly “pay” the tax.

However, because this is a new program and practices may vary by builder, it’s wise to confirm before signing the purchase agreement whether the builder will credit the rebate, or if you’ll need to apply to the tax authorities (i.e., the Canada Revenue Agency, CRA) yourself after closing.

Q: Is this rebate available for resale homes (previously owned homes)?

A: No. The rebate applies only to newly built or substantially renovated homes (or homes you build yourself). Resale homes — that is, a home already owned and lived in by someone else — do not qualify.

Q: Are there any deadlines or “sunset” conditions I should know about?

A: Yes. For homes purchased from a builder: the purchase agreement must be signed between May 27, 2025 and before 2031. For owner-built homes, construction must begin before 2031, and the home substantially completed and possession transferred before 2036.

This means the rebate is time-limited. If you plan to buy decades from now — or sign a purchase agreement after 2031 — you may not qualify.

Q: If I’m married or have a partner, how does that affect eligibility?

A: The rebate is structured so that neither you nor your spouse/common-law partner should have previously claimed it. If one of you has already claimed the first-time buyer rebate, the benefit may no longer be available for the other.

It’s therefore important for couples to check their past history — and perhaps talk to a real estate lawyer or tax professional before committing.

Q: What if I sign an agreement before May 27, 2025 — but closing only happens later?

A: Under the current proposal, the date that matters is when the agreement of purchase and sale is entered into. The agreement must be signed on or after May 27, 2025 to qualify.

If your agreement was signed earlier (even if closing is much later), the rebate likely won’t apply. That’s one of the reasons this event is useful — you can get clarity on timing before signing.

Q: Will this rebate cover other taxes — like provincial portion of HST (where applicable), or municipal taxes, land transfer taxes, etc.?

A: No. The rebate covers only the federal portion of the GST or HST. Provincial/territorial taxes, municipal charges, land transfer taxes, local levies, land-transfer taxes, legal fees, development charges, and other costs are separate and generally not covered.

That said — in some provinces or municipalities — there might be additional local incentives or rebates. It’s worth exploring these separately, but you should assume they are not part of this federal program (unless explicitly stated).

Q: Is the rebate guaranteed, or could things change?

A: While the rebate is based on legislation that has been tabled and publicly announced, some details remain subject to final approval (e.g., formal rebate application forms, implementation guidelines from CRA).

Because of that, nothing is absolutely “locked in” yet — which is why attending an event, staying up-to-date, and seeking advice before signing anything is smart.

Should You Attend — and When

If you’re a first-time home buyer (or plan to be soon), especially in Canada, this event is timely and potentially very beneficial. You should attend if you:

Are seriously considering buying a newly built home or condo within the next 1–3 years.
Want to maximize savings and ensure you qualify for the full rebate before making big financial commitments.
Need clarity on eligibility — particularly if you or your partner once owned a home but sold it, or lived outside Canada, or there are complications like leased land or co-ops.
Appreciate the value of in-person guidance, real-world examples, and the ability to ask questions.
Want to compare this new rebate with other incentives, and plan your finances realistically (down payment, closing costs, etc.).

Even if you’re not quite ready to buy immediately, attending the event can be a smart “research investment.” Real estate markets change — but laws tend to stick. Getting the facts early can give you a head start when you are ready.

How to Register & What to Bring

According to the event listing:

The event is free, but you need to reserve a spot online.
Location: 290 Derry Rd W, Mississauga, Ontario (map is listed in the event page).
Duration: ~3 hours.

What to bring:

Any information on your home-buying plans (type of home, builder, rough budget, proposed purchase date)
Identification (if required), or documents showing residency/citizenship/permanent residence (since eligibility depends on citizenship/residency status)
A list of questions — especially about the process, timing, rebate assignment, paperwork, builder agreements, closing, etc.
Not strictly necessary, but if you have a friend/partner also buying — bring them, because the rebate applies to individuals, and couple’s situations often matter when determining eligibility.

Final Thoughts: A Real Opportunity for First-Time Buyers

The First-Time Home Buyers Event presents a valuable opportunity for first-time buyers in Canada to learn about — and potentially benefit from — a rebate that could slash tens of thousands of dollars off the cost of a new home. This can make the difference between a home that stretches your budget, and one that fits comfortably.

That said: the rebate is new, the rules are somewhat complex, and the legislation still needs to be fully implemented. It’s not a guaranteed “instant 50K off” — but with the right timing, paperwork, and guidance, it absolutely can be.

If you’re thinking about buying a new build, condo, or co-op — especially if you’re in Ontario or another province with HST — this event could be the first step toward making your dream home much more affordable.

Even if you’re only casually thinking about buying in the next few years, attending now gives you a strong head start.