First-Time Home Buyer Land Transfer Tax Rebate (2026)
Direct answer: Three places help first-time buyers. Ontario refunds up to $4,000; Toronto adds up to $4,475 (so $8,475 combined); and British Columbia exempts the first $500,000 of value (up to $8,000) when the price is $835,000 or less. Manitoba, Quebec and Alberta offer no first-time rebate. Tick "first-time home buyer" above and choose your location to see your exact saving.
How much is the first-time buyer rebate in Ontario?
Up to $4,000, which removes the provincial land transfer tax on the first $368,000 of an eligible home.
What does a first-time buyer save in Toronto?
Up to $8,475 — Ontario's $4,000 provincial refund plus Toronto's $4,475 municipal rebate.
What is the BC first-time buyer benefit?
No property transfer tax on the first $500,000 of value (up to $8,000 saved) when the price is $835,000 or less, phasing out by $860,000.
Do all provinces have a first-time rebate?
No. Only Ontario, Toronto and BC. Manitoba, Quebec and Alberta offer no first-time home buyer land transfer tax rebate.
Land Transfer Tax Calculator (2026)
| Bracket | Rate | Tax |
|---|---|---|
| $0 – $55,000 | 0.5% | $275.00 |
| $55,000 – $250,000 | 1% | $1,950.00 |
| $250,000 – $400,000 | 1.5% | $2,250.00 |
| $400,000 – $750,000 | 2% | $7,000.00 |
How does the first-time home buyer rebate work?
A first-time buyer rebate reduces or eliminates the land transfer tax on your first home. Each program works differently, so the calculator applies the right rule once you pick your province or city and tick the first-time buyer box.
- Ontario: refund of up to $4,000 of provincial tax.
- Toronto: an extra rebate of up to $4,475 of municipal tax.
- British Columbia: no tax on the first $500,000 of value.
- Manitoba, Quebec, Alberta: no first-time rebate.
What is the rebate by province in 2026?
The table compares the programs. Use the Ontario, Toronto and BC calculators for full detail by location.
| Where | Maximum benefit | Full benefit up to |
|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $4,000 refund | ~$368,000 |
| Toronto (+ Ontario) | $8,475 combined | ~$400,000 |
| British Columbia | $8,000 (first $500k free) | $835,000 |
| Manitoba | None | — |
| Quebec | None | — |
| Alberta | No tax to rebate | — |
Who qualifies as a first-time home buyer?
The rules are similar across programs. You must be at least 18, must occupy the home as your principal residence (within nine months in Ontario, 92 days in BC), and must never have owned a home or an interest in one anywhere in the world at any time. If you have a spouse, your spouse cannot have owned a home while you were together, or you both lose eligibility. Since 2017 Ontario and Toronto restrict the rebate to Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as does British Columbia. You cannot re-qualify as a first-time buyer once you have used the program.
How much can a first-time buyer save?
The saving depends on where you buy. In Ontario, a $500,000 home's $6,475 tax drops to about $2,475 after the $4,000 refund. In Toronto, a $500,000 home's $12,950 combined tax drops to about $4,475 after the $8,475 in rebates. In BC, an $800,000 home's $14,000 tax drops to $6,000 because the first $500,000 is exempt. The calculator above shows your exact figure once you enter the price and tick the first-time buyer box.
How do you claim the rebate?
In every case the rebate is normally applied at closing by your lawyer or notary, so it offsets the tax immediately rather than being paid and reclaimed later. In Ontario it is claimed electronically through the land registration system; in Toronto, through the city's MLTT process; in BC, on the property transfer tax return. If you miss it at closing you can usually apply for a refund afterward — within 18 months in Ontario, Toronto and BC. Keep proof of occupancy, since all three programs require you to move in and live in the home.