Buying your first home is one of the biggest decisions you’ll ever make—and every dollar counts.
That’s why the First-Time Home Buyers’ (FTHB) GST Rebate is such meaningful news for Albertans entering the market right now. Whether you’re exploring condos, townhomes, or single-family homes, this federal program could put thousands of dollars back in your pocket—making your first home more achievable than ever.
Here’s everything you need to know.
What Is the FTHB GST Rebate?
The First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate is a federal program designed to help eligible buyers recover some—or all—of the GST paid on a newly built home.
For qualifying purchases, it eliminates GST on new homes valued up to $1 million, with a maximum rebate of up to $50,000 depending on the purchase price.
To put that in real terms: a home purchased at $450,000 could result in $22,500 in GST savings. That’s money that can go toward furnishings, upgrades, or simply giving you more breathing room as you settle into your new space.
Who Qualifies?
To be eligible for the FTHB GST Rebate, you must:
- Be a first-time home buyer purchasing the home as your primary place of residence
- Be at least 18 years of age
- Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
- Not have lived in a home you or your spouse/common-law partner owned—in Canada or abroad—as your primary residence at any point during the purchase year or the previous four calendar years
Please note: the rebate does not apply to investment properties, rentals, or recreational properties.
What Types of Homes Qualify?
The rebate applies to qualifying newly built homes, including:
- Condos
- Townhomes
- Single-family homes
Your purchase agreement must be dated on or after March 20, 2025 and before 2031, and construction must be substantially completed before 2036.
How Does Cedarglen Living Help?
Here’s where it gets even easier. Cedarglen Living can apply for the FTHB GST Rebate on your behalf and reflect the credit directly in your purchase price—so you never have to pay the GST upfront and wait for a reimbursement.
We handle the paperwork. You focus on making your new house a home.
Please note: this process applies only to units that have not yet closed. If your unit closed between March 2025 and today, you’ll need to apply independently through the CRA.
What If the Rebate Wasn't Applied at Closing?
If you paid GST at closing and the rebate wasn’t credited, don’t worry—you have two years from the date possession was transferred to apply directly to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA) to claim what you’re owed.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
The CRA reviews all rebate applications, and eligibility is determined solely by them. If a buyer is found ineligible after a rebate has already been applied, the GST amount becomes repayable to the CRA. That’s why it’s important to confirm your eligibility before closing—and we’re here to help you navigate that process.
Buying your first home in Alberta is a milestone worth celebrating—and with the right information and the right builder in your corner, it’s more within reach than you might think.
Ready to explore your options? Connect with our team today and let’s find the right home for your next chapter.
