How new tax relief for first-time buyers could open doors across Ontario
Here’s the big news: the Ontario Real Estate Association (OREA) applauds the provincial government’s announcement to remove the full 8 % provincial portion of HST for first-time buyers purchasing newly built homes valued up to $1 million. This could mean up to $80,000 in tax relief — yes, you read that right. OREA
If your target home is between $1 million and $1.5 million, there’s an additional layer of relief paired with a proposed federal rebate, adding up to around $24,000 more. OREA
What exactly was announced?
- The government is moving to eliminate the 8 % provincial HST portion on new-construction homes for first-time buyers, up to the $1 million value mark. OREA
- For new builds between $1 million and $1.5 million, relief kicks in via a federal rebate strategy, putting additional tax savings on the table. OREA
- This move builds on recent legislation like the Fighting Delays, Building Faster Act, 2025, which aims to speed up the process of housing creation and improve affordability. OREA+1
- OREA’s President, Cathy Polan, highlighted this as “yet another step in the right direction” to make homeownership attainable for the next generation of Ontarians. OREA
Why this matters to you (and why we’re excited at PRG)
If you’re gearing up to buy your first home—or know someone who is—this development changes the playing field in meaningful ways. Here’s how:
- Lower barriers to entry: The tax relief reduces one of the biggest upfront costs of buying a brand-new home.
- Attractive for new-build options: If you’re open to newly constructed homes, this incentive adds both financial and strategic value.
- Stronger buyer positioning: With this tax relief in place, first-time buyers working with a proactive team like ours at Pilarski Real Estate Group are better poised to move forward confidently.
- Fuel for marketing & strategic dialogues: For our audience segments—whether first-time buyers (35-50 years old), investors or even families exploring new builds—this is an attractive story worth sharing.
Important fine print (because we like real talk)
- Eligibility matters. “First-time buyer” status, definitions of “newly built,” and home value caps all come into play.
- Timing, regulations, and full application details must be verified before assuming savings.
- Tax relief alone isn’t a silver bullet—housing supply, interest rates, financing, and personal goals still matter.
- For homes above $1.5 million, the rebate structure may differ or may not apply in the same way.
What you should do next
If any of this resonates—whether you’re actively considering buying, or just exploring the possibilities—here’s the action plan:
- Reach out to Pilarski Real Estate Group today for a consultation. We’ll walk you through:
- Whether you qualify for the rebate
- What “new-build” options look like in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA)
- How to integrate this incentive into your budget, timeline and goals
- Let’s review new-construction listings together, with an eye on how tax relief may enhance value.
- Prepare your financial picture so when the right new-build home comes up, you’re ready to move decisively.
Ready to take the next step?
Connect with us at Pilarski Real Estate Group. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer, an investor eyeing new construction, or a family looking to plant roots, we’re here to turn opportunity into action. Email us, call us, or drop by—we’ll make sure you’re informed, empowered and ready.
Contact us today to schedule your complimentary consultation and learn how this tax-relief opportunity could become your pathway to homeownership.
Thank you for trusting us with your journey. At Pilarski Real Estate Group, we combine experience, integrity and results to serve you—whether this incentive catches your eye, or there’s another path that fits you even better.
