Knowledge centre

AskRajiv.ca

September 7, 2026

Can a recent relationship breakdown restore first-time-buyer status for a 30-year insured mortgage?

It may. The federal insured-mortgage definition includes a relationship-breakdown pathway, but that does not automatically create eligibility under the FHSA, HBP, GST/HST rebate or Ontario land-transfer-tax refund.

September 7, 2026

Can I get a 30-year insured mortgage on a new build if I am not a first-time buyer?

Potentially yes. A buyer can meet the 30-year insured-mortgage eligibility through the newly built property test even when they are not a first-time buyer, subject to lender and insurer approval.

September 7, 2026

How long do I have to claim Ontario’s first-time home buyer land-transfer-tax refund?

An Ontario first-time-buyer refund application generally must be received within 18 months of the conveyance or disposition. The maximum provincial refund is $4,000 for qualifying transactions.

September 7, 2026

Which agreement and application dates control the first-time home buyer GST/HST rebate?

The agreement, construction, ownership and application dates all matter. For a builder purchase, the agreement generally must be on or after March 20, 2025, and the rebate application usually has a two-year deadline.

September 7, 2026

Can I deposit money into my RRSP and withdraw it immediately under the Home Buyers’ Plan?

Be careful. RRSP contributions made in the 89-day period before an HBP withdrawal may not be deductible when the post-withdrawal RRSP value is insufficient to support the contribution.

September 7, 2026

When do Home Buyers’ Plan repayments start for withdrawals made from 2022 through 2025?

For a first HBP withdrawal made from 2022 through 2025, temporary relief generally delays the start of the 15-year repayment period until the fifth year after the withdrawal year.

September 7, 2026

Can an insured mortgage be switched at renewal without another stress test?

A qualifying insured straight switch at renewal may avoid another minimum-qualifying-rate test, but the receiving lender still reviews the mortgage and can decline it under its own policy.

September 7, 2026

Does the $1.5 million insured-mortgage cap guarantee financing at the purchase price?

No. The higher insured-price cap expands eligibility for purchases below the program limit, but the lender and insurer still assess the borrower and property, and a lower appraisal can increase the cash required.

September 7, 2026

How much minimum down payment is required on a $1.2 million home?

The federal minimum on a $1.2 million purchase is $95,000: 5% of the first $500,000 plus 10% of the remaining $700,000, provided the mortgage and property qualify for insurance.

September 7, 2026

What is the temporary Ontario enhanced new-home HST relief for 2026–2027?

Ontario’s temporary enhanced new-housing relief can materially reduce HST for eligible agreements signed from April 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027, but the buyer, property, price, occupancy or rental use and agreement date must all fit.