Buying your first home is a big deal — and if you’re starting your journey in Bowmanville, Oshawa, or anywhere in the Durham Region, you’re in luck. There are several government-backed programs and partner options designed to help you step confidently into homeownership.

Here are the top programs you may qualify for as a first-time buyer in Ontario:

✔️ RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan

Use your retirement savings to buy your first home — tax-free! Withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP (per person) to use toward your down payment.

✅ Must be repaid over 15 years ✅ Couples can withdraw a combined $120,000

✔️ First-Time Home Buyer Tax Credit

Claim up to $1,500 in tax relief the year you buy your home.

✅ Helps cover closing costs like legal fees and home inspections ✅ Non-refundable credit applied during tax filing

✔️ Land Transfer Tax Rebate (Ontario)

Save up to $4,000 on Ontario’s land transfer tax — a major closing cost for all home buyers.

✅ Rebate applied directly at closing ✅ Additional rebates may apply for homes purchased in Toronto

✔️ Federal First-Time Home Buyer Incentive

The federal government offers a shared equity mortgage that contributes 5% or 10% of the home’s purchase price to help lower your monthly mortgage payments.

✅ No monthly payments or interest ✅ Repaid after 25 years or when the home is sold

✔️ Ourboro Co-Investment Program

Struggling with a down payment, but have strong income? Ourboro can help by contributing to your down payment in exchange for a share in your home’s future value.

✅ Increases your homebuying power without more debt ✅ No interest or monthly payments ✅ Pay back only when you sell

💬 Let’s Talk About Your Next Step

Buying your first home comes with lots of questions — but you don’t have to figure it all out alone. I’m here to guide you through the entire process and help you take advantage of every program you qualify for.