???? Ontario’s New First-Time Home Buyer Incentive — What It Means for You in Oxford County

Buying your first home has never been easy — but Ontario just made it a little more affordable.
In its 2025 Fall Economic Statement, the province announced a new HST rebate for first-time buyers of newly built or substantially renovated homes.
Let’s unpack what that means, how much you could save, and what opportunities this opens right here in Tillsonburg, Ingersoll, and Woodstock.

???? The Big News: Up to 8% Provincial HST Rebate

Under the new program, Ontario will eliminate the 8% provincial portion of the HST for qualifying first-time buyers purchasing a newly built (or substantially renovated) home worth up to $1 million.

For homes between $1 million and $1.5 million, the rebate gradually phases out — and above $1.5 million, it no longer applies.

When combined with the federal government’s proposed 5% GST relief for first-time buyers, total savings could reach as high as $130,000.

That’s real money staying in your pocket instead of going to taxes — a potential game-changer for young families and first-time buyers who’ve been struggling with rising costs.

????️ Why It Matters Locally

For communities like Tillsonburg and Oxford County, where many new homes still fall below $1 million, this rebate could open doors for more buyers to consider new builds instead of older resale properties.

Builders and developers may see renewed interest in smaller subdivisions and rural infill projects — and buyers could get the best of both worlds: a brand-new home with lower tax costs.

???? Quick Facts: Eligibility at a Glance

To qualify, buyers must:
✅ Be first-time buyers — meaning neither you nor your spouse/common-law partner has owned a home you lived in during this year or the previous 4 years.
✅ Buy a newly built or substantially renovated home.
✅ Use the home as your principal residence.
✅ Sign the purchase agreement on or after May 27 2025.
✅ Keep the total home price at or below $1 million to receive the full rebate.

Always verify with your lawyer or accountant to confirm eligibility before finalizing.

???? How Much You Could Save

Here’s a quick breakdown:

• $750,000 new home → 8% provincial HST = $60,000 → fully rebated
• $950,000 new home → 8% HST = $76,000 → fully rebated
• $1.2 million new home → partial rebate ≈ $38,000
• $1.6 million new home → no rebate

In short: the biggest winners are buyers purchasing new homes under $1 million — and that’s a price point where Oxford County shines.

???? Local Data Snapshot: Oxford County by the Numbers

???? Did you know? Based on current prices, more than 90% of new homes built in Oxford County would qualify for the full provincial rebate.

???? What Buyers Should Do Now

1. Check your eligibility. If you or your partner never owned a home, you likely qualify.
2. Explore new builds. Talk to your Realtor (that’s me!) about available projects under $1 million in Tillsonburg, Ingersoll, or Woodstock.
3. Plan your timing. To qualify, your purchase agreement must be dated May 27 2025 or later.
4. Budget smart. Even with the rebate, plan for down payment, closing costs, and interest rate considerations.
5. Get professional advice. Your lawyer and accountant can help file your rebate and confirm savings.

???? Why This Matters for the Long Term

This incentive doesn’t just help buyers — it’s a push to increase housing supply across Ontario by encouraging more people to buy new homes.
That could stimulate more local development, more jobs, and more opportunities for Oxford County residents to stay in the communities they love.

???? Final Thoughts from David LaPointe

If you’ve been sitting on the fence about buying your first home, this new rebate could be the extra boost you need.
Let’s connect to explore new-build options in Oxford County that might qualify — I’ll walk you through the math and see what fits your budget.

???? David LaPointe – Century 21 Heritage House Ltd.
Helping families in Tillsonburg, Ingersoll & Woodstock find their first homes.
✨ Start as clients, end as friends.