The new first-time home buyer GST rebate — what Alberta buyers need to know

Something significant changed for first-time home buyers in Canada in 2025. The federal government introduced a GST rebate specifically for first-time buyers. It’s one of the most meaningful changes to buying a new home and it’s available right now.

What is the GST rebate?

When you buy a new home in Alberta, 5% GST is added to the purchase price. This rebate gives that money back to eligible first-time buyers. So instead of paying GST on top of your home purchase, you get it returned to you, credited at closing, before you even move in.

When you buy a new home with Anthem, we apply for the GST rebate on your behalf and credit the eligible amount directly at closing, so you can focus on getting in your new home.

What you could save.

The rebate amount depends on the purchase price of your home.

• On a $450,000 home, the full $22,500 in GST is rebated.
• On a $600,000 home, it’s $30,000.
• On an $800,000 home, it’s $40,000.
• On a $1,000,000 home, it’s $50,000.
• Between $1,000,001 and $1,499,999, a partial rebate applies.
• At $1,500,000 and over, no rebate is available.

For most first-time buyers in Alberta, that’s tens of thousands of dollars back in your pocket on a home you were already planning to buy.

Do you qualify?

To be eligible, you need to meet all of these conditions at the time ownership of your home transfers to you.

• You must be 18 years or older.
• You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
• You must not have lived in a home that you solely or jointly owned as a primary place of residence at any point during the current calendar year or the four preceding calendar years
• You must not have lived in a home that your spouse or common-law partner solely or jointly owned as a primary place of residence at any point during the current calendar year or the four preceding calendar years
• You must intend to use the home as your primary place of residence when you enter into the agreement
• You must be the first to occupy the home as a place of residence after completion of the home

One thing worth knowing: owning property isn’t the disqualifier. Living in property you owned is. If you’ve owned a rental property that you’ve never personally lived in, you may still qualify.

If two or more individuals purchase a new home, at least one of the individuals must be a first-time home buyer, as per the conditions listed above. The individual who claims the rebate must be a first-time home buyer.

Important note:

This information is based on current federal program guidelines and is for information purposes and does not constitute advice. Speak with an Anthem sales representative for details specific to your purchase. Eligibility conditions apply. Subject to change without notice and should not be relied upon as current, complete or definitive.