First-Time Buyer? Here’s How the GST Rebate Could Save You Thousands on Your First Home

by Joel Borsos

Buying your first home is a huge milestone—and let’s be honest, it can feel a little overwhelming at times. Between rising prices, down payments, closing costs, and trying to figure out if you need to bring your own lawn mower (spoiler: you probably do), it adds up fast.

But here’s a bright spot that every first-time buyer in Calgary should know about: the GST rebate. If you’re looking at a new build for your first home, this often-overlooked program could put thousands of dollars back in your pocket.

Let’s break it down.

What Is the GST Rebate?

When you buy a newly built home in Canada, you’re typically charged 5% GST. On a $400,000 home, that’s an extra $20,000—ouch, right?

But if that new home is your primary residence, and the purchase price is $1,500,000 or less, you may qualify for the New Housing Rebate, which refunds a portion (or all) of that tax.

Here’s how it works:

Full rebate for homes under $1,000,000
Partial rebate on homes between $1,000,000-$1,500,000

It’s real money—and it’s specifically designed to help people like you.

Why It’s a Big Deal for First-Time Buyers

Let’s face it—affordability is the biggest hurdle for most first-time buyers. That GST rebate can be the difference between:

Making it work vs. having to wait another year to save up
Buying a home you love vs. settling for less
Having a financial cushion for unexpected costs or furniture

And here’s something else: many new home builders will include the rebate in the list price and handle the paperwork for you. That means you benefit from the savings without the headache.

Why First-Timers Are Leaning Toward New Builds

More and more first-time buyers in Calgary are choosing new construction, and the rebate is just part of the reason.

New builds often include:

Lower maintenance costs in the first few years
Modern layouts and finishes you’d otherwise have to renovate
Home warranties that cover major systems and structure
Energy-efficient features that reduce monthly bills

When you add the rebate into the equation, it’s easy to see why so many first-time buyers are skipping the fixer-upper route and opting for something move-in ready.

Things to Keep in Mind

Before you jump in, here are a few tips:

Ask if GST is included in the advertised price—it matters!
Make sure you’re buying the home as your primary residence
Double-check the rebate eligibility if the home price is close to $1,500,000

And if you’re working with a trusted agent (👋), I’ll help walk you through all of it and make sure you don’t leave money on the table.

Final Thoughts

Buying your first home is already a big leap—why not make the most of every advantage available to you? The GST rebate is one of the best-kept secrets when it comes to saving money on a new build, especially if you’re entering the Calgary market for the first time.

If you’re wondering which homes qualify—or just want to know where to start—I’d love to help you take that first step with confidence (and a little extra money in your pocket).