Category: Blog

With housing affordability at the forefront of national discussions, the Government of Canada has taken a major step to support first-time homebuyers. As of May 27, 2025, a new federal GST rebate program is available for first-time buyers purchasing new homes across Canada. This rebate can offer savings of up to $50,000, depending on the home’s price.

What Is the 2025 GST Rebate?

Under the new program:

• First-time homebuyers can receive a 100% rebate on the 5% federal GST for newly constructed homes priced up to $1 million.
• For homes priced between $1 million and $1.5 million, the rebate is gradually reduced.
• Homes priced at or above $1.5 million are not eligible for the rebate.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for the new GST rebate, the buyer must:

• Be a first-time homebuyer (no ownership of a home in the last 4 years)
• Be at least 18 years old
• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• Intend to use the home as their primary residence
• Be the first occupant of the home

How Much Can You Save?

Let’s break it down with examples of various new home purchase prices:

Rebate phases out linearly between $1 million and $1.5 million. At $1.25 million, for example, you’d receive a 50% rebate.

What About the Ontario HST Rebate?

If you’re buying a new home in Ontario, you may also qualify for a provincial HST rebate of up to $24,000 on the 8% provincial portion of HST. This is separate from the new federal GST rebate and applies regardless of whether you qualify for the federal program, though conditions may vary.

How to Apply

1. Federal Rebate:

Submit Form GST190 to the CRA.

2. Ontario Rebate (if applicable):

Submit Form RC7190-ON alongside the federal form.

3. Builder-Assisted Application:

Many builders offer to apply the rebate directly on your behalf at the time of purchase.

Key Dates

• Program Start: May 27, 2025
• Eligibility Window: Agreements signed between May 27, 2025, and December 31, 2030
• Construction Deadline: Home must be substantially completed by December 31, 2035

The 2025 GST rebate for first-time homebuyers is a game-changing incentive for Canadians looking to step into the housing market. Whether you’re eyeing a $900K condo or a $1.3M detached home, this rebate can help reduce your upfront costs significantly.

If you’re planning to buy a new home, make sure you understand how this rebate applies to your situation—and don’t leave thousands of dollars on the table.

Need Help Navigating Your First Home Purchase?

As your trusted real estate advisor in the GTA, I’m here to guide you through every step—from eligibility to builder negotiations and rebate claims. Let’s turn your dream address into reality.

📧 info@aqmuftirealty.com

🌐 www.aqmuftirealty.com

📍 Serving Mississauga | Milton | Oakville | Greater Toronto Area

📌 For more information please use the following links:

1. Contact Me
   “If you’re planning to buy a new home, contact me to discuss your eligibility and rebate potential.”
2. First-Time Buyer Resources
   “Check out our first-time buyer resources for more tips on homeownership.”
3. Ontario HST Rebate Guide
   “Learn how the Ontario HST rebate can save you up to $24,000.”
4. Latest Market Trends
   “Stay updated with the latest market trends in the GTA housing market.”
5. Meet A. Q. Mufti
   “Work with an agent who understands your goals—learn more about A. Q. Mufti.”

As homeownership becomes increasingly out of reach for many Canadians, the Liberal Party has announced a sweeping housing strategy. Liberal Leader Mark Carney is prioritizing affordability, focusing on first-time homebuyers and middle-class families.

Targeted Relief for First-Time Buyers

A key feature of the platform is the proposed elimination of the Goods and Services Tax (GST) on homes under C$1 million for first-time buyers. This measure directly reduces the upfront cost of purchasing a home. Combined with a one percentage point cut in the marginal tax rate for the lowest tax bracket, this move is expected to benefit more than 22 million Canadians by improving net income and making homeownership more attainable.

Build Canada Homes: A Crown Corporation for Change

To tackle the ongoing housing supply shortage, the Liberals plan to create a new Crown corporation called Build Canada Homes. This agency will coordinate affordable housing construction nationwide. It will work in collaboration with municipalities, non-profits, and private developers to scale up housing projects efficiently and quickly.

Billions Committed to Expand Supply

The housing platform includes a C$35 billion commitment to accelerate home construction and stabilize the market:

• C$25 billion will support prefabricated housing, which enables faster, more cost-effective builds.
• C$10 billion is allocated for affordable housing developments aimed at low- and middle-income earners.

This investment is designed to boost supply, ease demand pressure, and provide long-term relief from escalating housing prices.

Municipal Incentives to Cut Red Tape

Municipal development charges are a known hurdle in new construction projects. The Liberals plan to cut these fees in half for multi-unit residential housing. This initiative is geared toward boosting the development of rental apartments and condominiums, especially in high-demand urban areas such as Toronto, Vancouver, and Montreal.

The Real Estate Impact

If implemented as proposed, this platform could reshape Canada’s housing market. Here’s how:

• Lower upfront costs for first-time buyers could help more people enter the market.
• Tax and GST relief may improve affordability and increase purchasing power.
• Prefabricated housing investments can shorten construction timelines.
• Reduced development charges may encourage more multi-unit housing projects and ease the rental crunch.

While full implementation details remain to be seen, the plan is already generating discussion among real estate professionals. Many see it as a possible turning point in addressing Canada’s housing affordability crisis.

As election season approaches, the Liberal Party is positioning itself as a champion for everyday Canadians. Their housing plan promises not just homes, but a more accessible path to ownership for millions.

Why Choose a Real Estate Agent in Mississauga?

Looking to buy or sell a home in Mississauga? A skilled real estate agent in Mississauga is your secret weapon. With skyrocketing demand for homes near Toronto, you need someone who knows local neighborhoods like Applewood, Port Credit, or Erin Mills. They’ll negotiate prices, spot hidden gems, and save you time—and money.

Pro Tip: Check the latest Mississauga housing trends on REALTOR.ca.

What Makes a Great Real Estate Agent In Mississauga?

Not all agents are equal. The experienced Mississauga real estate agent will:

• 📊 Analyze market data to price your home competitively.
• 🗝️ Stage your property to attract buyers (or find move-in-ready homes).
• 🤝 Leverage local networks for off-market deals.

Did You Know? Mississauga’s average home price rose 8% last year—City of Mississauga reports steady growth.

Benefits of Hiring a Local Expert

Want to sell faster or avoid overpaying? A real estate agent in Mississauga offers:

1. Time savings: No more endless open houses or paperwork.
2. Stress reduction: They handle legal hassles and bidding wars.
3. Higher profits: Agents sell homes for 10-15% more, says CMHC.

Example: A client in Streetsville sold their condo 20% above asking price with strategic staging.

How to Pick the Right Agent

Follow these steps:

1. Check reviews: Google and TRREB profiles reveal track records.
2. Interview agents: Ask, “How will you market my home?”
3. Compare fees: Most charge 4-5% commission—but negotiate!

Warning: Avoid agents who skip home inspections. Safety first!

Mississauga’s Hot Neighborhoods

From luxury lakeside properties in Lorne Park to affordable townhouses in Meadowvale, a real estate agent in Mississauga knows where to invest. Meanwhile, first-time buyers love Clarkson for its schools and parks.

Finally, the news has arrived we were eagerly waiting for? Well, not exactly but a good start to say the least.

With more people being vaccinated and the daily infection cases reported constantly below one thousand the province feels confident to relax the COVID-19 gathering rules.

This Friday, June 11, 2021, the province of Ontario is entering into Step-1 of the roadmap to opening up businesses and gatherings.

In the Step-1, starting from Friday, the following are the key points:

• outdoor gatherings of up to 10 people
• outdoor dining with up to four people per table
• non-essential retail at 15% capacity
• Places of worship can operate on 15% of indoor gatherings and any number of outdoors with social distancing protocols. Here is some more information from the province’s website:
  
  

Step 2

Expanding access to indoor settings, with restrictions, including where there are larger numbers of people and where face coverings can’t always be worn. This includes:

• indoor sports and recreational fitness
• indoor dining
• museums, art galleries and libraries
• casinos and bingo halls with capacity limits

Moving through the steps

The province will remain at each step for at least 21 days to evaluate any impacts on key public health and health system indicators. It can take up to two weeks for COVID-19 vaccinations to offer protection against the virus.

The province will remain in Step 1 for at least 21 days to evaluate any impacts on key public health and health system indicators.

If at the end of the 21 days the province has met the following vaccination thresholds, and there are continued improvements in other key public health and health system indicators, the province may move to the next step of the roadmap:

• Step 1: 60% of adults vaccinated with one dose
• Step 2: 70% of adults vaccinated with one dose and 20% vaccinated with two doses
• Step 3: 70 to 80% of adults vaccinated with one dose and 25% vaccinated with two doses“

Please go to the province’s website for further details: https://www.ontario.ca/page/reopening-ontario

I am always available to discuss further and find the best solution for your requirements and situation whether you are planning to buy or sell or both to move to a bigger house or downsizing.

There is always a better solution a professional can provide, sometimes beyond your thoughts.

I will be glad to receive your call at your earliest convenience at 416-908-5600.

Take care of yourselves and follow the safety precautions defined by healthcare professionals.

Please pray for the safety of all and seeing an end to the COVID-19 pandemic soon.

#BeSafeAndHelpOthersBeSafe

If you found this review helpful, I would greatly appreciate it if you could kindly leave a Google Review for my real estate services at

A. Q. Mufti Google Review

Thank you for your continued support!

A. Q. Mufti

Your Trusted Realtor in Mississauga, Oakville, Milton and beyond.

Finally, in its latest sales report for June 2021, Toronto Region Real Estate Board (TRREB) confirms, what I have been educating my clients for a long time, the home prices would continue to keep the upward trajectory citing the influx of new immigrants waiting for travel restrictions lifted for air travels after the COVID-19 pandemic.

The TRREB report says “…a resumption of
population growth based on immigration is only months away. While the primary focus of policymakers has been artificially curbing demand, the only long-term solution to affordability is increasing supply to accommodate perpetual housing needs in a growing region,”

While the total number of houses exchanged hands was down by 9.1%, keeping up the tradition for the month, compared to last month but it outpaced the same month of last year by 28.5%.

Similarly, the average selling price kept the double-digit growth of 17% compared to last year while maintaining a plateau compared with last month this year, somewhat good news for the potential Buyers.

There were slightly fewer new properties on the market having a 0.1% decline compared with the year 2020 the same month.

It seems that the competition among the buyers was the force behind limiting the number of average days for a property to remain in the market by 34.6 fewer days than compared to the same month last year.

The competition was also visible comparing the June 2021 number of days with May 2021 for a property to be in the market by 27.8% fewer days.

Condominium sales, contrary to general perception, leaped forward by almost doubling to 79.8% more than recorded in May.

The average selling price of Condominiums saw a slight dip though of 1.4% decrease compared to last year, 2020.

Total condominium properties brought for sale in the market jumped by 42.8%, compared to the same last year.

There was increased activity in the selling/purchasing of the condominiums, an increase of 17%, compared with the same month in the last year, 2020.

The condos remained for 35.3% more days in the market compared to last year.

The condominium rental market also saw a decline in the average rental value of a one-bedroom apartment which was reduced by almost 17%.

There were almost double (78.8%) the condo apartments available for rent in the market compared to last year.

I am always available to discuss further and find the best solution for your requirements and situation whether you are planning to buy or sell or both to move to a bigger house or downsizing.

There is always a better solution a professional can provide, sometimes beyond your thoughts.

I will be glad to receive your call at your earliest convenience at 416-908-5600.

Take care of yourselves and follow the safety precautions defined by healthcare professionals.

Please pray for the safety of all and seeing an end to the COVID-19 pandemic soon.

#BeSafeAndHelpOthersBeSafe

If you found this review helpful, I would greatly appreciate it if you could kindly leave a Google Review for my real estate services at

A. Q. Mufti Google Review

Thank you for your continued support!

A. Q. Mufti

Your Trusted Realtor in Mississauga, Oakville, Milton and beyond.

Ontario government has announced that the province is entering into Step-3 starting at 12:01 am on July 16, 2021.

With the new protocols, Realtor’s Open Houses are also allowed, after a long wait.

For your peace of mind it is important that you know what steps would be taken to follow the COVID-19 protocols during the Open House and how you, your family, and the potential buyers would be protected during the visits to your property.

Our office, RE/MAX Real Estate Centre is always looking to protect our clients’ interest first.

Here is a summary of what you need to know about the protocols to be followed when I would be holding an Open House for your property:

• The number of people allowed inside a property during an open house is relative to the ability of individuals to maintain 2-meter social distancing during the open house.
• Mandatory masking rules are still in effect. Potential buyers and REALTORS® must wear the proper face coverings while inside the house.
• All surfaces must be properly sanitized and cleaned before, during, and after the open house.
• I will be monitoring who attends the Open House and will deny entry to anyone who has been in contact with a person who has an active case of COVID-19, if they display any symptoms of COVID-19, or are awaiting results from a COVID-19 test.
• I will keep a “visitor’s log” to record the names and contact information of all individuals who enter your home in the case of exposure to COVID-19. All individuals will be contacted if there is an exposure.
• I will have Covid 19 screening forms attached to the front door.
• I will keep the doors locked and only allow one set of visitors in at a time.
• Should I have to allow children into the premises they are not allowed to roam freely through the house or touch anything.   (Just like normal times)
• I will not allow anyone to use the washrooms. (Just like normal times)
• I will make sure that you are comfortable allowing an Open House and that I will discuss all safety protocols with you prior to conducting the Open House.

I am always available to discuss further and find the best solution for your requirements and situation whether you are planning to buy or sell or both to move to a bigger house or downsizing.

There is always a better solution a professional can provide, sometimes beyond your thoughts.

I will be glad to receive your call at your earliest convenience at 416-908-5600.

Take care of yourselves and follow the safety precautions defined by healthcare professionals.

Please pray for the safety of all and seeing an end to the COVID-19 pandemic soon.

#BeSafeAndHelpOthersBeSafe

If you found this review helpful, I would greatly appreciate it if you could kindly leave a Google Review for my real estate services at

A. Q. Mufti Google Review

Thank you for your continued support!

A. Q. Mufti

Your Trusted Realtor in Mississauga, Oakville, Milton and beyond.