For: First-time buyers · Updated 2026-10-28

Do I get the first-time buyer GST rebate on a presale?

By Uzair Muhammad, REALTOR®, Real Broker BC

Quick answer

Likely yes, if you're a first-time buyer purchasing a new home from a builder under an agreement signed on or after March 20, 2025. The rebate covers all the GST on homes up to $1 million (up to $50,000) and phases out between $1 million and $1.5 million. The builder can credit it at closing, or you apply to the CRA.

How much it's worth

GST on a new home is 5%. On a $700,000 presale that's $35,000, all of which can be rebated. On a $1,000,000 home it's $50,000, the maximum.

Between $1 million and $1.5 million the rebate shrinks, and above $1.5 million there is none.

Who qualifies

The rebate is for first-time home buyers buying a newly built home as their primary residence. Under the rules Finance Canada announced, you must be at least 18, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and not have lived in a home that you or your spouse owned in the current year or the previous four years. It's a once-in-a-lifetime rebate.

Your purchase agreement with the builder must be dated on or after March 20, 2025, per the CRA.

Watch-outs on presales

Older contracts: an agreement signed before the qualifying date doesn't qualify, and cancelling and re-signing a contract to qualify may be disallowed.

Assignments: buying an assignment of an older contract generally doesn't qualify. Check the original agreement date.

Stacking: the rebate is in addition to the existing GST new housing rebate, and you can also use BC's property transfer tax exemptions, the FHSA and the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan.

How to claim it

If the builder credits it, the rebate comes off what you owe at closing. If not, you apply through your CRA account or with Form GST190, generally within two years of taking ownership.

Want to know exactly what you'd save?

Tell us the price range you're looking at. On a 10-minute call we'll add up the GST rebate, PTT exemption and FHSA/HBP for your situation.

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Frequently asked questions

How much is the first-time buyer GST rebate?

Up to $50,000. It covers all the GST on a new home up to $1 million and phases out between $1 million and $1.5 million.

Does my presale signed in 2024 qualify?

No. Per the CRA, the agreement with the builder must be on or after March 20, 2025.

Does it apply to an assignment?

Generally not when the original agreement predates the qualifying date. Confirm the original contract date before you buy an assignment for the rebate.

How do I claim it?

The builder can credit it at closing. Otherwise apply through your CRA account or by mailing Form GST190, generally within two years of ownership.

Sources

This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules change; confirm with a lawyer, accountant or mortgage professional before you act.

About the author

Founder of Presale Properties Group. Spent 10 years at the City of Surrey in Planning and Bylaws before real estate. Represents buyers only on new construction across Metro Vancouver and the Fraser Valley.