If you’re a first-time buyer looking at a new condo in Etobicoke — on The Queensway, in Humber Bay Shores, or anywhere in the GTA — the new First-Time Home Buyers’ GST/HST rebate is the biggest incentive to arrive in years: up to $50,000 back. I’m Jatin Dua, an Etobicoke-focused Realtor with RE/MAX Quantum Realty, and here’s the rebate in plain English, straight from the CRA rules.
What the rebate does
It eliminates the federal GST (5%) entirely on qualifying new homes up to $1 million, and phases out between $1 million and $1.5 million. On an $800,000 new Queensway condo, that’s roughly $40,000 back. Ontario also offers a provincial first-time buyer top-up on the 8% provincial part of HST, claimed at the same time.
Who qualifies as a first-time buyer
You must be at least 18, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and you (and your spouse/common-law partner) must not have lived in a home you owned as your primary residence in the current calendar year or the previous four calendar years. Neither of you can have received this rebate before.
Which homes qualify
Newly built or substantially renovated homes purchased from a builder — which covers pre-construction condos in Etobicoke — plus owner-built homes and co-op shares. Key dates: your purchase agreement must be signed on or after March 20, 2025 and before 2031, construction must begin before 2031 and be substantially complete before 2036, and you must be the first occupant.
What this means on The Queensway
Several Queensway and South Etobicoke pre-construction projects have pricing that sits squarely in the rebate’s sweet spot — under $1 million. For a first-time buyer, the combination of this rebate + FHSA + RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan + Ontario’s land transfer tax rebate can add up to a very different affordability picture than most people assume. I run these numbers for clients before they ever visit a sales centre.
Exploring new builds? See every active project on my Etobicoke & Queensway Pre-Construction Hub — with VIP access to upcoming launches.
FAQ — First-Time Buyer GST Rebate
How much is the GST rebate on a new condo?
Full elimination of the 5% GST up to $1M purchase price (e.g., ~$40,000 on an $800K condo), phasing down to zero at $1.5M. Maximum benefit: $50,000.
Does the rebate apply to resale condos in Etobicoke?
No. It applies to new or substantially renovated homes purchased from a builder — resale purchases don’t pay GST/HST in the first place.
Does it apply to pre-construction condos I already bought?
Only if your agreement of purchase and sale was signed on or after March 20, 2025. Earlier agreements don’t qualify, though the regular GST/HST New Housing Rebate may still apply.
Who should I talk to before claiming it?
Your real estate lawyer and accountant confirm eligibility — and an Etobicoke agent who knows which local projects fit under the $1M threshold can help you shop strategically. Ask me for the current list.
About Jatin Dua — Your Etobicoke Real Estate Agent
Jatin Dua is a Realtor with RE/MAX Quantum Realty who focuses on Etobicoke — The Queensway, Humber Bay Shores, Mimico, Islington–City Centre and the Kingsway. If you’re searching for a top agent in Etobicoke who knows these streets building by building, book a free consultation or explore the Etobicoke community guide.