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Listing information is believed accurate but not guaranteed — please verify all details directly. Mortgage estimate is illustrative only and does not constitute a loan offer.
Programs, incentives, and a step-by-step plan built specifically for first-time buyers — no assumed knowledge required.
See the full journey ↓Buying your first home comes with a learning curve, and a lot of the terminology — GDS/TDS ratios, CMHC insurance, FHSA, land transfer tax — can feel like a second language. The good news: first-time buyers in Ontario have access to real programs designed to lower the upfront cost, and the process itself follows a predictable path once you know the stages.
This guide walks through exactly what a first-time buyer needs to know in Ottawa's market, from the incentives you may qualify for to what actually happens on closing day. Have a question along the way? Scroll down and ask HAI, or book a free consultation with Narges — there's no such thing as a dumb first-time-buyer question.
Up to $8,000/year, $40,000 lifetime, tax-free toward your first home.
Withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP without immediate tax penalty.
Up to $4,000 back on Ontario's land transfer tax for eligible buyers.
Buy with as little as 5% down with mortgage default insurance.
The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) lets you contribute up to $8,000/year (lifetime max $40,000) tax-free toward a first home. The RRSP Home Buyers' Plan lets you withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP without immediate tax penalty. The Ontario Land Transfer Tax refund returns up to $4,000 for eligible first-time buyers.
Stacked together, these programs can meaningfully reduce what you need saved before you buy — ask HAI or Narges which ones you qualify for.
A mortgage pre-approval tells you your real budget and locks in a rate for a set period, protecting you if rates rise while you search. Lenders look at your income, debt, and down payment source to determine what you qualify for.
Minimum down payment is 5% on the first $500,000 of a purchase price, rising above that — anything under 20% down requires mortgage default insurance. Try our mortgage calculator for a first estimate.
A buyer's agent costs you nothing directly and exists specifically to guide first-time buyers through unfamiliar territory — comparing properties, writing competitive offers, and flagging red flags you wouldn't otherwise catch.
Set realistic expectations going in: your first home doesn't need to be your forever home, and a good starter property in the right area can build equity toward whatever comes next.
Expert, data-driven buyer representation from Narges Shahsavarani, REALTOR®, Royal LePage Team Realty, Brokerage. $2,000 closing credit paid after closing on qualifying purchases under an exclusive Buyer Representation Agreement. Conditions apply.
See the Ideal Buyer ProgramContribute up to $8,000/year, $40,000 lifetime, tax-free toward your first home — one of the strongest tools available to first-time buyers.
Learn More →Withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP without immediate tax penalty, repayable over 15 years.
Learn More →Eligible first-time buyers can get up to $4,000 back on Ontario's land transfer tax.
Learn More →GDS and TDS ratios, fixed vs. variable rates, and what actually determines how much you qualify for.
Learn More →Condo fees cover shared maintenance but add a monthly cost — freehold means full responsibility but no fees.
Learn More →Skipping pre-approval, waiving inspection to compete, and stretching to the very top of a budget with no cushion.
Learn More →A buyer's agent, a mortgage broker, and a real estate lawyer — your first-time buyer team costs you nothing extra to assemble.
Learn More →Funds transfer, the deed registers, and you get the keys — usually 30 to 90 days after your offer is accepted.
Learn More →Tap a card to read more
Income, savings, and credit — get an honest read on where you stand before you start looking.
FHSA, RRSP Home Buyers' Plan, and the Ontario land transfer tax refund can all reduce your upfront cost.
Know your real budget and lock in a rate before you fall in love with a listing.
Neighbourhood, commute, beds/baths, condo vs. freehold — narrow it down before touring.
Use property search or ask HAI to build a shortlist, then book showings for anything that fits.
Your agent helps you write a competitive, protected offer based on real comparable sales.
Financing confirmation and a home inspection are the two most common conditions to satisfy.
Legal transfer, final walkthrough, and the keys are yours.
Listing information is believed accurate but not guaranteed — please verify all details directly. Mortgage estimate is illustrative only and does not constitute a loan offer.
