external-link
Skip to content
  • Français
    • Getting startedLearn about the stock market, investment types, and how to get started.
    • Understanding riskLearn about the risk-return relationship, risk tolerance, and why it matters.
    • Psychology of InvestingMake better financial decisions by learning about behavioural insights.
    • Working with an advisorA financial advisor can help you choose investments and manage your portfolio.
    • Tracking your progressLearn how to track your investing progress and see how you're doing.
    • Rules and regulationsRegulators protect investors in Canada by setting and enforcing securities rules.
    • Community outreachOSC in the Community takes the OSC's mandate from Bay Street to Main Street.
    • AnnuitiesAnnuities are an investment that can generate a steady income in retirement.
    • BondsBonds are an investment that generate interest after a fixed period of time.
    • Crypto assetsCrypto assets are digital investments with different opportunities and risks.
    • ESG investingESG investing allows you to choose investments that align with your priorities.
    • ETFs (exchange-traded funds)These funds hold a collection of investments and are traded on a stock exchange.
    • GICs (Guaranteed investment certificates)GICs guarantee a specific rate of return over a short period of time.
    • Mutual funds & segregated fundsMutual funds pool multiple investments into a fund owned by many investors.
    • Pension & savings plansDifferent kinds of workplace pension plans provide retirement income.
    • Real estateBuying a home is a way to invest your money and diversify your portfolio.
    • StocksStocks give you equity in a company, and are traded on a stock exchange.
    • More complex investmentsComplex investments have potential for high reward, but also higher risk.
    • RDSPPeople with disabilities can save with a Registered Disability Savings Plan.
    • RESPSave for your child's education with a Registered Education Savings Plan.
    • RRIFYou open a Registered Retirement Income Fund with funds from your RRSP.
    • RRSPA Registered Retirement Savings Plan grows your savings tax free until you retire.
    • TFSAA Tax-Free Savings Account helps you save for any goal, tax free.
    • Bank accountsChequing and savings accounts can help you manage your short-term needs.
    • BudgetingA budget can help you manage your spending, saving, and plan for the unexpected.
    • Life EventsLearn about how your financial needs may change at different stages of life.
    • Making a planHaving a plan can make it easier to make the right investing decisions for you.
    • Managing debtDebt shouldn't get in the way of your saving and investing. Learn how to manage it.
    • Personal insurancePersonal insurance coverage can help protect you and your loved ones.
    • RetirementPlanning for retirement helps you determine how much to save and where.
    • Running a small businessImprove your financial knowledge for your business and your personal life.
    • Saving moneyKeep your financial goals on track by saving some money each month.
    • Understanding taxLearn more about how tax filing and tax deductions work.
    • Wills and estate planningPreparing a will and estate plan ensure your final wishes are taken care of.
    • Types of fraudLearn how to spot frauds and scams and what they look like.
    • Making a complaintKnow your options for making a complaint.
    • Reporting fraudIf you suspect you've been a victim of fraud, report it immediately.
    • Checking registrationAlways check the registration of anyone trying to give advice or sell investments.
    • Investor warnings and alerts
    • CalculatorsPractice calculating compound interest, savings, debt consolidation, and more.
    • Quizzes and toolsCheck your knowledge of scams, behavioural biases, and other financial tools.
    • WorksheetsTry our downloadable tools to help you plan and budget.
    • VideosOur videos show you the basics of investment types, frauds to watch for, and more.
    • Investing chartsSee the impact of market ups, downs, and more based on historic data.
    • Research & reportsDive into groundbreaking research to better understand retail investor behaviours, attitudes and experiences.
    • Investing introductionIf you’re new to Canada or investing visit our multilingual site for more information in 23 languages.
    • Investor NewsStay informed about the latest investor initiatives, educational resources, and warnings/alerts.
    • Investing questionsFind unbiased answers to your investing questions from a trusted source.
    • Get Smarter About CryptoLearn more about crypto assets including how they work, rules and regulations, and crypto fraud. If you are considering investing in crypto assets, always work with a registered crypto asset trading platform.
    • Investing fundamentalsExplore the eight fundamentals that can help you make smarter investing decisions.
    • Investment reportingWalk through the steps to see how your investments are doing.
  • Investing Academy

GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca

Français
When autocomplete results are available use up and down arrows to review and enter to go to the desired page. Touch device users, explore by touch or with swipe gestures.

Home / Types of investments / Real estate / Buying your first home

Buying your first home

8 min read

Share

  • Share to Twitter
  • Share to Facebook
  • Share to LinkedIn
  • Share to Reddit
  • Share via Email

Taking the leap into home ownership can be exciting and intimidating. For many people, buying real estateEstate The total sum of money and property you leave behind when you die.+ read full definition is the largest purchase they will make in their lives. And buying a home can become an important asset in your financial planFinancial plan Your financial plan should cover every aspect of your finances: saving and investing, paying down…+ read full definition.

It’s a complex purchase that involves several steps and types of advisors along the way. Planning ahead is critical and involves deciding how much you can afford, and finding a financial advisor, lawyer, and a real estate agent to understand all the associated costs.

On this page you’ll find

  • Determining where to buy and how much you can afford
  • Estimating how much you need to save for a down payment
  • How to save for a home
  • Financial considerations on the path to home ownership
  • Finalizing your home search
  • Summary

Determining where to buy and how much you can afford

Knowing where you want to live may seem like a simple question, but it can make a big difference to how much you’ll be likely to pay for your home. Consider not just the city you want to live in but the kind of neighbourhood, and the kind of features you’d ideally like to have in the property you purchase. These details will be important when working with a realtor to search for your home.

Consider different neighbourhoods and research the current real estate market in your area. The city and neighbourhood you choose to live in will affect the price of the home, depending on the market conditions at the time. Unless you expect to be able to purchase the home outright, you’ll likely be paying for a home with:

  • A down paymentDown payment The money you put into buying a large item like a car or home.+ read full definition – at least 5-20% of the purchase price, depending on the price of the home.
  • A mortgageMortgage A loan that you get to pay for a home or other property. Often the…+ read full definition – for the remaining amount of the price. A mortgage is a loanLoan An agreement to borrow money for a set period of time. You agree to pay…+ read full definition you repay over a set period of time, plus interest.

Consider how much you’re likely to pay in total for the type of home you want to buy. Then estimate how much you’ll need to pay as a down payment, in order to be able to afford the mortgage payments. Try our mortgage payment calculator to help you plan your payment schedule based on your expected termTerm The period of time that a contract covers. Also, the period of time that an…+ read full definition and interest rateInterest rate A fee you pay to borrow money. Or, a fee you get to lend it.…+ read full definition.

Learn more about mortgage options and features.

Estimating how much you need to save for a down payment

The amount you need to make for a down payment on a home depends on a few factors. In Canada, your down payment needs to be a minimum of:

  • 5% of the purchase price of the home if it is $500,000 or less.
  • 10% if the purchase price is above $500,000 but less than $1 million.
  • 20% of the purchase price if it is more than $1 million.

Your lenderLender Any person or organization that lends money.+ read full definition may require a larger down payment, depending on your credit history or employment status.

You also need to factor in the predicted total purchase price with the time horizon you’ll have to pay it back. Consider how long you’ll expect your mortgage term to be. For example, are you likely to be able to pay it back over 25 years or 30 years?

The more you’re able to pay as a down payment, the less you’ll have to pay back in mortgage payments later. You’ll need a bigger mortgage if you can only pay the minimum down payment. You will need to be confident you have a steady income to make your mortgage payments.

When estimating the cost of your future home, make sure you’re including more than just the cost of the home itself. Be sure to factor in any monthly fees, property taxes, renovation costs, and moving costs.

How to save for a home

Saving for a down payment is a large saving goal that can take several years. There are different ways you can accomplish this goal. In Canada there are three different types of registered savings accounts that can be used, depending on your situation:

  • Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP)Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) A plan that lets you save for retirement while lowering your income taxes. You choose…+ read full definition – First-time home buyers can withdraw up to $60,000 from their RRSPRRSP See Registered Retirement Savings Plan.+ read full definition towards a down payment. You won’t pay taxTax A fee the government charges on income, property, and sales. The money goes to finance…+ read full definition on the money provided you re-pay the amount back into your RRSP within 15 years.

An RRSP is designed for saving for retirement. It is ideal for moderate to higher income earners who expect to have a lower income in retirement than they do before they retire. Learn more about RRSPs.

  • Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA)Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) A Tax-Free Savings Account (TFSA) is a registered savings account that provides tax benefits. In…+ read full definition – You can withdraw funds from your TFSATFSA See Tax-Free Savings Account.+ read full definition without paying tax on the money. However, you’ll need to wait until the following year to contribute funds back into the accountAccount An agreement you make with a financial institution to handle your money. You can set…+ read full definition.

A TFSA can hold both savings and investments. Learn more about TFSAs.

  • First Home Savings AccountSavings account A bank account intended for depositing funds. Pays interest and lets you withdraw cash at…+ read full definition (FHSA) – The FHSA is a new account available to Canadians starting in 2023. Like an RRSP, contributions to the account are tax deductible, and like a TFSA, withdrawals towards a first home purchase are non-taxable. FHSAs can hold savings and investments, to a lifetime contributionContribution Money that you put into a savings or investment plan.+ read full definition limit of $40,000. Funds can be transferred from an FHSA to an RRSP.  Learn more about the FHSA.

You can also save for your down payment in non-registered savings accounts or investing accounts. In this case your savings would not be tax-sheltered as it would be in one of the above registered accounts. That means you would pay tax on income earned from your savings interest or investmentInvestment An item of value you buy to get income or to grow in value.+ read full definition growth.

It’s also a good idea to speak with your family members about your plans to buy a home. They may be able to help with your down payment amount, or be able to recommend an advisor, lawyer, or mortgage brokerBroker A registered person who brings together someone who wants to buy investments with someone who…+ read full definition to work with. It’s common for first-time homebuyers to get help from family members, and increasingly valuable given the rising cost of real estate in many parts of Canada.

Learn more about saving for a down payment.

Choosing the type of investments to put your money in will depend on your investing goals, your level of risk tolerance, and your time horizon. Learn more about investment types.

Financial considerations on the path to home ownership

There are a few things to be aware of as you get ready to buy a home. This includes knowing your credit score and getting preapproval for a mortgage.

1. Check your credit reportCredit report A detailed report that shows your borrowing history, including any bankruptcies. Also includes a list…+ read full definition and protect your credit score

You will have to pass a credit check to qualify for a mortgage. Lenders review your credit report and credit score.

  • Credit report – Your credit report summarizes your credit history. Two credit bureaus, or credit reporting agencies, track your credit report in Canada. Whenever you borrow money, use your credit card or pay bills, information about those transactions is sent to credit reporting agencies. You can check your credit report once a year for free, or more frequently for a fee.
  • Credit score – Your credit score is a number between 300 and 900 estimated by the credit bureaus. It shows how well you manage credit or how risky it would be for a lender to lend you money. The number changes over time as your credit report is updated with new information. Your credit score is affected by many factors, including your payment history, any outstanding debts, how long you’ve had credit, and if you’ve ever had record of insolvency or bankruptcy.

There are two credit bureaus in Canada – Equifax and TransUnion. Each of them allow you to check your credit report for free, by mail, once a year. It’s a good idea to get into the habit of checking your free credit report once a year, from both agencies. You can even check them six months apart from each other to make the most of your free report each time.

It’s a good idea to check your credit report before you expect to begin the mortgage pre-approval process. If there are any errors on your report, these may take time to resolve and delay your ability to be approved for the best mortgage rate available to you. Learn more about what’s included in your credit report and how to improve it.

Having a higher credit score, and a credit report that shows a history of being able to reliably pay back money owed, means you’ll be considered more credit-worthy by lenders. If you don’t have a credit history in Canada, you will likely need to start one to establish your ability to credit-worthiness.

2. Mortgage pre-approval

Mortgage pre-approval is an important step involved in your home purchase. It will give the seller confidence in your offer. If you don’t have financing arranged, it may be harder for you to close the sale once you’re ready to make an offer to buy a property.

Your mortgage pre-approval identifies the amount you will likely be allowed to borrow. This step involves working with a mortgage broker or lender. Your mortgage professional will need to know financial information, such as:

  • proof of your assets and income
  • proof you can pay for the down payment and closing costsClosing costs The costs you pay to buy or sell a home. Can include loan fees, appraisal…+ read full definition
  • information about any debts or financial obligations
  • proof of employment

You may also be asked to provide recent financial statementsFinancial statements Reports that sum up a company’s financial data and tell you how it is doing.…+ read full definition from bank accounts or investments, to verify information.

The Financial Services Regulatory Authority of Ontario has information about mortgage brokering and more.

Understand how your mortgage works – fixed or variable rate, payment schedule, fees and any special conditions.

During the pre-approval process, be sure to ask your mortgage professional:

  • How long the pre-approved interest rate is guaranteed (may be between 60 or 150 days).
  • If the pre-approved interest rate will go down — if interest rates go down — during the time you’re pre-approved.
  • Whether the rate assumes a fixed or variable rate mortgage.
  • Whether the pre-approval can be extended.

Ask your mortgage professional about anything you don’t understand. Each lender sets their own guidelines and policies, so it’s important to make sure you understand the process.

Finalizing your home search

The search for your home can take time depending on your needs and the real estate market conditions. You can work with a real estate agent to help focus your search and get advice on how to make a successful offer. You may not have success on the first offer, but this is true for many first-time homeowners.

Your real estate agent can help you broker the offer, and you’ll need a lawyer to review all documents and close the sale.

Remember to review all documents carefully before signing and ask questions. The sale is a binding legal contractContract A binding written or verbal agreement that can be enforced by law.+ read full definition, so make sure you’re comfortable with the transactionTransaction The process where one person or party buys goods or services from another for money.…+ read full definition before committing.

As a first time home buyer in Ontario, you may be eligible for a refund on all or part of the Land transfer tax.

Apply for the First-time Home Buyers’ Tax CreditTax credit The amount you can deduct from your income when you file your taxes. This lowers…+ read full definition (HBTC)

When you file your taxes, apply for the First-time Homebuyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC) if you are eligible. This is a non-refundable tax creditNon-refundable tax credit Non-refundable tax credits can only be used against tax that you would otherwise owe.+ read full definition that can be claimed by you or your spouse on your annual income taxIncome tax A charge you pay based on your total income from all sources. The Canadian government…+ read full definition return. The amount is calculated based on your lowest personal income tax rateTax rate The rate at which you or a business pays tax on income. Often stated as…+ read full definition in the year you qualify, up to a maximum of $1,500.

Learn more about how the HBTC works.

Summary

Buying a home is one of the biggest decisions you might make in your life. Before you get too far ahead in your plans, make sure you:

  • Decide where you’d like to live and how much you can afford.
  • Know how much you’ll need to save for a down payment.
  • Make a plan to save.
  • Consider whether a TFSA, RRSP, or FHSA may be helpful for your saving plan.
  • Check your credit report and protect your credit score.
  • Get pre-approval for a mortgage.

And don’t forget to review all documents carefully on the road to home ownership.

Last updated April 30, 2025

Articles in this section

Articles read
Your home as an investment 5 min read
Understanding real estate investments 11 min read
Buying your first home 8 min read
Saving for a down payment 7 min read
Choosing a mortgage 3 min read
Getting a mortgage approved 1 min read
Renting versus buying a home 5 min read
How and why to insure your home 5 min read
What to consider before borrowing against your home 5 min read
Investing in Mortgage Investment Entities 10 min read
Helping your child buy their first home 3 min read
Insuring a home-based business 2 min read
Reverse mortgages 2 min read
Selling your home without an agent 4 min read
Investing in a rental property: The pros and cons 2 min read

Post navigation

Back To:
Previous: Your home as an investment
5 min read
Up Next:
Next: Saving for a down payment
7 min read

Sign up for Investor News

Join 18,000+ subscribers and stay informed with timely articles, the latest investor warnings and financial literacy resources like videos, calculators and quizzes.

Past issues
  • April 8, 2025
  • March 18, 2025
  • March 4, 2025
GetSmarterAboutMoney.ca

Connect with us

Facebook Twitter YouTube Instagram
  • About Us
  • Contact Us
  • Investor News
  • Media
  • Glossary
  • OSC in the community
  • OSC Website
  • Terms of use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Accessibility policy

Brought to you by the OSC Investor Office

This website is provided for informational purposes only and is not a source of official OSC policy or a substitute for legal or financial advice. We recommend that you consult with a qualified professional advisor before acting on any information appearing on this website. For details, please see our full Terms of Use and Privacy policy

© Ontario Securities Commission 2025

Go back to top Reference Only