How to Find New and Presale Homes That Qualify for the FTHB GST Rebate
With the new First-Time Home Buyers’ (FTHB) GST Rebate now in effect, many buyers across Canada — especially in high-demand markets like North Vancouver and West Vancouver — are wondering how to find homes that qualify. Whether you’re looking for a brand-new condo, townhome, or a presale opportunity, this guide will help you understand your options and how to get started.
What Is the GST Rebate for First-Time Buyers?
In May 2025, the federal government introduced a new GST rebate program designed to help first-time home buyers afford newly built homes. This rebate can reduce the Goods and Services Tax (GST) paid on a qualifying purchase by up to $50,000 — a significant savings, especially in today’s real estate market.
Here’s a quick recap of what you need to know:
- 100% GST rebate on new homes up to $1 million
- Partial rebate for homes between $1 million and $1.5 million
- Applies to:
- New homes bought from a builder
- Owner-built homes
- Shares in co-op housing
- Available only to first-time buyers using the home as their primary residence
- Agreements must be signed on or after May 27, 2025, and before 2031
To qualify, you must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, at least 18 years old, and not have owned or lived in a home you or your spouse/common-law partner owned in the past four calendar years.
How to Find New and Presale Homes That Qualify
While the rebate program offers generous savings, not all homes will qualify — especially if they exceed the $1.5 million price threshold. Here’s how you can start your search:
Browse Our North Shore Presale Project Database
We regularly update our North Vancouver, West Vancouver, and Sea-to-Sky presales pages with active and upcoming developments. Look for projects:
- With pricing under $1.5 million (ideally under $1M to maximize your rebate)
- That are classified as primary residences, not investment/rental-only units
You’ll find curated listings of condos, townhomes, and boutique developments that align with rebate eligibility.
Explore by area:
Subscribe to Our Presale Newsletter
Our Presale Insider Newsletter gives you:
- Exclusive insights into upcoming developments
- Priority updates on launch dates, floorplans, and pricing
- Details on which projects qualify for first-time buyer incentives, including GST rebates
Staying informed early means you can act fast and secure a unit with the best selection or before they sell out.
Finding the right presale property that fits your goals — and qualifies for the rebate — can be overwhelming. That’s where we come in.
Our team specializes in North Vancouver and West Vancouver presales and has strong relationships with local sales teams. We can:
- Recommend projects that match your budget
- Help you understand how GST and other closing costs affect your bottom line
- Guide you through the offer process to maximize your eligibility for rebates and incentives
Interested in help?
Reach out to our team today!
Final Thoughts
The First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate is a powerful tool that can save you thousands — but only if you know where to look. If you’re considering a new home in North or West Vancouver, especially a presale, now is the time to act.
Whether you’re buying your first condo or exploring townhome options, we’ll help you find a home that qualifies — and feels like home.