01
Set monthly comfort
Include the mortgage, property tax, insurance, utilities, maintenance, condo fees, transport, and the life you still want after closing.
A six-step buying plan
Ontario first-time home buyer guide
02
Get financing clarity
Review down payment, pre-approval, qualifying rules, credit, and documentation with a lender or mortgage professional.
03
Budget the closing cash
Estimate land transfer tax, legal fees, adjustments, inspection, appraisal if needed, moving, and a reserve.
04
Search with a brief
Choose areas and property types using the needs that will matter every week—not only finishes and staging.
05
Review before offering
Study comparable sales, condition, history, documents, and risks. Build price and terms together.
06
Protect the closing
Track conditions, insurance, lender requests, lawyer documents, funds, final visit, and possession details.
Plan the monthly payment
Mortgage payment calculator
Use the calculatorPlan the closing cash
Land transfer tax calculator
Use the calculatorOfficial reference
Ontario says qualifying first-time buyers may receive a land transfer tax refund up to $4,000. The program has specific eligibility and occupancy requirements; use the official guidance and confirm your situation with your lawyer.
Ontario first-time buyer refund rulesCommon questions
Questions, answered clearly.
How much should a first-time buyer budget beyond the down payment?+
The amount varies, but the plan should include land transfer tax after any eligible refund, legal fees, inspection or due diligence, lender and appraisal costs if applicable, adjustments, moving, and an emergency reserve.
When should I get pre-approved?+
Before serious showings. A pre-approval helps define financing parameters, but buyers should also set a lower personal comfort number that includes the complete monthly ownership cost.
Can a first-time buyer receive an Ontario land transfer tax refund?+
Qualifying first-time buyers may receive up to $4,000. The rules include purchaser, spouse, occupancy, age, and citizenship or permanent-residency requirements, so confirm eligibility with a lawyer.
Should I waive financing or inspection conditions?+
That is a property- and buyer-specific risk decision. Review the property, available documents, financing confidence, market context, and consequences with the right professionals before changing protective conditions.
Your next move
Let’s talk.
Tell Amit what you’re planning. He responds directly.
How should Amit reach you?
Private · No mailing list
This opens a private WhatsApp message to Amit. Nothing is sent until you review and send it.