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Showing posts with the label first time home buyer

Why Selkirk is a Great Place to Buy Your First Home

Buying your first home is one of the most exciting milestones in life - but it also comes with plenty of big decisions. Location is at the top of that list, and for many first-time buyers in Manitoba , Selkirk has quickly become a top choice. With its affordable housing market, family-friendly atmosphere, and growing amenities, Selkirk offers a balance of small-town charm and urban convenience that’s hard to beat. If you're considering buying your first home, here's why Selkirk might just be the perfect place to start your journey. 1. Affordable Housing Market One of the biggest challenges for first-time homebuyers is affordability. Compared to larger urban centers like Winnipeg, Selkirk offers lower average home prices, making it much easier for buyers to enter the market. Detached homes in Selkirk are often priced significantly lower than similar homes in Winnipeg. Townhouses and starter condos provide additional affordable options for younger home buyers or couple...

GST Exemption for First-Time Home Buyers in Canada (2025 Update)

Introduction In a major affordability boost, the Canadian federal government announced on May 27, 2025 a sweeping GST rebate that effectively eliminates the 5% federal GST on the purchase of new homes priced up to $1 million for eligible first-time home buyers . This is not just a partial refund - it’s a full exemption of GST up front for most first-time buyers on new construction. What Is the New FTHB GST Rebate? Full 5% GST exemption on new homes valued at $1 million or less (savings of up to $50,000). Partial exemption for homes valued between $1 million and $1.5 million - rebate phases out linearly so a home at $1.25 million would qualify for about a 50% rebate (roughly $25,000). No rebate on homes valued at or above $1.5 million .  Who Qualifies? To be eligible, buyers must meet common-sense criteria: Be 18 or older, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. Have never owned a home - in Canada or abroad - in the current year or the four previous years (inc...

A Guide for Nigerians Moving to Winnipeg - What to Know Before Buying Your First Home

Moving from Nigeria to Canada is an exciting milestone - but navigating a new real estate market like Winnipeg can feel overwhelming at first. Whether you’re relocating for work, joining family, or starting fresh, this guide will help you understand everything you need to know before buying your first home in Winnipeg as a Nigerian newcomer. Why Nigerians Are Choosing Winnipeg Winnipeg is quickly becoming a top destination for Nigerian immigrants - and for good reason: Affordable Real Estate: Compared to Toronto, Calgary, or Vancouver, Winnipeg offers lower housing prices while still delivering great value. Growing Nigerian Community: Churches, cultural groups, and Afro - Caribbean grocery stores help newcomers feel at home. Strong Job Market: Opportunities in healthcare, logistics, education, and construction. Good Quality of Life: Family-oriented neighborhoods, well - rated schools, and lots of green space. Top Winnipeg Neighborhoods Popular With Nigerian Families...

First-Time Home Buyer Benefits and Programs in Winnipeg (Updated 2025)

  Buying your first home is one of the most exciting milestones in life - but it can also be overwhelming. With rising property prices, strict lending rules, and complex processes, many first-time buyers in Winnipeg wonder how to make homeownership a reality. Fortunately, there are several federal, provincial, and local programs available in 2025 designed to help ease the financial burden and open doors to your first home. Whether you’re buying a downtown condo or a suburban family home, this guide will walk you through the most relevant benefits and programs for first-time home buyers in Winnipeg . 1. First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHBI) What is it? The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive is a shared-equity mortgage program from the Government of Canada. It allows eligible buyers to borrow 5% or 10% of a home’s purchase price from the government to reduce monthly mortgage payments. Key 2025 Updates: Income eligibility has been increased to $150,000 . Maximum mo...