Increase to First-Time Home Buyer Incentive Program effective May 3rd

The Federal Government has announced they will be expanding the First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHBI) program in the Greater Vancouver, Greater Toronto and Greater Victoria areas. The changes will take effect May 3, 2021 and will stretch as far east as Langley in our local market.

Currently, the parameters allow for a max purchase price of 4 times the borrower's household income up to $120,000 on an insured mortgage. This allows for a max purchase price of $505,000 assuming the borrower(s) qualify. This will continue to apply in other parts of Canada.

Come May 3rd, the max mortgage size in the expanded areas will be 4.5 times to a maximum annual household qualifying income of $150,000 on an insured mortgage. If the annual income is over $150,000 they would not be eligible.

In doing the calculations, it the borrower(s) made the max $150,000 this would allow them to purchase to a max of $722,000 assuming they have the only the minimum down payment saved on their own - $47,200 in this case. The government would then be able to chip in an additional 10% stake and ownership ($72,200) to help lower their mortgage amount.

The core of the program remains the same - it is to help the borrower lower their monthly mortgage payment by getting assistance with the down payment via the government incentive. It does not help the buyer increase the amount they can qualify for. This incentive is shared equity in the home and would have to be paid back upon a sale.

Reminder, this is for owner-occupied, insured purchases only (less than 20% down).

Full program details HERE