There are some great grants, rebates and exemptions available to homebuyers and owners. The list below are some of the best ones that I found, I hope you find them useful. The links will take you to an official website.
1. HOMEBUYERS PLAN. Qualifying homebuyers can withdraw up to $25,000 (couples can withdraw $50,000) from their RRSPs for a down payment. Homebuyers who have repaid their RRSP may be eligible to use the program a second time. For more information www.cra.gc.ca then enter “Home Buyers Plan” in the search box, or call 1-800-959-8287.
2. B.C. NEW HOUSING REBATE (HST). Buyers of new or substantially renovated homes priced up to $525,000 are eligible for a rebate of 71.43% of the provincial portion (7% of the 12% HST) paid to a maximum rebate of $26,250. Homes priced at $525,000+ are eligible for a flat rebate of $26,250. For information http://hst.blog.gov.bc.ca/faqs/new-housing-rebate/ for HST rebate information or call 1-800-959-8287.
3. PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX (PTT) FIRST TIME HOME BUYER'S EXEMPTION PROGRAM. Exempts qualified first time buyers from paying the Property Transfer Tax which is 1% of the first $200,000 of the market value and 2% on the remainder on homes priced up to $ 425,000, in B.C. A proportional exemption is provided for eligible residences that have a fair market value of up to $25,000 above the new threshold. B.C. Ministry of Small Business and Revenue, for more information www.rev.gov.bc.ca/rpt or call the Provincial Property Tax Branch at 1-250-387-0604.
4. FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS TAX CREDIT (HBTC). This is a non-refundable income tax credit for qualifying buyers of detached, attached, apartment condominiums, mobile homes or shares in a cooperative housing corporation. It’s calculated by multiplying the lowest personal income tax rate for the year (15% in 2009) by $5,000. For 2009, the maximum credit was $750. For more information call 1-800-959-8281 or go to http://www.cra-arc.gc.ca/hbtc.
5. B.C. HOMEOWNERS GRANT. Reduces school property taxes by $570 on properties with an assessed value up to $1,050,000. For 2010, the basic grant is reduced by $5 for each $1,000 of value of $1,050,000 and eliminated on homes assessed at $1,164,000+. There are further grants for seniors, veterans and the disabled. B.C. Ministry of Small Business and Revenue, for information go to www.rev.gov.bc.ca/hog or contact your local government’s tax office.
6. B.C. PROPERTY TAX DEFERMENT PROGRAMS. Property Tax Deferment Program for Seniors: Qualifying home owners aged 55+ may be eligible to defer property taxes. Financial Hardship Property Deferment Program: Qualifying low-income homeowners may be eligible to defer property taxes. Property Tax Deferment Program: Qualifying low income homeowners who financially support children under age 18 may be eligible to defer property taxes. Go to www.sbr.gov.bc.ca and enter “property tax deferment" into the search box, or call your municipal tax office.
7. CMHC MORTGAGE LOAN INSURANCE PREMIUM REFUND. Provides home buyers with CMHC mortgage insurance and 10% premium refund and possible extended amortization without surcharge when buyers purchase an energy efficient home or make energy saving renovations. For more info call 604-731-5733 or check out http://www.cmhc.ca/en/co/moloin/moloin_008.cfm.
8. TERASEN GAS REBATE PROGRAM. Rebates for homeowners currently include a $25 gift card for furnace servicing, $50 rebate for upgrading a water heater, $150 rebate on an EnerChoice fireplace, $1000 rebate for switching to natural gas and installing an ENERGYSTAR heating system. More information is available at 1-888-224-2710 or go to
http://www.terasengas.com/homes/offers/lowermainlandsquamish.html.
10. CANADA MORTGAGE AND HOUSING (CMHC) RESIDENTIAL REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE PROGRAM (RRAP) GRANTS. This federal government program provides financial aid to qualifying low income homeowners to repair substandard housing. Eligible repairs include heating, structural, electrical, plumbing and fire safety. Grants are available for seniors, persons with disabilities, owners of rental properties and for the creation of secondary and garden suites. More by calling 1-800-668-2642 or go to
http://www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/prfinas/prfinas_001.cfm.
11. LIVESMART BC: EFFICIENCY INCENTIVE PROGRAM. Homeowners improving the energy efficiency of their homes who hire a certified energy advisor may qualify for cash incentives through this Provincial program provided in partnership with Terasen Gas, BC Hydro and FortisBC. Go to 1-866-430-8765 or
http://www.livesmartbc.ca/rebates.
12. B.C. RESIDENTIAL ENERGY CREDIT. Homeowners and residential landlords buying heating fuel receive a B.C. government point-of-sale rebate on utility bills equal to the provincial component of the HST. For more info call 604-660-4524 or go to
http://hst.blog.gov.bc.ca/faqs/energy-credit/.
14. BC HYDRO MAIL-IN REBATES/SAVINGS COUPONS. BC Hydro offers rebates currently including 10% off an ENERGYSTAR cordless phone, 50% of an E2TM dual-flush toilet, $15 off a clothes drying rack and 50% off Earth Massage showerheads. Check for deadlines. For more information
http://www.bchyrdo.com/rebates_savings/coupons.html or call 1-800-224-9376.
These programs may be modified or terminated without notice, as could the amounts.
If you find a broken link or you know of a great grant, rebate or exemption please send us an email.
Adapted from the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver's "Open House". Last updated January 31, 2011. The information contained herein is thought to be reliable and while thought to be correct is not guaranteed.