First-Time Buyer Programs for Calgary Condos
First-time buyers can combine several federal programs, and Alberta adds an advantage of its own: no land transfer tax. Together they can make an average-priced Calgary apartment condo reachable with a modest down payment.
The programs at a glance
| Program | What it does | Limit (October 2026) |
|---|---|---|
| First Home Savings Account (FHSA) | Tax-deductible contributions; tax-free withdrawal for your first home | $8,000 a year, $40,000 lifetime, per person |
| RRSP Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) | Withdraw from your RRSP tax-free; repay over 15 years. For first withdrawals from 2022 to 2028, repayments start in the fifth year after the withdrawal | Up to $60,000 per person |
| Home buyers' amount (tax credit) | A non-refundable federal credit in the year you buy | $10,000 claim, worth $1,400 for 2026 at the 14% lowest federal rate |
| 30-year insured amortization | Lower monthly payments on an insured mortgage, since December 15, 2024 | All first-time buyers, and all buyers of new builds |
| First-Time Home Buyers' GST/HST Rebate | Refunds the GST on a new home for a first-time buyer who will live in it; builder agreement on or after March 20, 2025 and before 2031 | Up to $50,000; full rebate up to $1 million, phased out between $1 million and $1.5 million |
| GST/HST New Housing Rebate | Recovers part of the 5% GST on a new build for any buyer who will live in it | 36% of the GST, up to $6,300, phased out between $350,000 and $450,000 |
Checked against CRA, Finance Canada and CMHC on October 26, 2026. Program rules change, so confirm details with your lender, accountant or the Government of Canada before relying on them.
How a couple could stack them
Two first-time buyers could each use an FHSA (up to $40,000 each over time) and the Home Buyers' Plan (up to $60,000 each). On a Calgary apartment condo averaging about $319,000 in September 2026 (CREB®), the minimum 5% down payment is about $15,900 — so even partial use of these programs can cover the down payment and closing costs.
Alberta advantage
Alberta has no land transfer tax and no provincial sales tax on homes. Buyers pay Land Titles registration fees and, on new builds only, GST.
Down payment and mortgage insurance
The minimum down payment is 5% of the first $500,000 and 10% of the portion above, on homes under $1.5 million (CMHC). With less than 20% down you'll need mortgage default insurance; the premium is usually added to the mortgage:
| Down payment | CMHC premium, 25-year amortization | 30-year amortization |
|---|---|---|
| 5% to 9.99% | 4.00% | 4.20% |
| 10% to 14.99% | 3.10% | 3.30% |
| 15% to 19.99% | 2.80% | 3.00% |
You'll also need to pass the mortgage stress test: lenders qualify you at the higher of your contract rate plus 2% or 5.25% (CMHC; OSFI). Lenders also count half of the monthly condo fee in your debt-service ratios — see how condo fees affect your mortgage. Our condo calculators estimate the payment and the income you'd need, and the Buyer Guide breaks down closing costs.
Quick Answers
Can I use my FHSA and RRSP Home Buyers' Plan together?
Is there a land transfer tax in Alberta?
What is the minimum down payment on a Calgary condo?
How much is the first-time home buyers' tax credit?
Can I get the GST back on a new Calgary condo?
How much are Land Titles fees in Alberta?
Sources: CRA — First Home Savings Account · CRA — FHSA definitions and limits · CRA — The Home Buyers' Plan · Finance Canada — Spring Economic Update 2026 measures become law (June 2026) · CRA — Line 31270: home buyers' amount · CRA — Federal tax rates for the current year · Finance Canada — Mortgage reforms in force (Dec 15, 2024) · CRA — First-Time Home Buyers' GST/HST Rebate (GST/HST Memorandum 19-3-10) · CRA — First-Time Home Buyers' GST/HST Rebate: who can apply · CRA — GST/HST New Housing Rebate (RC4028) · CMHC — Home Start (minimum down payment, qualifying) · CMHC — Mortgage loan insurance premiums · OSFI — Minimum qualifying rate · Government of Alberta — Land Titles fee schedule (Oct 1, 2026)
General information for Alberta condo buyers, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm details with your REALTOR®, lawyer, lender or accountant.
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