First-time home buyers in Ottawa can lower the cost of their first purchase with several programs — the First Home Savings Account, an RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan withdrawal of up to $60,000, an Ontario land transfer tax refund of up to $4,000, and the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit worth up to $1,500. Used together, and with the right guidance, they make a first home far more attainable.
Buying a first home is exciting and, for most people, unfamiliar. Jason Polonski guides first-time buyers through every step patiently, from the first budget conversation to the keys, so nothing feels overwhelming.
Jason is a full-time Ottawa and Kanata REALTOR® with Right at Home Realty who is available seven days a week. First-time buyers are welcome to reach out directly by phone at (613) 601-9333 or by email at polonskiottawa@gmail.com to start with a simple, no-obligation conversation.
Why Buy a First Home in Ottawa?
Ottawa is one of Canada’s best cities for first-time buyers. A stable economy anchored by government and technology employment supports steady demand, while housing remains more affordable than Toronto or Vancouver.
That combination of stability and relative affordability makes a first purchase less risky here than in many large markets. Jason’s guide on whether Ottawa is a good place to buy a house makes the full case.
For buyers still deciding whether to buy or keep renting, his renting versus buying in Ottawa guide runs the numbers side by side.
First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Ontario
The biggest advantage first-time buyers have is access to programs that reduce the upfront and ongoing cost of ownership. The table below summarizes the main ones available in 2026.
| Program | Benefit | Key detail |
|---|---|---|
| First Home Savings Account (FHSA) | Contribute up to $8,000/year, $40,000 lifetime | Contributions are tax-deductible; withdrawals for a home are tax-free |
| RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) | Withdraw up to $60,000 per buyer | Tax-free, repaid to the RRSP over 15 years |
| First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit | Up to $1,500 in tax relief | A $10,000 non-refundable credit claimed on the tax return |
| Ontario land transfer tax refund | Up to $4,000 back | For eligible first-time buyers |
| First-Time Home Buyers’ GST rebate | GST relief on qualifying new homes | Full rebate up to $1M, phasing out to $1.5M |
An important correction for anyone reading older guides: the federal First-Time Home Buyer Incentive has been discontinued and is no longer available. Jason keeps first-time buyers current on the programs that actually exist today.
Program details come straight from the source, including the First Home Savings Account, the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan, the Home Buyers’ Amount tax credit, the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST rebate, and the Ontario land transfer tax refund.
Sell Your Ottawa Home for Just 1% Listing Commission
Why pay 2.5% listing commission to sell your home when you don't have to? Jason Polonski lists Ottawa homes for a simple 1% listing commission. Full MLS® and REALTOR.ca exposure, professional photography, powerful online marketing, expert pricing, and a skilled negotiator fighting for every dollar of your sale price. Top-tier service — you just keep thousands more when your home sells. Smart sellers are already making the switch. Your home deserves the best, and your wallet deserves a break.
Who Qualifies as a First-Time Home Buyer?
The definition of a first-time buyer varies slightly by program, which trips up many buyers. For the FHSA and the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan, a first-time buyer is generally someone who has not owned a home they lived in during the current year or the previous four years.
The Ontario land transfer tax refund is stricter, requiring that the buyer has never owned a home anywhere in the world, and the same generally applies to a spouse during the marriage. Because the rules differ, confirming eligibility for each program before relying on it is essential.
Jason helps first-time buyers understand which programs they qualify for, and program rules can change, so current eligibility should always be verified.
Get Cash Back When You Buy a Home in Ottawa
Can you get cash back when buying a home in Ottawa? Yes. Jason Polonski, a Chairman's Club REALTOR® serving Ottawa and Kanata, shares part of his commission with buyers — up to $3,000 cash back at closing.* You still get full-service, award-winning representation: expert pricing, sharp negotiation, and hands-on guidance from first showing to keys in hand. No cut corners and no rebate-only shortcuts — just real money back in your pocket when you buy your Ottawa or Kanata home.
How Much Do First-Time Buyers Need?
The minimum down payment in Ottawa is 5% on the first $500,000 of the price, 10% on the portion up to $1.5 million, and 20% on homes priced at $1.5 million or more. A down payment under 20% requires mortgage default insurance from a provider such as the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.
Beyond the down payment, first-time buyers should budget roughly 1.5% to 4% of the price for closing costs, covering land transfer tax, legal fees, title insurance and the home inspection. Jason’s guide on how much is needed for a down payment breaks it all down.
Confirming the true budget early with a mortgage pre-approval keeps the search realistic and strengthens every offer. Current prices vary widely by area, and the Ottawa Real Estate Board publishes monthly benchmark data first-time buyers can use to gauge affordability.
| Upfront cost | What first-time buyers should plan for |
|---|---|
| Down payment | From 5% of the price (tiered above $500K) |
| Land transfer tax | Provincial tax, up to $4,000 refunded for first-time buyers |
| Legal fees | Roughly $1,500 to $2,500 |
| Home inspection | Roughly $400 to $600 |
| Title insurance, adjustments, moving | Varies by property |
The First-Time Buyer Process, Step by Step
The path to a first home follows a clear sequence: get pre-approved, define needs and budget, search with an agent, make an offer, complete inspections and legal review, and close. Knowing the order keeps the process calm.
Jason’s detailed 11 steps to buying a house in Kanata and Ottawa guide explains each stage, and his printable Ottawa home buying checklist turns it into a task list to work through. This first-time guide sits within his complete buying a house in Ottawa resource.
For quick, practical advice, his first-time home buyer tips for Ottawa cover the habits that make a first purchase go smoothly.
Choosing the Right First Home
First-time buyers have real choices in Ottawa, and the right one depends on budget, lifestyle and how long they plan to stay. Condos and townhomes are common entry points, while a detached home offers the most space and privacy.
Condos suit buyers who want low-maintenance living and a lower entry price, and Jason’s guides to buying a condo in Ottawa and condo versus freehold explain the trade-offs. For those comparing attached and detached options, his townhouse versus detached home comparison helps.
Whatever the type, a thorough home inspection protects a first-time buyer from expensive surprises.
Best Ottawa Neighbourhoods for First-Time Buyers
Ottawa’s west and south ends offer strong value for first-time buyers. Barrhaven, Kanata, Stittsville, Orléans and Riverside South all provide newer homes, good schools, family amenities and improving transit at more accessible prices than the central core.
Buyers who want walkability and character may prefer central pockets like Hintonburg or Ottawa East, which offer smaller condos and lofts at a more approachable entry point.
Jason specializes in the west end and helps first-time buyers find the neighbourhood that fits both their budget and their life. Matching the area to the buyer is as important as choosing the home itself.
Making a Strong First Offer
A first offer should be competitive and protective at the same time. Jason builds every offer on recent comparable sales and advises on price, deposit, closing date and the conditions that keep a first-time buyer safe.
In competitive situations, preparation matters most. His guides to negotiating a better deal and the risks of buying with no conditions help buyers compete without overextending. Interest rates shape affordability too, so the Bank of Canada’s key interest rate is worth watching.
Avoiding the common mistakes buyers make is just as valuable, since one misstep can undo months of saving.
First-Time Buyer Services Jason Polonski Offers
Jason offers first-time buyers a patient, full-service experience built around education and protection. Every engagement starts with a relaxed conversation about goals, budget and timeline, with no pressure and no obligation.
His services include lining up the right programs and pre-approval, a personalized property search with new-listing alerts, private showings with honest guidance, and clear explanations of every document and cost. He connects first-time buyers with trusted mortgage brokers, lawyers and inspectors.
On the offer side, Jason prepares data-backed offers, negotiates on the buyer’s behalf, and manages the conditions and closing so nothing is missed. He also explains what a REALTOR® does for a buyer and, for most buyers, this representation comes at no direct cost. Agent conduct in Ontario is regulated by the Real Estate Council of Ontario, which sets the standards Jason works within.
Why First-Time Buyers Choose Jason Polonski
First-time buyers benefit most from an agent who explains each step clearly and reads home condition accurately. Jason brings both, and hundreds of buyers and sellers across Ottawa have trusted him with their purchases.
His hands-on background in construction and the electrical trades helps first-time buyers understand what they are really buying, while a Bachelor of Commerce in Marketing and Finance sharpens the budgeting and negotiation side. He treats his role as a move coordinator first, leading with a clear plan rather than a sales pitch.
He has been recognized as Best in Ottawa Top REALTOR® for 2026, seven years running, along with the Right at Home Realty Chairman’s Club and Top Choice REALTOR® honours for Kanata and Stittsville. More about his background is on the About Jason Polonski page, and current reviews are on his Google Business Profile.
Ready to Buy Your First Home in Ottawa?
Buying a first home is far less stressful with a patient local REALTOR® who answers every question and lines up the right programs. Jason Polonski helps first-time buyers prepare properly, then guides them through the search and closing.
The best first step is a simple, no-obligation conversation about goals, budget and timeline. Every first-time buyer gets a straight answer about what is realistic in today’s market.
First-time buyers can reach Jason directly by phone at (613) 601-9333 or by email at polonskiottawa@gmail.com. He is available seven days a week and happy to start with a quick call. The practical first-time home buyer tips for Ottawa are a great place to read more.
Ottawa First Time Home Buyers (FAQs)
The definition varies by program. For the FHSA and RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan, it generally means not having owned a home you lived in during the current year or the previous four years, while the Ontario land transfer tax refund requires never having owned a home anywhere.
First-time buyers can use the First Home Savings Account, the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan of up to $60,000, the First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit worth up to $1,500, and an Ontario land transfer tax refund of up to $4,000. A federal GST rebate also applies to qualifying new-build purchases.
The minimum is 5% on the first $500,000 of the price and 10% on the portion up to $1.5 million, with 20% required at $1.5 million or more. A down payment under 20% requires mortgage default insurance.
No. The federal First-Time Home Buyer Incentive has been discontinued. First-time buyers should rely on current programs such as the FHSA, the Home Buyers’ Plan, the tax credit and the Ontario land transfer tax refund.
Barrhaven, Kanata, Stittsville, Orléans and Riverside South offer newer homes, good schools and improving transit at accessible prices. Central pockets like Hintonburg offer smaller, walkable condo options.
First-time buyers reach out by phone at (613) 601-9333 or email at polonskiottawa@gmail.com. Jason begins with a no-obligation conversation about goals, budget and timeline before the search begins.
