Since March 2026, many first-time buyers of a new construction home in Alberta can recover 100% of the federal GST — up to $50,000 — under the new First-Time Home Buyers' (FTHB) GST/HST Rebate. This is in addition to the existing GST/HST New Housing Rebate that all new-home buyers, first-time or not, may still qualify for.
The existing rebate (all buyers). Alberta has no provincial sales tax, so only the federal GST applies to a new home purchase here. The standard GST/HST New Housing Rebate has been in place for years and phases out on homes priced between $350,000 and $450,000.
The new FTHB rebate (first-time buyers only). Bill C-4 received Royal Assent on March 12, 2026, creating a much larger benefit for first-time buyers:
Homes priced at $1 million or less: 100% of the GST is eliminated, up to $50,000
Homes priced between $1 million and $1.5 million: the rebate phases out on a sliding scale
Homes priced at $1.5 million or more: no rebate
Applies to purchase agreements signed on or after March 20, 2025
Who qualifies as a first-time buyer? Generally, you must be 18 or older, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and you (and your spouse or common-law partner) must not have lived in a home either of you owned during the current year or the four preceding years. The home must be purchased as your primary residence.
How it's applied. In most cases, your builder credits the rebate directly at closing and you simply pay less. If the builder doesn't credit it, you can apply directly to the CRA — generally within two years of taking ownership — using Form GST190 (homes bought from a builder) or Form GST191 (owner-built homes).
This is general information only, not tax or legal advice. Rebate eligibility, thresholds, and rules are technical and can change — confirm your specific situation with the CRA, a qualified accountant, and a real estate lawyer before relying on any figures. Sources: Canada Revenue Agency (canada.ca), Bill C-4 (Making Life More Affordable for Canadians Act).
If you're weighing a new construction purchase in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Devon, Spruce Grove, or Stony Plain and want help understanding how this rebate fits into your overall budget and timeline, Jay is available to help.
Call or text Jay at 780-220-8449, or visit jaysells.ca.
Jay Lewis | REALTOR® | RE/MAX Excellence | Lewis & Co. Realty