Buying a home in Winnipeg is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make.
What many buyers do not realize is that there are numerous rebates, tax credits, savings programs, financing advantages, and government incentives available in Canada that could potentially save thousands of dollars.
Whether you are:
- a first-time home buyer,
- purchasing a new construction home,
- buying a duplex or investment property,
- upgrading your current home,
- a newcomer to Canada,
- or purchasing rental property in Winnipeg,
understanding these programs may significantly reduce your upfront costs and improve affordability.
Unfortunately, many buyers:
- never hear about these programs,
- apply too late,
- miss important deadlines,
- or assume rebates are automatically handled by the builder, lender, or lawyer.
This guide covers major Winnipeg and Canadian home buyer rebates, tax credits, financing advantages, and incentives available in 2026, including:
- eligibility requirements,
- how to apply,
- important deadlines,
- official resources,
- and common mistakes buyers should avoid.
Whether you are buying your first home, upgrading,purchasing a duplex, or investing in Winnipeg real estate, understanding these programs may help you save thousands of dollars.
CMHC ECO PLUS REBATE
One of the most overlooked rebates available to buyers purchasing energy-efficient homes is the CMHC Eco Plus program.
If your mortgage is CMHC insured and the home qualifies as energy efficient, buyers may receive up to 25% of their CMHC mortgage insurance premium refunded.
Depending on mortgage size, this rebate may potentially save buyers several thousand dollars.
Official Program:
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
This program commonly applies to qualifying newly built:
- ENERGY STAR® certified homes,
- EnerGuide-rated homes,
- R-2000 homes,
- Net Zero homes,
- and other qualifying energy-efficient homes.
Generally, buyers must:
- have a CMHC-insured mortgage,
- purchase a qualifying energy-efficient property,
- and obtain approved energy certification documents.
WHAT DOCUMENTS ARE REQUIRED?
Buyers may need:
- EnerGuide reports,
- blower door testing results,
- energy modelling reports,
- builder efficiency certification documents,
- and mortgage information.
These are usually provided by:
- licensed energy advisors,
- builders,
- or certified energy professionals.
HOW TO APPLY
Step 1
Purchase a qualifying energy-efficient home.
Step 2
Collect required energy certification documents.
Step 3
Complete the CMHC Eco Plus application.
Step 4
Submit the application to CMHC.
Application Form:
IMPORTANT DEADLINE
Applications generally must be submitted within 24 months of closing.
1. FIRST HOME SAVINGS ACCOUNT (FHSA)
The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is one of the best savings tools currently available for first-time home buyers in Canada.
It combines benefits of:
- RRSP tax deductions,
- and TFSA-style tax-free withdrawals.
Official Information:
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Generally, buyers must:
- be Canadian residents,
- be at least 18 years old,
- and qualify as first-time home buyers under CRA rules.
KEY FHSA BENEFITS
- Tax Deductible Contributions
- Contributions may reduce taxable income.
- Tax-Free Growth
- Investment growth inside the account is tax free
- Tax-Free Withdrawals
- Eligible withdrawals used to purchase a qualifying home are not taxed.
CONTRIBUTION LIMITS
Current limits include:
- $8,000 annual contribution room,
- $40,000 lifetime contribution limit.
Couples may potentially combine savings for greater buying power.
HOW TO APPLY
Step 1
Open an FHSA account with:
- a bank,
- credit union,
- or investment institution.
Step 2
Contribute funds annually.
Step 3
Invest funds according to your financial goals.
Step 4
Withdraw funds tax free for an eligible home purchase.
RRSP HOME BUYERS' PLAN (HBP)
The RRSP Home Buyers' Plan allows eligible buyers to withdraw funds from their RRSP to help purchase a home.
Official Program:
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Generally, buyers must:
- qualify as first-time home buyers under CRA rules,
- have a written agreement to buy or build a qualifying home,
- and intend to occupy the property as a primary residence.
BENEFITS OF THE HBP
This may help buyers:
- increase down payment size,
- improve mortgage qualification,
- reduce monthly mortgage costs,
- and avoid taxable withdrawals if repayment rules are followed.
Many buyers now combine the FHSA and RRSP Home Buyers' Plan together.
CURRENT WITHDRAWAL LIMIT
Eligible buyers may currently withdraw up to:
- $60,000 per person from their RRSP.
Couples may potentially combine withdrawals for a significantly larger down payment.
HOW TO APPLY
Step 1
Confirm eligibility.
Step 2
Complete CRA Home Buyers’ Plan withdrawal forms.
Step 3
Submit forms to your financial institution.
Step 4
Withdraw eligible RRSP funds.
IMPORTANT THINGS TO KNOW
Withdrawn funds generally must be repaid to the RRSP over time according to CRA repayment rules.
GST/HST NEW HOUSING REBATE
Buyers purchasing new construction homes or substantially renovated homes may qualify for a GST/HST New Housing Rebate.
Official CRA Guide:
GST/HST New Housing Rebate Guide
GST Rebate Form:
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Generally, buyers must:
- purchase a qualifying newly built or substantially renovated home,
- use the property as a primary residence,
- and meet CRA eligibility requirements.
IMPORTANT THINGS BUYERS SHOULD KNOW
In many cases:
- builders already include the rebate in the advertised purchase price,
- but buyers should always verify this before purchasing.
This may apply to:
- new homes,
- duplexes,
- condos,
- and substantially renovated homes.
HOW TO APPLY
Step 1
Confirm whether the builder already assigned the rebate.
Step 2
Collect purchase and closing documents.
Step 3
Complete required CRA rebate forms.
Step 4
Submit documents to CRA if required.
FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER GST REBATE
The federal government also introduced GST rebate support for some first-time buyers purchasing newly built homes.
Official Information:
First-Time Home Buyer GST Rebate Information
This program may help reduce GST costs on qualifying newly built homes.
Eligibility and rebate amounts can vary depending on purchase price and program requirements.
LEARN MORE ABOUT THE FIRST-TIME HOME BUYER GST REBATE
The First-Time Home Buyer GST Rebate program can be confusing for many buyers, especially when purchasing:
To learn more about:
- eligibility requirements,
- rebate amounts,
- how GST works on new homes,
- who qualifies,
- and how to apply,
read our complete guide here:
https://manjotsinghrealtor.ca/first-time-home-buyer-gst-rebate-in-9
FIRST-TIME HOME BUYERS' TAX CREDIT
First-time buyers in Canada may qualify for a federal tax credit that helps offset:
- legal fees,
- closing costs,
- land transfer expenses,
- and other purchase-related costs.
Official CRA Information:
Home Buyers' Amount Tax Credit
WHO IS ELIGIBLE?
Generally, buyers must:
- qualify as first-time home buyers,
- purchase a qualifying home,
- and intend to use the property as a primary residence.
HOW TO CLAIM THE CREDIT
Eligible buyers typically claim the Home Buyers' Amount when filing their income tax return.
Buyers should keep:
- lawyer statements,
- purchase documents,
- and closing cost records.
EFFICIENCY MANITOBA REBATES
Homeowners in Manitoba may qualify for rebates related to:
- insulation,
- high-efficiency furnaces,
- heat pumps,
- smart thermostats,
- windows,
- and energy-efficiency upgrades.
Official Programs:
Programs and funding availability can change throughout the year.
HOW TO APPLY
Requirements vary depending on the program, but homeowners generally may need:
- invoices,
- contractor information,
- proof of installation,
- and rebate application forms.
Some programs may require approved contractors or pre-approval before work begins.
DOWN PAYMENT RULES IN CANADA
Understanding down payment requirements is extremely important before purchasing a home in Winnipeg.
Minimum down payment requirements commonly include:
- 5% down on qualifying owner-occupied homes,
- higher minimums on portions above certain price thresholds,
- and 20% down for some higher-priced or investment properties.
Buyers purchasing:
- duplexes,
- homes with secondary suites,
- or rental properties
may have different financing requirements depending on occupancy and lender guidelines.
Some buyers may also qualify using:
- gifted down payments,
- rental income,
- or co-borrowers.
Mortgage qualification rules vary significantly between lenders.
PROPERTY TRANSFER TAX & CLOSING COSTS IN MANITOBA
Many buyers focus only on down payment and monthly mortgage costs but forget about closing expenses.
Common closing costs may include:
- property transfer tax,
- legal fees,
- title insurance,
- CMHC PST,
- adjustment costs,
- utility setup fees,
- and inspection costs.
These costs can add up quickly, especially for first-time buyers.
WHAT IS LAND TRANSFER TAX?
Manitoba buyers typically pay Land Transfer Tax (also called Property Transfer Tax) based on purchase price.
Current Manitoba rates are generally:
- 0% on the first $30,000,
- 0.5% on the portion between $30,000–$90,000,
- 1% on the portion between $90,000–$150,000,
- 1.5% on the portion between $150,000–$200,000,
- 2% on the portion above $200,000.
Official Manitoba Information:
Manitoba Land Transfer Tax Information
Before purchasing, buyers should always budget for:
- legal fees,
- taxes,
- and adjustments in addition to their down payment.
USING RENTAL INCOME TO QUALIFY
Many Winnipeg buyers are purchasing:
- duplexes,
- homes with basement suites,
- secondary suite properties,
- and rental properties
to help offset mortgage costs through rental income.
Depending on the lender, buyers may potentially use projected rental income to help improve mortgage qualification.
Potential advantages may include:
- qualifying for a larger mortgage,
- lowering personal housing expenses,
- improving affordability,
- and building long-term wealth through real estate.
This strategy has become increasingly popular throughout Winnipeg due to strong rental demand.
CMHC MLI SELECT FOR MULTI-FAMILY INVESTORS
For investors purchasing multi-family properties, CMHC MLI Select may provide significant financing advantages.
Official Program:
Potential benefits may include:
- longer amortizations,
- lower insurance premiums,
- improved cash flow,
- energy efficiency incentives,
- and accessibility incentives.
This program may be important for:
- duplex,
- triplex,
- fourplex,
- and apartment investors.
NEWCOMER TO CANADA MORTGAGE PROGRAMS
Many lenders in Canada offer mortgage programs specifically designed for newcomers.
These programs may help buyers with:
- limited Canadian credit history,
- alternative employment verification,
- foreign income documentation,
- or gifted down payments from overseas.
Requirements vary between lenders.
Newcomers should speak with experienced mortgage professionals to understand available options.
30-YEAR AMORTIZATION OPTIONS FOR SOME BUYERS
Some eligible buyers purchasing qualifying homes may qualify for longer amortization periods.
Potential benefits may include:
- lower monthly mortgage payments,
- improved affordability,
- and increased purchasing power.
Eligibility can vary depending on:
- lender,
- insured mortgage requirements,
- first-time buyer status,
- and whether the property is newly built.
BUILDER INCENTIVES ON NEW CONSTRUCTION HOMES
Some builders may offer incentives on newly built homes such as:
- appliances,
- upgraded finishes,
- landscaping,
- GST included pricing,
- rate buydowns,
- delayed possession promotions,
- or closing cost credits.
These promotions can vary depending on market conditions and builder inventory.
Before purchasing a new construction home, buyers should always ask:
- Is GST included?
- Are appliances included?
- Is landscaping included?
- Is air conditioning included?
- What warranties are included?
- Are there additional development charges?
- Does the property qualify for energy-efficiency rebates?
MORTGAGE PRE-APPROVAL BENEFITS
Getting pre-approved before shopping for a home may help buyers:
- understand affordability,
- estimate monthly costs,
- lock mortgage rates,
- strengthen negotiating power,
- and move faster when writing offers.
Pre-approvals may also help buyers better understand:
- closing costs,
- required down payment,
- and lender qualification requirements.
COMMON MISTAKES BUYERS MAKE
Many buyers lose out on rebates and financing advantages because they:
- miss application deadlines,
- fail to keep documents,
- assume someone else already applied,
- forget to budget for closing costs,
- finance furniture or vehicles before possession,
- or never ask questions about available programs.
Before purchasing, buyers should always ask:
- Does this property qualify for rebates?
- Is GST included?
- Are applications already completed?
- What deadlines apply?
- What documents should I keep?
- Can rental income help me qualify?
- Are there energy-efficiency incentives available?
DOCUMENT CHECKLIST BUYERS SHOULD KEEP
Many rebate applications require documentation after possession.
Important documents buyers should keep include:
- Offer to Purchase,
- mortgage commitment,
- lawyer closing documents,
- energy certificates,
- EnerGuide reports,
- GST rebate forms,
- receipts for upgrades,
- occupancy statements,
- and builder warranty documents.
Keeping organized records may help prevent missing rebate deadlines later.
FAQ
Can I use FHSA and RRSP Home Buyers' Plan together?
In many situations, eligible buyers may use both programs together to increase available down payment funds.
Does CMHC Eco Plus apply to older homes?
The program primarily applies to qualifying energy-efficient newly built homes with approved certifications.
Can rental income help me qualify for a mortgage?
Depending on the lender and property type, projected rental income may help improve mortgage qualification.
Do new homes include GST?
Sometimes GST is included in the advertised purchase price and sometimes it is not. Buyers should always verify this before purchasing.
How much are closing costs in Manitoba?
Closing costs vary depending on purchase price and financing, but buyers should budget for legal fees, land transfer tax, adjustments, insurance costs, and inspections.
FINAL THOUGHTS
There are more home buyer rebates, tax credits, financing programs, and incentives available in Winnipeg today than many people realize.
Depending on the property and buyer situation, these programs may potentially help buyers:
- save thousands of dollars upfront,
- reduce taxes,
- improve mortgage qualification,
- lower monthly costs,
- and improve long-term affordability.
However, every buyer situation is different.
Programs, lender rules, and government incentives can change over time, so buyers should always verify details with:
- their mortgage broker,
- accountant,
- lawyer,
- lender,
- or rebate provider.
If you are planning to buy your first home, upgrade, purchasea duplex, invest in rental property, or buy a new construction home inWinnipeg, I can help guide you through the process, connect you with trusted professionals, and help you understand which rebates and incentives may apply to your situation.
