Blog Post
Taking Bold Action on Housing – New Program for First Time Homebuyers
Luisa Hough • Dec 15, 2016
Today the BC government introduced an innovative new program designed to assist first time home buyers with their downpayment. BC is now offering interest-free loans up to $37,500 to first-time homebuyers. The following is from the government website!
Every British Columbian deserves a place to call home. That is why we are taking action by controlling the cost of housing, increasing access to affordable rental units, and partnering with families to help make their dream of home ownership come true.
Achieving that dream can be challenging for first-time home buyers. With the launch of the B.C. HOME Partnership program, first-time home buyers have more options than ever to help them get their foot in the door.
Learn about the Housing Action programs you may qualify for today. Whether you are renting, buying or renovating, B.C. is working to keep housing affordable for you.
B.C. HOME Part nership
From middle class families to young professionals, first-time home buyers are looking to invest in a secure and stable future.
For many British Columbians dreaming of buying their first home, the hardest step is saving for a down payment. That is why the Province is partnering with British Columbians to help make that dream come true, through the B.C. Home Owner Mortgage and Equity (HOME) Partnership program.
Through the B.C. HOME Partnership program, the Province is helping first-time home buyers by contributing to the amount they have already saved for a down payment with a loan that is interest-free and payment-free for the first five years.
Here is how it works:
- The B.C. HOME Partnership program will meet the buyer’s contribution up to 5% of the home’s purchase price, to a maximum purchase price of $750,000.
- After five years, buyers can either repay their loan or enter into monthly payments at current interest rates.
- Loans through the program become due after 25 years – the same length as most mortgages.
The B.C. HOME Partnership program will start accepting applications Jan. 16, 2017. To apply, click here .
British Columbians buying their first home can also get help through other Housing Action programs like the First Time Home Buyers’ Program and the Newly Built Homes Exemption .
Housing Action
As B.C.’s economy and population continues to grow, it is important that we take bold action to ensure that all British Columbians have access to affordable and appropriate housing.
The Province’s commitment to Housing Action is driven by six key principles:
- Ensuring the dream of home ownership remains within the reach of the middle class
- Increasing housing supply
- Smart transit expansion
- Supporting first-time home buyers
- Ensuring Consumer Protection
- Increasing rental supply
Below you will learn how the Province is putting these principles into action.
Controlling the Cost of Housing
- As B.C.’s economy has grown, our housing market has attracted increased investment,. This has raised the overall cost of housing.
- To ensure that the dream of home ownership remains within reach of the middle class, the Province is taking action to control the cost of housing:
- 15% tax on foreign home buyers in Metro Vancouver
- 3% luxury tax on the purchase of homes over $2 million
- Property Transfer Tax revenue tied to a new Housing Priorities Initiative Fund used for investments in rental and social housing
Increasing Access to Affordable Rental Housing
- In 2016, B.C. committed to investing $855 million in to affordable rental housing – the largest housing investment in a single year by any province.
- This will support the construction of 4,900 new units of affordable housing across B.C.
- These units provide affordable housing options for those that need it most, including renters with low-to-moderate incomes, women and children, seniors, Aboriginal people, and people with disabilities.
- The Province has also taken action to enable the City of Vancouver to increase the supply of rental units.
Protecting Consumers from Risk
- Following a review of the B.C. real estate industry’s self-regulation practices, it was determined that the sector had failed to adequately protect consumers.
- The Province took action to improve transparency, accountability and consumer protection, including:
- Ending self-regulation of real estate industry
- Increasing the power of the superintendent of real estate
- Increasing penalties and fines for offences
- Requiring higher standards for licensees
Helping Home Buyers
- The Province offers a number of Housing Action Programs and Services to help British Columbians save money when purchasing or renovating a home.
- The Newly Built Home Exemption Program can save buyers up to $13,000 when purchasing a newly built home.
- The First Time Home Buyers’ Program can save buyers up to $7,500 when purchasing their first home.
- Through the new B.C. HOME Partnership program, the Province is partnering with British Columbians to provide about $703 million in loans over the next three years, to help around 42,000 B.C. households enter the housing market for the first time.
To learn about B.C.’s strategy for smart transit expansion, check out our 10-year transportation plan BC On The Move .
BC Government Program FTHB by Mortgage Resources on Scribd
Recent Posts
Let’s say you have a home that you’ve outgrown; it’s time to make a move to something better suited to your needs and lifestyle. You have no desire to keep two properties, so selling your existing home and moving into something new (to you) is the best idea. Ideally, when planning out how that looks, most people want to take possession of the new house before moving out of the old one. Not only does this make moving your stuff more manageable, but it also allows you to make the new home a little more “you” by painting or completing some minor renovations before moving in. But what if you need the money from the sale of your existing home to come up with the downpayment for your next home? This situation is where bridge financing comes in. Bridge financing allows you to bridge the financial gap between the firm sale of your current home and the purchase of your new home. Bridge financing allows you to access some of the equity in your existing property and use it for the downpayment on the property you are buying. So now let’s also say that it’s a very competitive housing market where you’re looking to buy. Chances are you’ll want to make the best offer you can and include a significant deposit. If you don’t have immediate access to the cash in your bank account, but you do have equity in your home, a deposit loan allows you to make a very strong offer when negotiating the terms of purchasing your new home. Now, to secure bridge financing and/or a deposit loan, you must have a firm sale on your existing home. If you don’t have a firm sale on your home, you won’t get the bridge financing or deposit loan because there is no concrete way for a lender to calculate how much equity you have available. A firm sale is the key to securing bridge financing and a deposit loan. So if you’d like to know more about bridge financing, deposit loans, or anything else mortgage-related, please connect anytime! It would be a pleasure to work with you.
Dreaming of owning your first home? A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) could be your key to turning that dream into a reality. Let's dive into what an FHSA is, how it works, and why it's a smart investment for first-time homebuyers. What is an FHSA? An FHSA is a registered plan designed to help you save for your first home taxfree. If you're at least 18 years old, have a Social Insurance Number (SIN), and have not owned a home where you lived for the past four calendar years, you may be eligible to open an FHSA. Reasons to Invest in an FHSA: Save up to $40,000 for your first home. Contribute tax-free for up to 15 years. Carry over unused contribution room to the next year, up to a maximum of $8,000. Potentially reduce your tax bill and carry forward undeducted contributions indefinitely. Pay no taxes on investment earnings. Complements the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP). How Does an FHSA Work? Open Your FHSA: Start investing tax-free by opening your FHSA. Contribute Often: Make tax-deductible contributions of up to $8,000 annually to help your money grow faster. Withdraw for Your Home: Make a tax-free withdrawal at any time to purchase your first home. Benefits of an FHSA: Tax-Deductible Contributions: Contribute up to $8,000 annually, reducing your taxable income. Tax-Free Earnings: Enjoy tax-free growth on your investments within the FHSA. No Taxes on Withdrawals: Pay $0 in taxes on withdrawals used to buy a qualifying home. Numbers to Know: $8,000: Annual tax-deductible FHSA contribution limit. $40,000: Lifetime FHSA contribution limit. $0: Taxes on FHSA earnings when used for a qualifying home purchase. In Conclusion A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a powerful tool for first-time homebuyers, offering tax benefits and a structured approach to saving for homeownership. By taking advantage of an FHSA, you can accelerate your journey towards owning your first home and make your dream a reality sooner than you think.
In recent years, housing affordability has become a significant concern for many Canadians, particularly for first-time homebuyers facing soaring prices and strict mortgage qualification criteria. To address these challenges, the Canadian government has introduced several housing affordability measures. In this blog post, we'll examine these measures and their potential implications for homebuyers. Increased Home Buyer's Plan (HBP) Withdrawal Limit Effective April 16, the Home Buyer's Plan (HBP) withdrawal limit will be raised from $35,000 to $60,000. The HBP allows first-time homebuyers to withdraw funds from their Registered Retirement Savings Plan (RRSP) to use towards a down payment on a home. By increasing the withdrawal limit, the government aims to provide young Canadians with more flexibility in saving for their down payments, recognizing the growing challenges of entering the housing market. Extended Repayment Period for HBP Withdrawals In addition to increasing the withdrawal limit, the government has extended the repayment period for HBP withdrawals. Individuals who made withdrawals between January 1, 2022, and December 31, 2025, will now have five years instead of two to begin repayment. This extension provides borrowers with more time to manage their finances and repay the withdrawn amounts, alleviating some of the immediate financial pressures associated with using RRSP funds for a down payment. 30-Year Mortgage Amortizations for Newly Built Homes Starting August 1, 2024, first-time homebuyers purchasing newly built homes will be eligible for 30-year mortgage amortizations. This change extends the maximum mortgage repayment period from 25 years to 30 years, resulting in lower monthly mortgage payments. By offering longer amortization periods, the government aims to increase affordability and assist homebuyers in managing their housing expenses more effectively. Changes to the Canadian Mortgage Charter The government has also introduced changes to the Canadian Mortgage Charter to provide relief to homeowners facing financial challenges. These changes include early mortgage renewal notifications and permanent amortization relief for eligible homeowners. By implementing these measures, the government seeks to support homeowners in maintaining affordable mortgage payments and mitigating the risk of default during times of financial hardship. The recent housing affordability measures announced by the Canadian government are aimed at addressing the challenges faced by homebuyers in today's market. These measures include increasing withdrawal limits, extending repayment periods, and offering longer mortgage amortizations. The goal is to make homeownership more accessible and affordable for Canadians across the country. As these measures come into effect, it's crucial for homebuyers to stay informed about the changes and their implications. Consulting with a mortgage professional can help individuals explore their options and make informed decisions about their housing finances. If you're interested in learning more about these changes and how they may affect you, please don't hesitate to connect with us. We're here to walk you through the process and help you consider all your options and find the one that makes the most sense for you.
Contact Me Anytime!
The best way to get ahold of me is to submit through the contact form below. However feel free to give me a shout on the phone as well.
Contact Us
CONNECT
