The Canadian federal government has introduced a significant incentive for first-time home buyers: a new GST rebate on newly built homes, effective immediately. This initiative aims to make homeownership more affordable and stimulate new home construction across the country.

What Is the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate?

Announced on May 27, 2025, the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate (FTHB GST Rebate) offers substantial tax relief:

• 100% GST rebate on new homes priced up to $1 million, which can save buyers up to $50,000

• Partial rebate for homes priced between $1 million and $1.5 million, reduced on a sliding scale

• No rebate for homes priced at $1.5 million or more

This measure is expected to provide nearly $4 billion in tax savings to Canadians over the next five years.

Who Qualifies?

To be eligible for the FTHB GST Rebate, you must:

• Be a first-time home buyer, meaning you haven’t owned a home in the current or previous four calendar years

• Be at least 18 years old

• Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident

• Intend to use the home as your primary residence

• Be the first occupant of the home

Eligible properties include newly constructed homes from builders, owner-built homes, and some cooperative housing units.

Key Dates to Remember

Purchase agreements must be signed on or after May 27, 2025, and before 2031. Construction must begin before 2031 and be substantially completed by 2036.

What This Means for the Market

This rebate is expected to increase demand for newly built homes—especially among first-time buyers. That may lead to rising home prices as more buyers enter the market, which could impact inventory and affordability across all price points.

Even if you're not a first-time buyer, this policy will likely influence market trends, making it a great time to reassess your real estate plans.

Let’s Talk About Your Homeownership Goals

Navigating the market is easier when you have the right guidance. Whether you're planning to buy your first home, invest, or move up, I’m here to help you understand how this new rebate might fit into your strategy.

Feel free to reach out for a conversation. No pressure, just honest advice.

Contact Nooran Ostadeian

REALTOR®, RE/MAX Elite
Call or Text: 780-953-0723
Website: realtyedmonton.ca | nooranrealty.com
Office: RE/MAX Elite Windermere, 5083 Windermere Blvd SW #302, Edmonton, AB T6W 0J5
Email: nooran@realtyedmonton.ca

Edmonton Real Estate Market – May 2025 Update: A Strong Seller’s Market

Imagine you're shopping for a home in Edmonton this May. You’ve been pre-approved, you're excited, but you're quickly realizing… you’re not the only one!

Homes are selling fast — most within about 30 days, sometimes even faster if the house is well-priced and shows well. Think of a nice detached home in Terwillegar or Windermere — if it's listed on a Thursday, it might have multiple offers by Sunday.

Now, let’s say you're looking at a single-family home. Back in 2024, a decent one might’ve cost you around $530,000. But today? It’s closer to $585,000. That’s a $55,000 jump in one year. So, if you're waiting for prices to drop… they haven't.

Sellers are in a strong position. Many are getting top dollar, especially if the property is move-in ready or renovated. For example, a home with a finished basement, newer roof, and backing onto a park could get 3-5 offers — maybe even more.

One of my clients listed a clean, well-kept home in the southwest. We had 10 showings in 3 days and 2 offers — it sold above asking.

So what kind of market is this?

It’s a seller’s market — which means:

• Sellers have the upper hand

• Buyers must act fast

• Homes are appreciating in value

Even condos and townhouses — usually slower to grow — are catching up. A basic condo that used to sell for $200K might now be going for $218K or more.

Summary:

• There are more buyers than good listings.

• Prices are going up.

• Sellers are happy.

• Buyers need to be quick, pre-approved, and competitive.

Nooran Ostadeian
REALTOR® | RE/MAX Elite – Edmonton
📞 780-953-0723
📧 Nooran@realtyedmonton.ca
🌐 realtyedmonton.ca | nooranrealty.com
📍 Windermere Office: 5083 Windermere Blvd SW #302, Edmonton, AB T6W 0J5
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Understanding Title Insurance and RPRs: What You Need to Know

When buying or selling a home in Edmonton, title insurance is becoming increasingly common. Whether required by lenders or offered by sellers in place of a Real Property Report (RPR) and compliance, understanding its role is essential in any real estate transaction. So, what is title insurance, and what does it do for Edmonton homeowners and buyers?

What is Title Insurance?

Title insurance is a one-time policy purchased by the buyer, typically costing around $250. This policy protects homeowners against potential title-related risks for as long as they own the property. While it’s a critical tool in real estate transactions, it’s important to understand that title insurance supplements—but does not replace—an RPR and compliance.

Key Benefits of Title Insurance

1. Protection Against Unknown Title Registrations
   Title insurance safeguards homeowners against unknown or unresolved claims on the property’s title, such as liens or judgments, that might not be identified during the purchasing process.

2. Fraud Protection
   Title insurance protects property owners from fraudulent claims or transactions involving their home’s title, giving peace of mind in an era of increasing real estate fraud.

3. Coverage During Land Title Delays
   With current Land Titles registration delays ranging from 8–12 weeks, title insurance provides interim coverage for any registrations or claims that might surface during this period.

4. Permit and Encroachment Coverage
   Issues with building permits or encroachments on neighboring properties can cause significant headaches. Title insurance offers coverage to address these concerns if they arise unexpectedly.

Title Insurance vs. RPR and Compliance

While title insurance is valuable for covering unforeseen risks, it is not a substitute for a Real Property Report (RPR) and compliance. An RPR provides detailed information about property boundaries, structures, and municipal compliance, offering clarity that title insurance cannot replace.

Why Title Insurance is Gaining Popularity in Edmonton Real Estate

In Edmonton's fast-paced real estate market, title insurance provides an additional layer of security for buyers and sellers. As a top REALTOR® in Edmonton, I guide clients through the complexities of title insurance, RPRs, and compliance to ensure smooth transactions.

Whether you’re buying or selling a home in Edmonton, understanding the role of title insurance and how it complements other documents like an RPR is key to making informed decisions.

📞 Call/Text: 780-953-0723
🌐 Website: realtyedmonton.ca
Nooran Ostadeian | RE/MAX Elite – Trusted Edmonton REALTOR® specializing in real estate expertise and protection for buyers and sellers.

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