Ontario Land Transfer Tax Refund: Save Up to $4,000 as a First-Time Home Buyer

How first-time home buyers in Ontario can claim up to $4,000 in Land Transfer Tax refunds — complete eligibility guide and step-by-step application process.

# Ontario Land Transfer Tax Refund: Save Up to $4,000 as a First-Time Home Buyer When you purchase property in Ontario, you pay **Land Transfer Tax (LTT)** at closing. First-time home buyers can get a refund of up to **$4,000**. ## How Much Can You Save? | Home Value | LTT Refund Amount | | --- | --- | | Up to $368,000 | **100% refund** (no LTT payable) | | $368,001 - $450,000 | **$4,000 maximum** | | Above $450,000 | **$4,000 maximum** | > For homes at or below $368,000, you pay **zero** Land Transfer Tax. ## Eligibility Requirements ### 1. First-Time Buyer Status - Never owned a home or interest in a home **anywhere in the world** - Any prior ownership disqualifies you — purchase, gift, or inheritance - You cannot re-qualify as a first-time buyer ### 2. Age & Residency - Must be at least 18 years old - Must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident ### 3.

Primary Residence - Must occupy the home as your principal residence within **9 months** of purchase ## How to Apply ### For Resale Homes Your lawyer applies for the refund **at the time of closing** through the land registry system. ### For New Construction If buying from a builder with HST, the LTT refund is handled separately from any HST rebates. ## LTT Calculation Examples | Purchase Price | Ontario LTT | FTHB Refund | Net LTT | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | $300,000 | $2,975 | −$2,975 | **$0** | | $400,000 | $4,475 | −$4,000 | **$475** | | $500,000 | $6,475 | −$4,000 | **$2,475** | | $700,000 | $10,475 | −$4,000 | **$6,475** | | $1,000,000 | $16,475 | −$4,000 | **$12,475** | ## Toronto Buyers: Double the Savings Toronto charges a **Municipal Land Transfer Tax (MLTT)** on top of the provincial LTT. First-time buyers can claim an additional **$4,475 MLTT rebate** — saving up to **$8,475** combined. ## Key Takeaway The Ontario LTT refund is one of the easiest savings programs to access. Your real estate lawyer handles most of the paperwork — just make sure you qualify before closing day.

Published by Circle Real Estate Brokerage — Toronto & GTA pre-construction and resale experts.