First-Time Buyers

First-Time Home Buyer in Red Deer & Alberta: Programs & Grants

Buying your first home in Central Alberta? There are real programs that can help, and one big local advantage: Alberta has no provincial land transfer tax. Here is a plain-English rundown, current for 2026. I'm Kyla Peters, a local REALTOR® who loves helping first-time buyers get it right.

Programs that may help you

First Home Savings Account (FHSA). Contribute up to $8,000 per year, to a $40,000 lifetime maximum, and your contributions are tax-deductible. It combines the best features of an RRSP and a TFSA for buying a first home.

RRSP Home Buyers' Plan. Eligible first-time buyers can withdraw up to $60,000 from an RRSP toward a purchase, to be repaid over time.

First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit. A federal credit worth up to $1,500 back at tax time.

First-Time Home Buyers' GST Rebate. A newer federal rebate that can remove up to $50,000 of GST on an eligible new home for qualifying first-time buyers (on value up to $1,000,000, phasing out up to $1,500,000, for eligible purchases on or after March 20, 2025). If you are considering a new build, this is worth understanding early. See my new construction guide.

No Alberta land transfer tax. Unlike most provinces, Alberta charges no provincial land transfer tax, so your upfront costs are lower. You still budget for legal fees, a home inspection, title insurance, and Land Titles registration.

Common questions

Is there a first-time home buyer grant in Alberta?
There is no province-wide cash grant in Alberta for first-time buyers, but several federal programs help. These include the Tax-Free First Home Savings Account (FHSA), the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan, the First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit, and the new First-Time Home Buyers' GST Rebate on eligible new homes. Alberta also has no provincial land transfer tax, which lowers your upfront costs.

What is the First-Time Home Buyers' GST Rebate?
It is a federal rebate that can remove up to $50,000 of GST on an eligible new or substantially renovated home for qualifying first-time buyers, on the value up to $1,000,000 and phasing out up to $1,500,000. It applies to eligible purchases made on or after March 20, 2025. Eligibility rules apply, so confirm with your builder, lawyer, and a mortgage professional.

How much can I use from my RRSP or FHSA?
The RRSP Home Buyers' Plan lets eligible first-time buyers withdraw up to $60,000 toward a home. The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) allows contributions of up to $8,000 per year and $40,000 in total, and those contributions are tax-deductible. Talk to your financial advisor about what fits your situation.

Do I pay land transfer tax in Alberta?
No. Alberta does not charge a provincial land transfer tax, which is a real saving compared with provinces like Ontario or B.C. You pay only modest Alberta Land Titles registration fees. Budget for legal fees, a home inspection, and title insurance as your main closing costs.

This is general information, current for 2026, and not financial, tax, or legal advice. Program rules and eligibility change, so confirm details with a mortgage professional, your accountant, and the Government of Canada before relying on them.