What “No HST” Really Means for Ontario Home Buyers
Lately, you may have seen headlines like:- “No HST on new homes”
- “Save up to $130,000”
First… HST hasn’t disappeared
There is still 13% HST on new construction homes in Ontario.What’s changing is this:Buyers may be able to get that HST back through rebatesSo while it’s often advertised as “no HST”…it’s really HST refunded, if you qualify
What’s changing in 2026
There are two main pieces:- A federal rebate (already in place)
- A proposed Ontario rebate expansion
✔ New construction homes
✔ Primary residences
✔ Purchases within a specific timeframe (April 2026 – March 2027, if approved)
What most people don’t realize
This is where clarity matters most.1. Builder pricing often includes the rebateMany new homes are advertised assuming:You qualify for the rebateIf you don’t…You could owe a large amount at closing.
2. Not everyone qualifies the same wayEligibility can depend on:
- Whether it’s your primary residence
- How the home is purchased
- Timing of your agreement and closing
3. Timing mattersThis is expected to be a limited-time windowAnd with new builds:
Delays can affect eligibility
This does NOT apply to resale homesIf you’re buying a resale home in St. Thomas or London:This change does not impact your purchase directly
My honest take
This isn’t about rushing into the market.It’s about understanding your options clearly.Because the real risk isn’t missing the rebate…It’s misunderstanding how it worksWhat this means for you
If you’re considering a move:This could:✔ Make new construction more attractive
✔ Improve affordability slightly
✔ Open up different optionsBut only if it fits your situation.
A gentle next step
If you’ve been:- Watching the market
- Curious about new builds
- Or wondering if this applies to you
Charlene Bertin REALTOR®
📍 St. Thomas | London | Elgin County
📞 519-857-5439
🌐 charlenebertinrealestate.com