12/24/2025
Buying your first home in Canada is exciting—but saving for the down payment can feel overwhelming.
That is where the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) comes in.
Introduced in 2023, the FHSA combines the best features of an RRSP and a TFSA:
✔️ Contributions are tax-deductible
✔️ Investments grow tax-free
✔️ Withdrawals for a first home are tax-free
Sounds great, right?
Yet many first-time buyers make costly mistakes that reduce the benefit.
Here are 5 common FHSA mistakes to avoid (condensed from Fidelity):
1️⃣ Overcontributing
Going over your limit results in a 1% monthly penalty on the excess amount.
2️⃣ Not maximizing your contribution room
Unused room means missed tax refunds, lost compounding growth, and less money for your down payment.
3️⃣ Worrying too much about the 15-year deadline
If you do not buy, you can transfer your FHSA tax-free into an RRSP or RRIF.
4️⃣ Misunderstanding carry-forward rules
You can carry forward unused room, but only from the previous year—and you cannot contribute more than $16,000 in any single year.
5️⃣ Confusing FHSA rules with RRSPs
There are no spousal FHSAs, but both partners can open their own accounts and combine savings for one home.
Used correctly, the FHSA can be a game-changer for first-time buyers. Used incorrectly, it can lead to penalties and lost opportunities.
If you are planning to buy your first home, understanding how the FHSA works is not optional—it is essential.