07/30/2026
šØ Donāt assume the HST rebate will automatically reduce your mortgage.
One of the biggest misconceptions I see with pre-construction buyers is assuming the Ontario HST rebate will lower the amount they need to finance at closing.
The reality? It depends on your builder.
Some builders apply the rebate directly at closing if you assign it to them, reducing the amount you need to borrow.
Others require you to pay the full HST upfront, meaning youāll need to qualify for a larger mortgage and then apply to the CRA for the rebate after closing.
That difference can have a major impact on your financing and the amount of cash youāll need on closing day.
Before buying a pre-construction home:
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Ask your builder how the HST rebate will be handled.
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Review your Agreement of Purchase and Sale with your lawyer.
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Make sure your mortgage is structured based on the actual closing requirementsānot assumptions.
A quick conversation today can save you from an expensive surprise later.
Have questions about pre-construction financing? Put it in the comments and I will answer as soon as I can
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