First-Time Home Buyer Incentives in Manitoba (2025)

Buying your first home in Manitoba? You’re in the right place — both literally and financially.

Compared to places like Ontario and B.C., Manitoba’s housing market is relatively affordable. But even with lower average prices, the cost of becoming a homeowner can still feel overwhelming. Between the down payment, closing costs, and legal fees, it adds up fast.

Thankfully, Manitoba offers several programs that are designed to ease the burden on first-time home buyers. Whether you’re looking for down payment help, forgivable loans, or federal rebates, there’s a good chance you qualify for more than one.

Let’s break down everything you need to know to take advantage of these incentives in 2025.

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Key Takeaways

• Manitoba offers unique programs like the Affordable Homes Program and Metis Home Purchase Grants to help first-time buyers.
• These incentives can reduce or even eliminate your down payment through forgivable loans and non-repayable grants.
• Federal support like the RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan and GST/HST Rebate is also available to Manitobans.

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Manitoba First-Time Home Buyer Incentives

The province of Manitoba offers two key programs targeted at first-time buyers:

1. Affordable Homes Program (select rural communities)

This program is designed for buyers looking outside major urban centres. It provides:

• Forgivable down payment assistance of 10% to 25%
• Land transfer tax coverage
• A $1,500 grant to help with legal fees
• An additional $1,000 moving grant if you’re buying a vacant home

👉 Eligibility criteria include income thresholds and mortgage pre-approval from a lender.

Two ways to qualify:

• Tenant Stream: If you’re currently a Manitoba Housing tenant, you might be able to buy the home you’re living in or another vacant home owned by Manitoba Housing.
• Vacant Home Stream: Open to non-tenants who want to purchase a vacant home from Manitoba Housing in select rural areas.

💡 Forgiveness structure:

• 10% of purchase price: Forgiven over 5 years of occupancy
• 15% or 25%: Forgiven over 15 years of continuous ownership
• Income cap for 25% forgiveness: $46,500

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2. First Time Home Purchase Program (FTHPP) – Metis Citizens

Offered by the Manitoba Metis Federation and administered by the Louis Riel Capital Corporation (LRCC), this program supports Metis citizens who are buying their first home.

You could receive:

• 5% of the purchase price (up to $18,000) for your down payment
• 1.5% (up to $2,500) to cover closing costs

👉 If you’re Metis and considering homeownership, this program can make a significant difference in upfront costs.

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Federal First-Time Buyer Programs (Also Available in Manitoba)

In addition to Manitoba’s provincial incentives, first-time homebuyers can access a variety of federal programs.

✔️ RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)

This program lets you pull up to $60,000 from your RRSPs tax-free to buy your first home. If you’re purchasing with a partner, that’s $120,000 combined.

• No repayments required for the first 2 years
• Repay the full amount over 15 years, tax-free

👉 Even if you’ve previously owned a home, you might still qualify if you haven’t lived in one (owned by you or your spouse) in the past four years.

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✔️ Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (aka Home Buyers’ Amount)

Claim up to $10,000 on your tax return and get a $1,500 rebate. This can help cover moving expenses, legal fees, or other costs that sneak up when closing on your first home.

You can split the amount with a partner or co-buyer as long as you both meet eligibility criteria.

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✔️ GST/HST New Housing Rebate

If you’re buying a new construction home or completing major renovations, you may qualify to get some of your GST or HST back.

• This applies to homes bought from a builder or built yourself
• The rebate varies by province and whether you paid GST/HST on the land too

👉 In Manitoba, you may also qualify for the provincial component depending on your purchase price and occupancy.

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Frequently Asked Questions: Manitoba First-Time Buyer Programs

How much do I need for a down payment in Manitoba?
The standard down payment rules apply across Canada:

• 5% for homes up to $500,000
• 10% for the portion from $500,000 to $999,999
• 20% minimum for homes above $1 million

Can I qualify as a first-time home buyer if I’ve lived outside Manitoba?
Yes, but some programs (like the Metis grant or Affordable Homes Program) may require a minimum period of Manitoba residency or proof of filing Manitoba taxes.

What is the income limit to qualify for down payment assistance?

• Households without children: $67,900
• Households with children: $90,500
• For maximum 25% forgiveness: $46,500 cap

Is this available in Winnipeg?
Unfortunately, Manitoba’s Affordable Homes Program excludes urban centres due to high rental demand. You’ll need to look at rural areas for this specific assistance.

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Final Thoughts: Should You Buy Your First Home in Manitoba?

Manitoba doesn’t just have affordable real estate — it also has some of the most generous down payment assistance programs in the country. Between forgivable loans, non-repayable grants, and federal tax credits, first-time buyers here have a real shot at becoming homeowners faster than they think.

And unlike red-hot markets like Toronto or Vancouver, homes here are still relatively within reach — especially if you’re open to buying in smaller communities.

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What To Do Next

Use the programs to your advantage. Here’s a quick plan:

1. Check if you qualify for the Affordable Homes Program or Metis Grants
2. Use your RRSPs through the HBP for a tax-free down payment boost
3. Claim your Home Buyers’ Tax Credit when you file taxes
4. Apply for the GST/HST rebate if buying new construction

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Ready to make your move?
Talk to a mortgage expert today and get pre-approved for your first home in Manitoba. We’ll help you find the best rate, apply your incentives, and plan your next steps with confidence.