Yes. If you’re a permanent resident, temporary resident, or foreign worker with valid documentation, you may be eligible to buy a home in Canada. However, under the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, non-residents and some temporary residents may face restrictions in certain areas (especially large urban centres). If you're unsure, we’ll help you determine if you're eligible based on your residency status.

🔎 Note: Exceptions apply for work permit holders who’ve filed taxes for the last 3 out of 4 years and lived in Canada for at least 244 days per year.

Not necessarily. Many banks and lenders offer Newcomer Mortgage Programs that allow recent immigrants to qualify using:

• Proof of income from Canadian employment

• Foreign credit reports or bank reference letters

• A larger down payment (typically 10%+ if no Canadian credit)

We'll help connect you with lenders who specialize in helping new Canadians buy their first home.

Here’s what the Canadian mortgage rules require:

• 5% down payment for homes up to $500,000

• 10% down on the portion between $500,000–$999,999

• 20% down payment required for homes priced at $1 million or more

🧠 Example: For a $700,000 home, you'd need 5% on the first $500,000 ($25,000) and 10% on the remaining $200,000 ($20,000), totaling a $45,000 minimum down payment.

In addition to your down payment, expect to budget for:

• Closing costs (legal fees, title insurance, disbursements): ~1–2%

• Land Transfer Tax (varies by province; Ontario & BC have rebates for first-time buyers)

• Home inspection: $300–$600

• Property appraisal (if required by your lender): ~$350–$500

• GST/HST (new builds only)

Yes! As a first-time buyer, you may qualify for:

• First-Time Home Buyer Incentive (FTHBI) – Government shares a portion of your mortgage to reduce monthly payments (5–10%)

• Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) – Withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSP tax-free to buy your first home

• First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit – Claim up to $10,000 for a $1,500 refund

• Land Transfer Tax Rebates – Available in Ontario, British Columbia, and PEI

We’ll help you figure out what you qualify for and how to apply.

To buy a home, you don’t need to be a permanent resident — but your eligibility for certain mortgage programs or incentives may vary:

• Permanent residents: Full access to all programs and most lenders

• Work permit holders: Often eligible with proof of income and valid permit

• International students or non-residents: May need higher down payments (often 35%+) and face regional purchase restrictions

Here are the key steps:

1. Get pre-approved for a mortgage

2. Connect with an expert to clarify your goals

3. Search for homes online or with help

4. Visit properties (virtual or in-person)

5. Make an offer and negotiate terms

6. Complete financing, home inspection & paperwork

7. Close the deal and move in

PropZap can walk you through the entire process — or just the parts you need help with.

A real estate agent in Canada:

• Helps you navigate the market, find homes, and book showings

• Represents your interests in offers and negotiations

• Is typically paid by the seller, so there’s no direct cost to buyers

• Can explain local bylaws, contract terms, and legal steps

With PropZap, you can access licensed agents on-demand — or do it yourself with help when you need it.

Absolutely. You can:

• Set up a home search and monitor prices

• Get a pre-approval referral

• Learn how mortgages and the market work

• Ask questions and explore options
  All with no pressure, no sales calls, and support when you want it.