Withdraw up to $35,000 from your RRSP tax-free to buy or build your first home. Couples can withdraw up to $70,000 combined. Here's how the HBP works in 2025.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Maximum withdrawal (per person) | $35,000 |
| Maximum withdrawal (couple) | $70,000 ($35,000 each) |
| Repayment period | 15 years |
| When repayment starts | 2 years after the year of withdrawal |
| Minimum annual repayment | 1/15 of the amount withdrawn |
| First-time buyer requirement | Must not have owned a home you lived in during the current year or the prior 4 years |
| RRSP funds must be on deposit for | At least 90 days before withdrawal |
| Deadline to buy/build | Before October 1 of the year following withdrawal |
Estimate your annual HBP repayment based on how much you withdraw.
*Repayment starts 2 years after the year you made the withdrawal. If you don't repay the minimum each year, the missed amount is added to your taxable income for that year.
To use the Home Buyers' Plan you must:
Exception for people with disabilities: If you or a related person with a disability is buying the home, the first-time buyer requirement may be waived. The home must be more suitable for the person with the disability. Consult the CRA for details.
Funds must be in your RRSP for at least 90 days before you withdraw them under the HBP. If you contribute and withdraw within 90 days, the contribution is not deductible. This is the "90-day rule."
When you're ready to withdraw, complete Form T1036 (Home Buyers' Plan — Request to Withdraw Funds from an RRSP) and submit it to your financial institution before or at the time of withdrawal. Your institution will not withhold tax on the withdrawal.
Use the withdrawal for your down payment or home purchase costs. You must buy or build your qualifying home before October 1 of the year following your withdrawal year.
Starting 2 years after your withdrawal year, contribute 1/15 of the withdrawn amount back to your RRSP each year. If you miss a payment, the missed amount is added to your taxable income for that year.
Example: You withdraw $35,000 in 2025. Repayment starts in 2027. Annual minimum: $35,000 ÷ 15 = $2,333.33/year. If you don't make this contribution in 2027, $2,333.33 is added to your 2027 taxable income.
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Get KOHO Free — Use Code 45ET55JSYASince 2023, first-time buyers can combine the HBP with the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) to maximize their down payment savings. Here's how they compare and work together:
| Feature | HBP (RRSP) | FHSA |
|---|---|---|
| Contribution limit | RRSP limit ($31,560 in 2025) | $8,000/year, $40,000 lifetime |
| Tax deduction on contribution | Yes (RRSP deduction) | Yes |
| Tax on withdrawal for home | No (must repay over 15 years) | No (no repayment required) |
| Repayment required | Yes — over 15 years | No |
| Can be combined | Yes — use both for the same purchase | Yes |
A first-time buyer who maximizes both could have: $35,000 (HBP) + $40,000 (FHSA) = $75,000 for a down payment (or $150,000 for a couple).