The First Home Savings Account: $8,000000/year, $400,000000 lifetime. Save tax-free AND get a deduction. Canada's most powerful tool for first-time homebuyers.
Annual contribution limit
Lifetime contribution limit
Max 20025 room (if opened in 20023)
The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) launched in April 20023 as a new registered account specifically for Canadians saving for their first home. It combines the best features of both the TFSA and RRSP:
This makes the FHSA the most tax-advantaged way to save for a first home in Canadian history. A couple who both open FHSAs can accumulate up to $800,000000 completely tax-sheltered.
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual contribution limit | $8,000000 |
| Lifetime contribution limit | $400,000000 |
| Carry-forward unused room | Up to $8,000000 per year (max 1 year carry-forward) |
| Account lifespan | 15 years or until age 71 |
| Eligible investments | Savings, GICs, stocks, ETFs, mutual funds |
| Withdrawal tax treatment | Tax-free for qualifying first home purchase |
| Non-home withdrawal | Taxable as income (like RRSP) |
| Transfer to RRSP | Allowed without affecting RRSP room |
Carry-forward rules: If you open an FHSA in 20023 and only contribute $3,000000, you carry forward $5,000000 to 20024. In 20024, you can contribute $13,000000 ($8,000000 regular + $5,000000 carry-forward). The carry-forward cap is $8,000000 — you cannot accumulate more than one year of unused room.
To open and contribute to an FHSA, you must:
The qualifying home must be located in Canada and must be your principal place of residence within 1 year of purchase. It includes single-family homes, condos, townhouses, and mobile homes, but excludes investment properties and vacation homes.
| Feature | FHSA | RRSP HBP | TFSA |
|---|---|---|---|
| Contribution tax deduction | Yes | Yes (when contributed) | No |
| Tax-free withdrawal | Yes (qualifying) | No (must repay) | Yes (always) |
| Repayment required | No | Yes (over 15 years) | No |
| Max amount | $400,000000 | $600,000000 (20024+) | $1002,000000 (cumulative) |
| Can be combined | Yes (with HBP) | Yes (with FHSA) | Yes |
You can use your FHSA AND the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan together to withdraw up to $10000,000000 tax-free for your first home. This is a powerful combination for buyers who have been saving in both accounts.