Down Payment Assistance Programs for Newcomers | November 2025
By planning ahead, newcomers can maximize their benefits and opportunities in the Canadian housing market. Navigating home ownership can be challenging, but targeted down payment assistance programs offer crucial support for those new to Canada. From credit card solutions to specialized mortgage programs, there are multiple pathways to help newcomers achieve their homeownership dreams.
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Summary Table for Down Payment Assistance Programs for Newcomers | November 2025
| Name | Type | Learn More |
|---|---|---|
| First Home Savings Account (FHSA) | Government Program | Learn More |
| Down Payment Match Program (Federal Pilot) | Government Program | Learn More |
| Sagen New to Canada Program | Financial Service | Learn More |
| CMHC Newcomer Mortgage Loan Insurance | Financial Service | Learn More |
| London & Middlesex County Homeownership Down Payment Assistance Program | Government Program | Learn More |
| City of Toronto Down Payment Assistance Program | Government Program | Learn More |
| Region of Waterloo Down Payment Assistance Program | Government Program | Learn More |
| County of Simcoe Down Payment Assistance Program | Government Program | Learn More |
| City of Brantford (Brant County) Down Payment Assistance Program | Government Program | Learn More |
| Lanark County Down Payment Assistance Program | Government Program | Learn More |
| County of Renfrew Down Payment Assistance Program | Government Program | Learn More |
| Oxford County Down Payment Assistance Program | Government Program | Learn More |
What Newcomers Need to Know
- Down payment assistance is available through federal, provincial, and municipal programs
- Programs typically target first-time homebuyers and recent immigrants
- Assistance can come in various forms: forgivable loans, matched savings, and special mortgage options
- Eligibility often depends on factors like residency status, income, and length of time in Canada
- Some programs have specific property value and location restrictions
Our Top Recommendations
- Research programs specific to your province and local municipality
- Understand the full terms of any assistance program before applying
- Maintain good credit and save consistently to improve your chances
- Consult with immigration-friendly financial advisors
- Consider combining multiple assistance options for maximum benefit
Detailed Program Assistance Cards
1. First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
Category: Government Program
The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a unique registered plan designed to help first-time home buyers save for their dream home in Canada. This innovative program offers tax-free savings opportunities, making homeownership more accessible for newcomers and young Canadians.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must be a first-time home buyer to participate
- Can contribute up to $8,000 annually
- Lifetime maximum contribution limit is $40,000
- Contributions are tax-deductible
- Can be used to buy or build a qualifying first home
Benefits for newcomers:
- Tax-free savings for home purchase
- Helps accelerate path to homeownership
- Flexible savings plan for first-time buyers
- Supports financial planning for new immigrants
- Registered plan with clear contribution guidelines
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
2. Down Payment Match Program (Federal Pilot)
Category: Government Program
The Down Payment Match Program offers a promising opportunity for first-time homebuyers, particularly newcomers to Canada, to more easily enter the housing market. This innovative federal pilot provides critical financial support to help immigrants and new residents achieve their homeownership goals.
What newcomers need to know:
- Launched in select provinces in 2025
- Government match of 5% toward down payment
- Maximum match amount is $25,000
- Must be a first-time home buyer
- Subject to income and purchase price limits
Benefits for newcomers:
- Reduces amount of down payment needed to save
- Provides direct financial assistance for home purchase
- Helps make homeownership more accessible
- Interest-free loan option
- Supports residents with modest incomes
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
3. Sagen New to Canada Program
Category: Financial Service
Sagen's New to Canada Program is a specialized mortgage service designed to help recent immigrants and newcomers purchase property in Canada with greater ease. The program provides unique financing options that address the unique challenges faced by individuals who have recently relocated to Canada.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must have relocated to Canada within the last 5 years
- Must have a valid work permit or permanent resident status
- Can purchase property with as little as 5% down payment
- Specifically designed for individuals who have recently immigrated or relocated to Canada
- Requires qualification under Sagen's specific program criteria
Benefits for newcomers:
- Easier property purchase for new immigrants
- Low down payment option (as little as 5%)
- Specialized financing for newcomers to Canada
- Supportive mortgage program for recent immigrants
- Opportunity to build homeownership quickly after arriving in Canada
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
4. CMHC Newcomer Mortgage Loan Insurance
Category: Financial Service
The CMHC Newcomer Mortgage Loan Insurance is a specialized program designed to help permanent and non-permanent residents achieve homeownership in Canada. By offering mortgage insurance with low down payment options, this program provides an accessible pathway for newcomers to enter the Canadian housing market.
What newcomers need to know:
- Available for both permanent and non-permanent residents
- Non-permanent residents must be legally authorized to work in Canada (i.e., have a valid work permit)
- Mortgage loan insurance allows financing up to 95% of home purchase price
- Minimum down payment starts at 5%
- Helps newcomers qualify for reasonable mortgage interest rates
Benefits for newcomers:
- Insured financing for home purchases
- Lower down payment requirements
- Access to competitive mortgage rates
- Support for permanent and non-permanent residents
- Pathway to homeownership in Canada
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
5. London & Middlesex County Homeownership Down Payment Assistance Program
Category: Government Program
The London & Middlesex County Homeownership Down Payment Assistance Program provides a critical opportunity for renters to transition into homeownership. This program offers valuable support for newcomers seeking to establish roots in the London and Middlesex County area by helping overcome financial barriers to home purchasing.
What newcomers need to know:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Currently rent in London or Middlesex County
- Maximum income limits: $95,000 for a single person, $115,000 for a family
- Must be a renter in London or Middlesex County
- Must agree to program-specific terms and conditions
Benefits for newcomers:
- Provides up to 5% down payment assistance
- Offers an interest-free, 20-year forgivable loan
- Maximum loan amount of up to $25,000 toward down payment
- Helps eligible applicants purchase their first home
- Supports first-time homebuyers in the local community
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
6. City of Toronto Down Payment Assistance Program
Category: Government Program
The City of Toronto's Home Ownership Assistance Program (HOAP) provides critical support for low-to-moderate-income families and individuals seeking to enter the housing market. This program offers down payment assistance loans, making homeownership more accessible for newcomers to Toronto.
What newcomers need to know:
- Program provides down payment assistance loans
- Targets low-to-moderate-income families and individuals
- Assists through deferral of development charges
- Potentially available for residents earning between $125,000 and $150,000 annually
- Has delivered 1,242 down payment assistance loans since 2009
Benefits for newcomers:
- Reduces financial barriers to home ownership
- Provides meaningful pathways to purchasing a home
- Offers relief from development charges
- Supports both non-profit and private sector housing development
- Helps make homeownership more attainable for residents
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
7. Region of Waterloo Down Payment Assistance Program
Category: Government Program
The Region of Waterloo Down Payment Assistance Program offers a critical pathway to homeownership for low-to-moderate income households in the region. This innovative program helps first-time homebuyers overcome the financial barrier of down payment by providing interest-free financial support.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must be 18 years or older
- Must have been renting in Waterloo Region for at least 12 months
- Maximum household income of $109,000
- Purchasing a home under $600,000
- Must be a first-time homebuyer
Benefits for newcomers:
- 5% interest-free down payment loan
- Loan is forgivable after 20 years
- Helps overcome initial home purchasing barriers
- Supports low-to-moderate income households
- Provides opportunity for stable homeownership
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
8. County of Simcoe Down Payment Assistance Program
Category: Government Program
The County of Simcoe Down Payment Assistance Program offers a unique opportunity for low-to-moderate income renters to transition from renting to homeownership. This program provides critical financial support for newcomers and residents struggling to enter the housing market by offering substantial down payment assistance.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must be a resident of Ontario
- Must be at least 18 years old
- Income must meet specific low-to-moderate income criteria
- Applies to homes in Simcoe County under $712,300
- Some funds are designated for social housing residents or Indigenous households
Benefits for newcomers:
- Receive up to 10% down payment assistance
- Maximum loan of $50,000
- 20-year forgivable loan option
- Loan is forgiven if home remains primary residence
- Helps transition from renting to homeownership
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
9. City of Brantford (Brant County) Down Payment Assistance Program
Category: Government Program
The B-Home Homeownership Program is designed to make homeownership more accessible for first-time homebuyers in the Brantford-Brant area. This program provides crucial financial support to help newcomers and local residents achieve their dream of owning a home.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must be a first-time homebuyer
- Receive down payment assistance through a 5% forgivable loan
- Maximum loan amount is $20,000
- Part of a partnership between the Government of Canada, Province of Ontario, City of Brantford, and County of Brant
- Designed to assist low-to-moderate income households
Benefits for newcomers:
- Financial assistance for down payment
- Helps make homeownership more affordable
- Supports first-time homebuyers in the Brantford-Brant area
- Potentially helps reduce barriers to home ownership
- Offers a forgivable loan option
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
10. Lanark County Down Payment Assistance Program
Category: Government Program
The Lanark County Down Payment Assistance Program offers a crucial opportunity for first-time homebuyers, particularly newcomers seeking to establish roots in the community. This program provides financial support to help eligible individuals overcome the initial barriers to homeownership.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must be a first-time homebuyer
- Must be currently renting within Lanark County
- Maximum household income must not exceed $91,400
- Home purchase price must be below $305,372
- Must use the home as a principal residence
Benefits for newcomers:
- Down payment assistance up to 8% of the home's purchase price
- Interest-free, forgivable loan
- Loan is forgiven after 20 years if home remains primary residence
- Helps reduce initial financial barriers to homeownership
- Supports long-term community stability
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
11. County of Renfrew Down Payment Assistance Program
Category: Government Program
The County of Renfrew Down Payment Assistance Program provides a crucial opportunity for low-to-moderate-income renters, including newcomers, to achieve homeownership. This program offers financial support to help first-time homebuyers overcome the significant barrier of saving for a down payment in Renfrew County.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must be 18 years of age or older
- Must be a Canadian Citizen, Landed Immigrant, or have Refugee status
- Household income must not exceed $90,400
- Must be approved for a mortgage
- Property value must not exceed $331,412
Benefits for newcomers:
- Up to 10% of home purchase price in financial assistance
- 20-year interest-free forgivable loan
- Helps first-time homebuyers enter the housing market
- Supports low-to-moderate-income renters
- Provides pathway to homeownership in Renfrew County
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
12. Oxford County Down Payment Assistance Program
Category: Government Program
The Oxford County Down Payment Assistance Program provides a critical pathway to homeownership for low-to-moderate income households in the region. This program offers newcomers a unique opportunity to establish roots and build equity through an innovative, interest-free down payment loan.
What newcomers need to know:
- Must be 18 years old or older
- Total household income before deductions must be less than $119,800 annually
- Household income must be $92,700 or less
- Currently renting in Oxford County
- Must be a first-time homebuyer
Benefits for newcomers:
- Interest-free loan up to 5% of purchase price
- Maximum loan amount of $21,000
- Loan is forgivable after 20 years
- Helps reduce initial home purchase barriers
- Provides financial support for down payment
How to apply:
- Visit official website to learn more
Final Words
Navigating down payment assistance as a newcomer requires careful research and proactive planning. Each program has unique requirements, so take time to understand the specifics that apply to your individual situation. By leveraging these support mechanisms and staying informed, you can turn your Canadian homeownership dream into a reality.
Important Disclaimer
Program availability and terms are subject to change. Always verify current details directly with the issuing institution or municipality before making any financial decisions.
About the author
Frequently Asked Questions: Down Payment Assistance Programs for Newcomers | November 2025
What are the best down payment assistance programs for newcomers in Canada in 2025?
The top programs include the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), Sagen New to Canada Program, and CMHC Newcomer Mortgage Loan Insurance, each offering unique benefits for first-time homebuyers from abroad.
How do I qualify for the First Home Savings Account (FHSA) as a newcomer to Canada?
To qualify for FHSA, you must be a first-time homebuyer, a Canadian resident, and able to open an account with a qualifying financial institution, with annual contribution limits of up to $8,000.
What benefits does the CMHC Newcomer Mortgage Loan Insurance provide for immigrants?
CMHC Newcomer Mortgage Loan Insurance helps newcomers with limited Canadian credit history secure mortgages by providing insurance that reduces lender risk and allows for lower down payment requirements.
Which down payment assistance program is better for newcomers: Sagen or Federal Pilot Program?
The Sagen New to Canada Program typically offers more flexible credit requirements and specific support for immigrants, while the Federal Down Payment Match Program provides potential direct financial matching for first-time homebuyers.