Manitoba is one of the most affordable provinces for first-time buyers in Canada. But housing costs, income limits, and down payment expectations can create real obstacles. However, incentives can turn your dreams into reality, whether you are eyeing a bungalow in Brandon or a home in Steinbach. This guide from BestMO will break down what every first-time home buyer Manitoba needs to know.
What are the requirements for Manitoba’s first-time home buyer programs?
To qualify for most first-time home buyer programs in Manitoba, you will need to meet 7 key requirements:
- A Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- Age 18 or older.
- Have lived in Manitoba for at least 6 months before applying.
- Have never owned a home before, or you have not lived in a property owned by you or your spouse or common-law partner in the last 4 years.
- Get a valid mortgage pre‑approval.
- Have acceptable credit to qualify for a mortgage.
- Can prove a steady income through tax returns.
The purpose of these requirements is to ensure assistance reaches those who truly need support in entering the housing market.
Manitoba first-time home buyer programs
Manitoba offers the Manitoba Affordable Homes Program and the First Time Home Purchase Program (FTHPP) for Métis citizens.
Manitoba Affordable Homes Program
Manitoba Affordable Homes Programs provides cash that can cover up to 25% of your home’s purchase price. Here’s how the money breaks down:
- Immediate Down Payment Help: You receive 10% of the purchase price that’s forgiven over five years, or 15-25% after 15 years of continuous homeownership. Stay 15 years or longer, and you owe nothing.
- Long-term Assistance: A 25% assistance is available if your household income does not exceed $46,500.
- Extra Cash Benefits: Beyond the down payment, Manitoba Housing covers your land transfer taxes completely. You also receive $1,500 for legal fees and closing costs. If you are buying a vacant home, you may receive another $1,000 for moving expenses.
What types of homes qualify for the Manitoba affordable homes program?
There are 3 eligible types of houses for this program:
- Single-detached homes in select rural communities
- Must become the principal residence
- Limited to properties owned by Manitoba Housing
How to apply for the Manitoba first-time home buyer grant?
There are 3 steps to follow when applying for the Manitoba Affordable Homes Program:
Step 1: Gather the documents
Start by downloading application forms from Manitoba Housing. You need to prepare recent pay stubs and employment letters, the last 2 years of tax returns, bank statements showing your savings, and a pre-approval letter from a lender.
Beyond basic first-time buyer requirements, you will need:
- Proof of Métis citizenship
- Household income under $67,900 if you have children, or under $90,500 if you have children or dependents.
The program prioritizes families leaving social housing and those escaping domestic violence. Your loan becomes forgivable after 10 years of living in the home. It means you never pay it back if you stay put.
Step 2: Submit your application
Mail or deliver your complete package to:
Manitoba Housing
Second Floor, 352 Donald Street
Winnipeg, MB R3B 2H8
The process may take 2-4 weeks. You will receive a commitment letter outlining your eligible assistance once approved.
Step 3: Find your home
Browse available Manitoba Housing properties in approved rural communities. Your approval remains valid for 90 days.
Source: Affordable Homes Program – Government of Manitoba
First Time Home Purchase Program (FTHPP) Assistance
The FTHPP provides Métis citizens with:
- Down payment grant: Up to 5% of purchase price (maximum $18,000)
- Closing costs grant: 1.5% of purchase price (maximum $2,500)
- Priority given to those currently in social housing
- Priority for families escaping situations of abuse or violence
Indigenous first-time home buyers in Manitoba have access to this program, particularly through the Manitoba Métis Federation.
To qualify for this grant, you should have a minimum of 6 months of Manitoba residency. Additionally, proof of Métis citizenship is required with the application.
What types of homes qualify for FTHPP?
5 Eligible homes include:
- Newly constructed homes with warranties
- Resale market homes (single-family, townhouses, condominiums)
- Ready to Move Homes (RTMs) on permanent foundations
- Mobile homes on owned land with permanent foundations
- Maximum combined liquid assets: $600,000
4 ineligible properties:
- Homes in life-lease communities
- Properties on leased or rented land
- Mobile homes in trailer parks
- Self-builds or progress draw constructions
How to apply for FTHPP?
The Métis program requires an application before you can make an offer. Here are 5 steps to follow:
Step 1: Apply before placing an offer on a property.
Step 2: LRCC vets eligibility and mortgage qualification.
Step 3: Upon approval, provide an independent appraisal acceptable to CMHC, a bank approval letter for the first mortgage, and an accepted offer of purchase with satisfied conditions.
Step 4: Funds sent to a real estate lawyer in trust.
Step 5: The Loan is registered as a second mortgage on the title.
Source: First Time Home Purchase Program – Manitoba Métis Federation
How does Manitoba’s land transfer tax impact first-time buyers?
Manitoba does not offer a land transfer tax rebate for first-time home buyers. However, the overall tax burden remains relatively low compared to other provinces.
Manitoba land title tax rates are:
- First $30,000: No tax
- $30,001 to $90,000: 0.50%
- $90,001 to $150,000: 1.00%
- $150,001 to $200,000: 1.50%
- Above $200,000: 2.00%
While there is no rebate, Manitoba Affordable Homes Program participants have this cost covered entirely by Manitoba Housing.
What are federal programs for first-time home buyers in Manitoba?
A first-time home buyer in Manitoba can access federal benefits to reduce their overall costs.
RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan: This program lets you raid your retirement savings legally and tax-free. You can withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP ($120,000 for couples) without paying income tax on it. But you must repay it over 15 years.
Home Buyers’ Amount Tax Credit: Come tax time, claim up to $10,000 on your return for a refund up to $1,500.
GST/HST New Housing Rebate: The federal government rebates 36% of the GST you pay, with full rebates on homes under $350,000. Partial rebates apply up to $450,000.
FAQs about first-time home buyer Manitoba
Can you be a first time home buyer Manitoba with no down payment?
No. While true zero down payment options do not exist, Manitoba's first-time home buyer programs can cover substantial portions of required down payments.
Can I buy a fixer-upper with Manitoba first time home buyer programs?
It depends. The Manitoba Affordable Homes Program only covers Manitoba Housing properties, which are generally move-in ready. The Métis program allows resale homes needing work, as long as your lender approves the mortgage.
Can I combine multiple Manitoba first-time home buyer programs?
Yes. You can use federal programs like the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan alongside one provincial program. However, you cannot receive both the Manitoba Affordable Homes assistance and the Métis FTHPP.
How much of a down payment do you need to buy a house in Manitoba?
You need a down payment of at least 5% for homes priced for a single-family or two-unit home.
What amount of income qualifies you to buy a home in Manitoba?
To qualify, your household income must be below $90,500 if you have dependents, or below $67,900 if you do not. For Métis-specific programs, the cap is around $100,000.
The bottom line
Understanding who is qualified for a first-time home buyer in Manitoba can help secure long-term stability and build financial independence. By meeting the residency, income, mortgage, and asset guidelines, you can unlock valuable tools to make homeownership more accessible. The home you have been dreaming about is closer than you realize.
