8 Tips on How to Participate in the Home Buyers’ Plan

Taking the leap into homeownership in Surrey is a significant milestone. The Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) stands as a valuable ally for those stepping onto the property ladder.

This program permits first-time home buyers like you to withdraw from your Registered Retirement Savings Plans (RRSPs) to purchase or build a principal residence without facing an immediate tax penalty.

However, it is crucial to understand that the amount withdrawn must be repaid over 15 years, starting the second year after the withdrawal. If you do not adhere to the repayment schedule, the amount due that year will be added to your income and taxed accordingly.

But where do you start?

Below, we lay out tips that equip you with the knowledge to navigate the HBP effectively:

1. Assess your eligibility
2. Maximize your RRSP contributions
3. Time your withdrawal strategically
4. Understand the repayment terms
5. Leverage additional programs
6. Prepare your documents
7. Plan for tax implications
8. Coordinate with your mortgage strategy

With these guidelines in mind, let’s dive into each tip in detail to ensure your journey is as informed and stress-free as possible.

1. Assess Your Eligibility

Before you dream of turning the key in the door of your new home, the first step is to confirm your eligibility for the Home Buyers’ Plan.

Being a buyer under the HBP means that you have owned a home that you occupied as your principal residence during the four-year period. This is before the date of your withdrawal, and this applies to you and your spouse or common-law partner.

Criteria for a First-Time Home Buyer

The eligibility criteria for first-time home buyers under the HBP are specific:

• You must be considered a first-time home buyer.
• You must have a written agreement to buy or build a qualifying home for yourself or a related person with a disability.
• You must be a resident of Canada at the time of the withdrawal and up to the time a qualifying home is bought or built.
• You must intend to occupy the new home as your principal residence within one year of buying or building it.

The Four-Year Period Rule

Understanding the ‘four-year period’ is crucial. It begins on January 1 of the fourth year before the year you make your HBP withdrawal and ends 31 days before the withdrawal.

Essentially, if you have not resided in a home owned by you or your spouse in that period, you are considered a first-time home buyer.

Principal Residence Requirement

The home you aim to buy or build must qualify as your principal residence—meaning you plan to live there within one year of purchase or construction. Investment properties do not qualify for the HBP.

Meeting All Eligibility Conditions

It is critical to meet all these conditions. If you withdraw funds without meeting the criteria, you could face immediate taxation on the amount you withdraw.

2. Maximize Your RRSP Contributions

To get the most out of the Home Buyers’ Plan, it pays to maximize your RRSP contributions. Under the HBP, you can withdraw up to $35,000 in a calendar year for a down payment on your first home—tax-free.

Why maximize contributions? Each dollar you contribute to your RRSP can grow through investments, tax-deferred, until you withdraw it under the HBP.

The more you contribute, the larger the potential withdrawal for your home purchase, up to the $35,000 limit.

Minimum Holding Period

It’s important to note that contributions to your RRSP must remain in the account for at least 90 days before you can withdraw them under the HBP.

Contributions made less than 90 days before an HBP withdrawal may not be deductible for any year.

Benefits of Early and Regular Contributions

Starting your contributions early and making them regularly can benefit you in two ways.

Firstly, your investment has more time to grow. Secondly, regular contributions can smooth the cost of investing. It also takes advantage of dollar-cost averaging.

By adhering to these, you set a solid foundation for your participation in the Home Buyers’ Plan. You can ensure that when the time comes to withdraw your savings, you’re fully prepared and compliant.

3. Time Your Withdrawal Strategically

The strategic timing of your withdrawal under the Home Buyers’ Plan can be as crucial as the amount you save.

You have up to 15 years to repay the amounts you withdraw under the HBP, starting the second year following the year of your withdrawal.

Best Timing for Withdrawals

To optimize the HBP, plan your withdrawal in a way that aligns with your purchase timeline. You are allowed to make withdrawals within a single calendar year or over two consecutive years.

Remember, to qualify, you must buy or build the qualifying home before October 1st of the year after you make the withdrawal.

Maximum Withdrawal Amount and Series of Withdrawals

The HBP allows you to withdraw a maximum of $35,000. If you’re buying with a partner who is also eligible, that’s $70,000 combined.

You don’t have to take out the maximum in one go; you can plan a series of withdrawals throughout the eligible period to match your payment schedule.

Impact on Mortgage Loan Insurance and Interest-Free Loan Benefits

Timing also affects potential savings on mortgage loan insurance. If your withdrawal plus savings equals a 20% down payment, you could save on insurance premiums.

Additionally, the money you withdraw is interest-free, acting as a loan from yourself, so timing it right can maximize the interest you save.

4. Understand the Repayment Terms

The HBP isn’t a free pass—it’s a loan from your future self, and understanding the repayment terms is vital to avoid future financial strain.

15-Year Repayment Period

After the initial two-year grace period post-withdrawal, you have 15 years to repay the full amount back to your RRSP.

If you borrowed a maximum of $35,000, divide this by 15 to find out your minimum annual repayment.

Yearly Repayments and Annual Repayment Goals

Repayments to your RRSP under the HBP are not tax-deductible and must be made yearly.

If you miss a repayment, the amount is added to your taxable income for that year. Thus, it’s important to plan for these yearly repayments and incorporate them into your long-term budget.

5. Leverage Additional First-Time Buyer Programs

Combining the HBP with other programs designed for first-time home buyers can bolster your purchasing power.

First-Time Home Buyer Incentive

The First-Time Home Buyer Incentive is a seminal program that can be a game-changer. It provides a significant boost by offering 5% on the purchase of a resale home or 10% for a new construction to put toward your down payment.

This is not just extra money in your pocket—it’s a shared equity mortgage with the government of Canada, which can lead to substantial savings.

Increasing your down payment helps lower your monthly mortgage payments. It’s essentially an interest-free loan that you repay only when you sell the property or after 25 years, whichever comes first.

Home Buyers’ Tax Credit and Other Tax Advantages

Don’t overlook the Home Buyers’ tax credit, which can provide a rebate on your income tax. This can potentially give you more funds to put towards your home.

Explore all the programs available and understand how they can interact with the HBP to optimize your benefits.

6. Prepare Your Documents for a Smooth Application

Accuracy and thoroughness in this phase can expedite approval and access to your funds.

Completing the Loan Application

Key to the HBP application is the T1036 form, also known as the Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) Request to Withdraw Funds from an RRSP. Completing this form requires precision.

It’s a request to your financial institution. It indicates your intent to withdraw funds under the HBP and certifies that you meet the eligibility conditions.

Ensure you fill in every section, avoiding errors like missing signatures or incorrect RRSP account numbers. This can delay the process.

Accurate Tax Return Documentation

Alongside your T1036 form, you need to have your tax return documentation in order. This is because your RRSP contributions and withdrawal amounts are directly tied to your tax filings.

Your most recent notice of assessment can act as proof that you’ve met your tax obligations. It’s also proof that you are, therefore, eligible for the HBP withdrawal.

Ensure these documents are readily available. Also, ensure that these are accurate to reflect your current financial situation.

Keeping Records

It’s also advisable to keep a well-organized file with copies of all submissions and correspondence.

In the case of queries from your financial institution or the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), you’ll be able to respond quickly and efficiently.

7. Plan for Tax Implications

Understanding the tax implications of the Home Buyers’ Plan is crucial to maintaining financial health. A misstep in HBP repayments can result in unforeseen tax burdens that could offset the plan’s initial benefits.

Tax on Withdrawal Amounts

If you do not adhere to the 15-year repayment period’s annual repayment requirements, the amount due for that year is added to your taxable income.

It’s vital to schedule these repayments to avoid an increase in your income tax liability. Setting reminders or automating payments can help ensure you never miss a repayment deadline.

HBP and Taxable Income

Participation in the HBP also plays a role in your broader financial landscape. This is particularly concerning taxable income.

The amounts you withdraw and subsequently repay can influence your financial planning for years to come. Your HBP balance can affect your eligibility for other tax credits and deductions.

Knowing this, it’s imperative to incorporate it into your long-term financial strategies.

8. Coordinate HBP with Your Mortgage Strategy

Synchronizing your HBP obligations with your overall mortgage strategy can enhance financial stability. Not only that, it also ensures a manageable repayment schedule.

Aligning HBP Repayments with Mortgage Payments

Ideally, your HBP repayments should be in harmony with your mortgage payments. This alignment can prevent cash flow issues and helps you track your financial commitments better.

Consider your mortgage payment schedule—whether it’s monthly, bi-weekly, or accelerated bi-weekly. Also, determine how your HBP repayments can coincide effectively.

Maintaining a Modest RRSP Balance

While utilizing your RRSP for the HBP can be advantageous, it’s also wise to maintain a modest balance in your RRSP account. This balance can serve as a safety net for future property investments.

It also serves as a source of funds for a replacement property should you sell your principal residence. A strategic approach to RRSP contributions can provide financial flexibility.

Your Plan, Your Home

The Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP) is a pivotal ally for eligible buyers. As you leverage these tips and take advantage of the HBP, remember that the Germyn Group stands ready to support you.

With our reputation as Surrey’s top-rated REALTOR®, we’re committed to making your first home purchase a success. If you’re poised to take advantage of the HBP and step into a new home, reach out to the Germyn Group.

We’re here to guide you to success with the insight and dedication you deserve. Contact us now, and let’s navigate your home-buying journey together.