Plan buying a home in Canada
How do I buy a house?
Begin with affordability, a down payment and the full costs of ownership. Then explore financing, choose a suitable home and work through the offer and closing steps with appropriate professionals.
Where to begin
- Compare your income, debts and savings with mortgage payments, property tax, utilities and maintenance costs.
- Save for the down payment and separate closing costs, then compare mortgage options and seek preapproval. Preapproval is not a guarantee of final approval.
- Use CMHC’s homebuying guide to choose priorities and work with real estate, lending and legal professionals as needed.
- Review offer conditions, inspections and legal closing tasks before taking possession. Plan for ongoing maintenance and emergency expenses.
Before you open the official service
- Income, debt and savings information.
- A budget for purchase costs and ongoing housing expenses.
Keep your actual documents and account details off this website. Use the official service’s current checklist before applying.
What to check for your situation
Financing, ownership eligibility, taxes and legal closing requirements depend on the buyer, property and jurisdiction. This overview is not an approval or a recommendation to buy.
Fees, processing times and document rules can change. This page helps you navigate; it does not confirm eligibility or replace the government’s instructions.
Official sources
canada.ca · Official websiteFCAC — Buying a homeConsider all homeownership costs before buying. Budget for the down payment, mortgage payments, property taxes and heat. Upfront closing costs are separate purchase expenses. Government homebuying programs have their own eligibility rules; provincial or territorial programs may also be available.Checked
cmhc-schl.gc.ca · Official websiteCMHC — Homebuying Step by StepStart by checking financial readiness and affordability, then arrange financing and preapproval, find a suitable home, make an offer and complete closing. The guide covers budgets, inspections, appraisals, offer conditions, legal steps and working with realtors, lenders and lawyers. The workbook helps organize mortgage details, decisions and tasks. Plan ongoing maintenance and emergencies after moving in.Checked
Prepared by Active K Digital from the linked public guidance. Read our source approach.