Nova Scotia

First-Time Homebuyers Program

Easy application

Tax filing not required

The First-time Homebuyers Program provides eligible individuals in Nova Scotia with a pathway to home ownership. Through a joint initiative between the Government of Nova Scotia, Atlantic Central, and local participating credit unions, first-time homebuyers can participate in a special mortgage program that allows them to provide two to four per cent down payment on a home.

Through this program, credit unions can provide mortgage financing on homes up to $570,000 in Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM) and East Hants, and up to $500,000 throughout the rest of the province.

To qualify for the program, the borrower must be a resident of Nova Scotia and also meet the following criteria:

  • -have a total household income of less than $200,000
  • are a first-time homebuyer
  • are a Canadian citizen or have permanent resident status and live full-time in Nova Scotia
  • have a credit rating of 630 or more
  • in cases where a borrower does not have an established credit history, credit unions may seek evidence of creditworthiness. Contact your credit union for more details
  • have the financial ability to pay two to four per cent of the purchase price of the property as a down payment and cover other closing and legal costs
  • are able to pass a mortgage stress test and have sufficient income and low enough debt obligations to be pre-approved for the mortgage through your local credit union
  • cannot afford a five per cent down payment for a traditional mortgage

The property you want to buy must:

  • be in Nova Scotia
  • be your primary residence when you move in (rental properties, seasonal and recreational properties are not eligible)

The property must also have a purchase price that isn't more than:

$570,000 in Halifax Regional Municipality and the Municipality of East Hants $500,000 throughout the rest of the province

Documents listed in this section are examples of what can be included with your application. Please review the application instructions (How to Apply tab) to confirm the supplemental and required documents for this benefit.

Proof of  residency in Province/ Territory

For example:

  • lease agreement
  • rent receipt
  • household bill
    • gas
    • electricity
    • cable television
    • telephone
  • driver's license
  • vehicle registration or car insurance
  • membership in social or professional organization
  • Other:
    • bank information
    • employment information

Proof of income

For example:

Pay stubs, pension statements (Canada Pension Plan, Old Age Security), rental property income, income tax returns, income tax notice of assessment, business/rental/farming income, disability or veterans affairs pension, child and spousal support payments, GST credit.

Proof of legal status

A document showing citizenship or immigration status in Canada. For example:

  • citizenship certificate
  • confirmation document
  • record of landing, confirmation of permanent residence;
    • permanent resident card
    • visitor record
    • temporary resident permit
    • study permit
  • positive notice of decision
  • verification of status document
  • registration date with Indigenous and Northern Affairs Canada
  • passport
  • foreign passport

You do not need to submit any application to the government for this program. Program eligibility and enrollment is completed as part of the mortgage application process completed by credit unions.

To learn more and apply for a mortgage supported by the First-time Homebuyers Program, contact a participating credit union:

Last updated: May 6, 2026