If you’re considering a brand-new home in Alberta, there’s a new incentive that could significantly impact your purchase. Here's what you need to know about Canada’s New First-Time Buyer GST Rebate (Bill C-4).

Through Bill C-4, the federal government has introduced a revamped GST rebate for first-time buyers, offering up to $50,000 back on a new home. This incentive replaces a long-standing program that has become largely irrelevant to most buyers.

What Changed (and Why It Matters):

The previous GST rebate was capped at $6,300 and applied only to homes priced under $450,000, which is well below the current price of most new builds in Alberta. The new rebate is a substantial upgrade:

  • Covers 100% of GST (up to $50,000) on purchase prices up…

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Land title transfers are seriously delayed at the moment; according to the Alberta Registries Site, they are currently registering Land Title Documents received on February 16th and Survey Plans/Documents received on March 9th, which places the current processing times well above the industry standard. Below we dive into what land titles are, why they are important, the cause of these delays, the issues the delay may cause and what home buyers and sellers can do to protect themselves. 

What is a Land Title?

A land title is a document that proves ownership of a piece of land and the specific interests (such as mortgages, caveats and easements) registered on them. When a home is bought or sold, the land title is transferred to the new owner, which…

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What is radon gas?

Radon is an invisible, odourless, cancer-causing, radioactive gas that comes from the ground. When inhaled, radon breaks down into radioactive particles, releasing bursts of radioactivity that can cause injury to lung tissue. Exposure to high levels of radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after tobacco smoking. Radon enters homes where the house comes into contact with the ground and can accumulate into high levels, posing health risks to the occupants. The health implications of radon exposure depend on both the level and length of exposure, and the risk of developing lung cancer is especially high for smokers. The only way to find out if your home has high radon levels is to have your home tested. A reading of 200…

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Considered long overdue by many, there are changes proposed to the condominium property act in Alberta that may arrive sometime in the not too distant future. We first wrote about the proposed changes on this blog in June, 2011. The government is looking for changes and open houses have been scheduled in the coming months as follows:

  • July 25, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Red Deer, Red Deer Museum and Art Gallery
  • July 26, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m – Calgary, Macdonald Hall, Heritage Hall Building, SAIT Main Campus
  • July 27, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. – Edmonton, Lister Centre, University of Alberta
  • Aug. 1, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Lethbridge, City Hall Foyer
  • Aug. 3, 4:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. – Fort McMurray, Clubhouse Atrium, Syncrude Athletic Park
There are more…

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Home automation allows you to control systems in your home with a touch of a button. Where the first home automation systems were controlled only by a central panel, the latest in automation and mobile technology now allows homeowners to control their system from anywhere using a smartphone, tablet or computer. Home automation in Edmonton can be installed during construction of a new home and in existing homes. Home automation can enhance your lifestyle and enjoyment of your home by adding luxury and convenience, enabling you to control things like lighting, blinds, temperature, music and video. They can also help protect your home and family through high-tech security systems and help you save on energy bills through energy efficient…

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