FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Building a home is exciting, but it can feel a little overwhelming. We’ve built thousands of homes and would love to share what we’ve learned. Here are some answers to the questions we often hear about what happens before and after you buy your Cardel home.
First-Time Buyers Information
The First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate is a proposed federal program announced in May 2025 to help eligible buyers reduce the cost of purchasing a home. When implemented, it would provide a full GST rebate on homes priced up to $1 million and a partial rebate on homes priced between $1 million and $1.5 million, to a maximum of $50,000.
The rebate has not yet passed legislation. Eligible buyers may still qualify based on the purchase dates outlined by the CRA; however, there is currently no mechanism for it to be applied at the time of purchase. Once the rebate is in effect, eligible buyers would claim it directly after purchase. Learn more on the CRA website or read our Cardel News article.
Yes, in many cases a parent and child can qualify, as long as the eligibility requirements are met. At least one buyer on title must be a first-time home buyer, and the purchase agreement must be signed after May 26, 2025.
The home must be owned by individuals (not a corporation), purchased from a builder or built or substantially renovated by the buyers, and intended to be the primary residence of either the parent or the child once construction or renovation is complete. Joint ownership is allowed, but eligibility depends on how the title is structured and whether the first-time buyer requirements are satisfied. Learn more on the CRA website
The First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit helps eligible first-time buyers offset some of the costs of buying a home. You may be able to claim up to $10,000, as long as neither you nor your spouse or partner owned and lived in a home, in Canada or elsewhere, in the year you buy or the four years before. Learn more on the CRA website
The RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan helps first-time buyers by allowing them to access their RRSP savings without paying tax at the time of withdrawal. You can withdraw up to $60,000 to put toward a qualifying home, with the option for couples to combine funds.
Repayments are spread out over 15 years, starting after the purchase. Any missed repayment is treated as taxable income for that year. Learn more on the CRA website
A First Home Savings Account (FHSA) is a way for first-time buyers to set money aside specifically for a home. You can contribute up to $8,000 a year, and those contributions are tax-deductible, to a lifetime maximum of $40,000. When you’re ready to buy, the money can be withdrawn tax-free, and unlike an RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan, it doesn’t need to be repaid. Learn more on the CRA website
General Information
Yes. Website pricing includes GST based on a buyer purchasing the home as their primary residence, using the federal GST housing rebate. For non-owner-occupied or investment purchases, the full 5% GST applies and no rebate is available.
Metro One’s deposit requirements vary based on how the home will be used. Here’s a simple breakdown:
First-time buyers (principal residence)
• 5% deposit
• Mortgage approval required once conditions are removed
Owner-occupied homes (principal residence or family member residence)
• 10% deposit
• Mortgage pre-approval required (minimum 6-month rate hold)
Cash purchasers (principal residence)
• 10% deposit
• Proof of funds required once conditions are removed
Non-owner-occupied homes (investment purchases)
• 20% deposit
• Mortgage approval or proof of funds required once conditions are removed
• Purchase price adjusted to include full 5% GST
Owning a home is an investment in yourself and your future. Every month, when you make your mortgage payment, you can rest easy knowing your hard-earned money is going towards something that is yours and not owned by someone else. Real estate tends to appreciate over time, which means in 5 to 10 years, you’ll have made money on your home simply by buying and living in it, creating equity.
Buying a new home brings peace of mind and security. All our Metro One homes include a one-year warranty covering everything, plus extended two-year coverage for key systems like plumbing and electrical. After that, the Alberta New Home Warranty steps in and continues coverage for up to 10 years. You’ll also enjoy modern design features, energy-efficient materials, and the added benefit of fewer repair and maintenance costs, because everything is brand new.
Buying a preconstruction home means you get to personalize your space — from layout to finishes — choosing from four curated styles. These homes meet the latest building standards for energy efficiency and soundproofing. You also benefit from locking in today’s price while building equity as the market grows. Plus, every new home comes with full builder warranty coverage.
The Alberta New Home Warranty Program (ANHWP) is the province’s most trusted and experienced new home warranty provider. They take over warranty coverage after your builder’s warranty ends. Here’s a breakdown of Cardel’s coverage through the ANHWP:
1 Year – Labour & Materials
Covers defects in labour and materials throughout the home.
2 Years – Distribution Systems
Covers defects in labour and materials related to plumbing, electrical, and heating systems.
7 Years – Building Envelope
Cardel offers 2 additional years beyond the standard 5-year ANHWP coverage. This covers components that separate the interior of your home from the exterior, such as walls, roof, windows, and doors.
10 Years – Structural Integrity
Covers major structural components that are essential to the home’s stability.
To learn more or download the latest brochures, visit the Alberta New Home Warranty Program website.
What you can afford depends on a few things — like your income, how much you’ve saved for a down payment, your current debt, and your credit score. Because of new mortgage rules, banks now have to “stress test” you at a rate that’s 2% higher than the one you actually sign for. No matter your down payment. To get a better idea of your buying power, try our Get Verified process.
Start with a mortgage pre-approval before house hunting. It helps you set a realistic budget and often includes a rate hold, protecting you from rate changes while you shop.
What lenders need for pre-approval:
Employment details and length of time at your job, photo ID, proof of income, down payment details, overview of savings, debts, and obligations, current and previous addresses.
Mortgage Types:
Fixed rate: Payments stay the same for 1–5 years.
Variable rate: Payments can change as rates move.
Amortization:
Most insured mortgages were capped at 25 years, but first-time buyers can now choose up to 30 years on insured mortgages (less than 20% down), making monthly payments more affordable.
Since Metro One is a pre-construction purchase, you can take advantage of Cardel’s preferred lender for early approval, extended rate holds during construction, and a lender who understands the project. Learn more about how to buy at Metro One
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