As of Jan. 16, 2017, British Columbians looking to purchase their first home can apply to the B.C. Home Owner Mortgage and Equity Partnership program, which helps first-time homebuyers create secure and stable futures for their families through home ownership.

The B.C. HOME Partnership is designed to help first-time homebuyers who can afford the costs of home ownership, but are experiencing challenges with the initial step in entering the market – that is, getting together a down payment.

The goal of the program is to help more British Columbians establish a nest egg and ensure the dream of home ownership remains in reach for families. The program contributes to the amount first-time buyers have already saved for their down payment, providing up to $37,500, or up to 5% of the purchase price, with a 25-year loan that is interest-free and payment-free for the first five years.

As reported by the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board in their December 2016 statistics, in North Delta, the benchmark price for a townhouse is approximately $477,700. If a first-time buyer saves $11,942 towards their down payment, or 2.5% of the home’s purchase price, the Province will contribute $11,942, equal to the buyer’s 2.5% down payment. This brings the total down payment to $23,885 or 5% of the home’s purchase price, as required by Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation.

Under the B.C. HOME Partnership program, homebuyers must first qualify for an insured high-ratio mortgage, to ensure they can afford payments both today and in the future.

Applications are now being accepted for purchases that close on or after Feb. 15, 2017.

Quotes:

Delta North MLA Scott Hamilton

“This program is specifically aimed at those in B.C. who want the security and stability that comes with homeownership but need assistance with pulling together the initial down payment. Families want to build equity for the future, and this is an innovative way to help them get their foot in the door.”

Bill Macklem, mortgage professional, Dominion Macklem Mortgages –

“The B.C. government is coming to the aid of first time home buyers. By providing down payment assistance, it allows first time home buyers to purchase their new home sooner than they could otherwise. Another great step in looking after the first-time homebuyers of B.C.”

Key Facts:

• Through the B.C. HOME Partnership program, the Province is investing about $703 million over the next three years to help an estimated 42,000 B.C. households enter the market for the first time.
• The Province’s commitment to housing action is driven by six key principles:
  • Ensuring the dream of home ownership remains within the reach of the middle class
  • Increasing housing supply
  • Smart transit expansion
  • Supporting first-time homebuyers
  • Ensuring consumer protection
  • Increasing rental supply
• The B.C. government has committed $855 million over five years, including $575 million in 2016-17, to support the construction or renovation of 4,900 units of affordable housing throughout the province.
• Since 2001, the B.C. government has invested $4.9 billion to provide affordable housing for low income individuals, seniors and families.
• More than 104,000 B.C. households benefit from a diverse range of provincial housing programs and services.

Learn More:

To learn more about the B.C. Home Owner Mortgage and Equity Partnership program and how to apply, please visit: www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/bc-home-partnership/program-overview-applicant-information

B.C. Home Owner Mortgage and Equity Partnership program, BC Housing:
Phone: 604 439-4727
Toll Free Number: 1 844 365-4727

To learn more about the Province's actions on housing affordability, visit: http://housingaction.gov.bc.ca/

A backgrounder follows.