Ontario HST Rebate for Custom-Built Homes (2025 Guide) | RebateMax
How to Claim the Ontario HST Rebate for a Custom-Built Home (2025 Guide)
Building your own home in Ontario comes with plenty of challenges—but did you know you may be eligible for a substantial HST rebate worth up to $24,000? If you’ve recently completed a custom-built home, the Ontario HST rebate can help you recover thousands in costs.
In this guide, we’ll explain:
Who qualifies for the Ontario custom-built home rebate
How much you can claim in 2025
The step-by-step process to apply
Common mistakes to avoid
How RebateMax can simplify the entire process for you
✅ What Is the Ontario HST Rebate for Custom Homes?
The Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) rebate is a government program that allows homeowners in Ontario to recover part of the HST paid when building, buying, or substantially renovating a home.
For custom-built homes, you may be eligible for:
Up to $24,000 back on the federal portion of HST
Additional rebates on the provincial portion (varies depending on the home’s value)
🏡 Who Qualifies for the Custom Home HST Rebate?
You may qualify if:
You built a home on land you own (custom home, not a resale).
The home is intended as your primary place of residence.
You paid HST on materials, contractor services, or land acquisition.
You apply within two years of the home being completed.
👉 Even if you’re not sure you qualify, it’s worth checking—many Ontario homeowners miss out on money they’re entitled to.
💰 How Much Can You Get Back in 2025?
The maximum Ontario HST rebate for custom-built homes is:
Federal rebate: Up to 36% of the federal HST, capped at $6,300
Ontario provincial rebate: Up to 75% of the provincial HST, capped at $24,000
➡️ In total, you could recover up to $24,000 depending on your costs and eligibility.
📝 Step-by-Step: How to Apply for the HST Rebate
Filing for the HST rebate on your own can be complex, but here’s the basic process:
Step 1 – Gather Documentation
Invoices for materials, contractors, and services
Proof of land purchase (if applicable)
Building permits and occupancy documents
Step 2 – Complete the Required Forms
GST191-WS (Rebate Schedule) – used to calculate your rebate
GST191 (Application Form) – official application to submit to CRA
Step 3 – Submit to the CRA
Applications are mailed directly to the Canada Revenue Agency (CRA)
You must apply within 2 years of your home being substantially completed
Step 4 – Wait for Processing
Typical processing time: 8–12 weeks
If additional documents are requested, this may extend your timeline
⚠️ Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
Many Ontario homeowners lose out on thousands by:
Missing the 2-year deadline
Filing incomplete applications
Forgetting to include contractor invoices
Miscalculating eligible costs
💡 Why Work With RebateMax?
At RebateMax, we specialize in helping Ontario homeowners maximize their HST rebates—without the stress of paperwork and CRA back-and-forth.
✔️ We handle all forms & submissions
✔️ We check your eligibility and maximize your refund
✔️ We ensure no deadlines are missed
✔️ Average clients save up to $24,000
❓ FAQs About the Ontario HST Rebate for Custom Homes
Q: Can I still apply if I built my home last year?
Yes—as long as it’s within 2 years of completion, you’re still eligible.
Q: How long does it take to receive the rebate?
Most applications are processed within 8–12 weeks by the CRA.
🚀 Next Step: Claim Your Rebate Today
Don’t leave thousands of dollars unclaimed. If you’ve built a custom home in Ontario, you may be entitled to up to $24,000 back.
👉 Book your free consultation with RebateMax today and let us handle the process for you.
