The First Place Home Ownership Program (formerly know as the First Time Home Buyer Program)  is an innovative City of Edmonton program that offers deferred land payments and reduced CMHC mortgage insurance rates. This offers first-time home buyers looking for entry level housing a financing option that puts purchasing a home within reach.

The First Place Program initiative was introduced on a “pilot basis” in 2006 in the communities of Canon Ridge and Greenview. All units in these two communities have been sold. 

PILOT SITES EVALUATION

An independent evaluation of the processes and success of the pilot projects in Canon Ridge and Greenview Village was conducted by an external consulting firm and the results were presented to City Council’s Executive Committee in July 2011.  Among their many recommendations, their report recommended the City’s Administration consult with the Canadian Home Builders Association regarding the process and criteria used to select new home builders to ensure fair and competitive opportunity for all builders.  Consultation with the Canadian Home Builders Association took place throughout the Fall 2011 to develop both process and criteria to select new home builders. 

A Request for Qualifications was issued by the City and closed in the first week of January 2012.  The City has reviewed builder submissions and has determined the builders who will now be interviewed by City representatives.  Builder interviews will occur in February and will result in the selection of home builders who will construct homes for the First Place Program. Phase 1 will commence this year in the communities of  Tawa, Caernarvon, Casselman, and Skyrattler.   Development of the remaining 14 sites will occur in additional phases over the next ten years.  See Chart

 

To assist first-time homebuyers with the costs associated with the purchase of a home, the Government of Canada introduced a FTHB Tax Credit in 2009 — a $5,000 non-refundable income tax credit amount on a qualifying home acquired after January 27, 2009. For an eligible individual, the credit will provide up to $750 in federal tax relief starting in 2009.

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Who Is Eligible

Do You Qualify?

Interested in eligibility information for the program find out more here.

As of June 2011, there is $23.3 billion in capital projects underway, planned or completed in the Edmonton region. (Source: Province of Alberta, Finance and Enterprise)

For more information:

First Place Homes

Telephone

780-496-HOME (4663) or call 311 in Edmonton
Fax 780-495-9916
Email firstplace@edmonton.ca
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Copyright © 2012, City of Edmonton.