Applications for New Home Rebate Now Available

Premier's Office

Published Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Applications for the province's new home construction rebate are now available at Access Nova Scotia Centres and online.

The rebate is on new home construction and is equivalent to 50 per cent of the provincial portion of the HST, to a maximum of $7,000. Up to 1,500 individuals who build or purchase a new home will qualify for this one-time rebate.

Quotes

“The new home construction rebate will help to keep skilled tradespeople at home and boost the home-building industry.” Premier Darrell Dexter

“We are pleased to be moving forward on our commitment and improving the life of today's families.” Premier Darrell Dexter

“The Nova Scotia Homebuilders Association is very pleased to partner with the government on this important initiative. Hammer-ready projects are a key step in keeping our tradespeople working here at home to strengthen Nova Scotia's economy.” Nova Scotia Homebuilders Association president Andrew Holley

“We know that the housing market is going to pick up again. We need to keep our workers here and working to ensure we have the resources readily available to accommodate future growth.” Linda Smardon, president of the Nova Scotia Association of Realtors

Quick Facts

• The province moved the municipal building permit eligibility date to Jan. 1, 2009, after consultations with industry. The new date balances industry concerns while keeping the goal of the program to stimulate the economy.
• In addition to meeting municipal building permit criteria, applicants must demonstrate that the home will be a primary residence for themselves or a relative.
• Applicants must have completed construction or closed the sale by March 31, 2010.
• The program applies to homes constructed by the owners, homes purchased from a contractor and manufactured homes on leased property.
• The application is a two-stage process. The preliminary application form is available and establishes that applicants have the basic documentation, and the home construction falls within the right time lines to be considered. It does not guarantee that the applicant will receive the rebate, just a place on the eligibility list.
• Final application forms will be sent to the first 1,500 applicants whose projects meet the preliminary criteria. The second phase will determine if all of the program requirements have been met in order to be eligible to receive the appropriate rebate amount.
• There is only one rebate per homeowner, and the rebate cannot be paid to the builder.
• More information on the rebate is available online, or by calling 902-424-5200 (Halifax region) or 1-800-670-4357 toll-free.

Learn More

• New Home Construction Rebate

Media Contacts

Janet Lynn McNeil

Premier's Office

Cell: (902) 237-4287

E-mail: mcneiljl@gov.ns.ca

Donna Chislett

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations

(902) 424-6336

Cell: (902) 440-5007

E-mail: chisledp@gov.ns.ca