Plan your RRSP withdrawal for a first home and model the 15-year repayment schedule under the 2025 rules.
The RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan allows first-time home buyers to withdraw up to $60,000 from their RRSP (or $120,000 for a couple) tax-free to buy or build a qualifying home. The 2025 limit was increased from the previous $35,000 limit as part of housing affordability measures.
Repayments must start in the second calendar year after the year of withdrawal. For example, if you withdraw in 2025, repayments start in 2027. You have 15 years to repay the full amount in equal minimum annual installments. Any shortfall in a given year is added to your taxable income — effectively, you pay tax at your marginal rate on the amount you fail to repay.
The HBP can be used alongside the FHSA, giving first-time buyers access to both accounts. The FHSA is generally preferable since it requires no repayment, but the RRSP HBP provides access to larger accumulated savings.