In this episode, Sabrina Maddeaux and Mike Moffatt tackle how GST rebates are affecting new homebuyers, tracing the history of these incentives and how inflation has quietly eroded their value. With fresh rebate structures now on the table—especially for first-time buyers—they examine what’s working, what’s not, and what’s politically possible. And, of course they have some suggestions on how policy could be shaped to benefit everyone. 

Chapters

00:00 Introduction 

01:52 A new home in the GTHA for under $450k - impossible

02:23 Understanding GST rebates, their history and impact

04:17 Why are the rebates so small?

06:56 Bill c-4’s first-time-homebuyer rebate

08:09 What the proposed GST rebate misses - seniors downsizing

10:45 Proposed changes to GST rebates

13:00 Will governments make these proposed changes?

14:30 Sabrina’s take

15:37 Concerns about inflation and housing demand

Research/Links:

Is Ontario Ready to Spend $895M to Jumpstart Homebuilding?

The PBOs Math Is Clear: We Need an Expanded GST Housing Rebate

Hosted by Mike Moffatt & Cara Stern & Sabrina Maddeaux

Produced by Meredith Martin

This podcast is funded by the Neptis Foundation and brought to you by the Smart Prosperity Institute.