Is Edmonton's First Place Program Still Available for First-Time Buyers? (2026 Update)
Short answer: No. As of a City Council decision on April 15, 2026, there are no remaining sites to be developed under Edmonton's First Place Program. The final First Place sites were developed in 2023, so the program is not currently an option for buyers looking to purchase into a new First Place development.
By Jay Lewis, REALTOR® | RE/MAX Excellence · Updated October 21, 2026
Free download: my New-Construction Buyer Checklist. Two printable pages, from your first show home visit to your one-year warranty, including the budget and GST items first-time buyers often miss.
If you've found older articles describing First Place as an active first-time-buyer program, that information is now outdated.
What Was Edmonton's First Place Program?
The City of Edmonton launched the First Place Program in 2006 to develop townhomes on surplus school sites and make home ownership more accessible to qualifying first-time buyers.
Homes were sold at market price, while the land portion of the mortgage was deferred for five years. The land cost was deferred, not forgiven, which is an important distinction for buyers researching how the program worked. The City says the program was intended to develop up to 1,000 townhomes across 20 surplus school sites.
Who Was the First Place Program For?
Eligibility was aimed at qualifying first-time buyers purchasing a home within one of the designated First Place developments. The program included eligibility requirements and restrictions associated with the land-payment deferral.
Because there are no remaining First Place sites being developed, buyers searching in 2026 should focus on programs and incentives that are currently available instead
What Can Edmonton First-Time Buyers Use Instead in 2026?
First-time buyers still have several federal programs that may help with purchasing a home.
The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) allows eligible first-time buyers to save toward a qualifying home using a tax-advantaged account.
The Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) currently allows eligible buyers to withdraw up to $60,000 from an RRSP toward buying or building a qualifying home. Eligible buyers may also use an FHSA and the HBP for the same qualifying purchase when the requirements of both programs are met.
There is also the federal Home Buyers' Amount, a non-refundable income-tax credit available to qualifying buyers.
For buyers purchasing new construction, the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate can provide up to $50,000 in federal GST relief for qualifying buyers.
Source: City of Edmonton (edmonton.ca). This is general information only, not financial or legal advice, confirm current program availability and eligibility for any incentive directly with the relevant government source before making purchase decisions.
Get my free New-Construction Buyer Checklist
Thinking about a new build? My free, printable 2-page checklist covers what to check at every stage, from your first show home visit to your one-year warranty.
Frequently asked questions
Is the First Place Program still available in 2026?
No. The City says there are no remaining sites to develop after a Council decision on April 15, 2026, and the last First Place sites were developed in 2023.
How did the First Place Program work?
The City built townhomes on surplus school sites. Buyers paid market price, and the land portion of the mortgage was deferred for five years. It was deferred, not forgiven.
What can first-time buyers in Edmonton use instead?
Federal programs such as the First Home Savings Account, the RRSP Home Buyers' Plan (up to $60,000) and the Home Buyers' Amount tax credit. If you're buying a new build, the First-Time Home Buyers’ GST Rebate can be worth up to $50,000.
Buying Your First Home in Edmonton or the Surrounding Area?
If you're comparing first-time-buyer programs or considering a new-construction home, I can help you understand how the available options fit into the overall purchase, not just the advertised price.
I work with buyers throughout Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Devon, Spruce Grove and Stony Plain.
If you're comparing your options or planning a move in Edmonton, Sherwood Park, Fort Saskatchewan, Devon, Spruce Grove or Stony Plain, I can help you understand how the details fit into the bigger picture. With more than 25 years in new construction, on the trades and sales sides, I bring a builder’s-eye perspective to the buying process.
Call or text Jay Lewis at 780-220-8449
Jay Lewis | REALTOR® | RE/MAX Excellence
Sources: City of Edmonton: First Place Program · Canada Revenue Agency: First Home Savings Account · Canada Revenue Agency: Home Buyers' Plan · Canada Revenue Agency: First-Time Home Buyers’ GST/HST Rebate
Want to see more Edmonton real-estate updates from JaySells.ca in Google? Add JaySells.ca as a Preferred Source.
This article provides general information only and is not financial, tax or legal advice. Program availability and eligibility requirements can change. Confirm your eligibility with the appropriate government agency, financial institution and professional advisers before making a purchase decision.
Information reviewed and updated September 23, 2026.
