March 2, 2023

Renovation subsidies available

Renovating can quickly become a costly affair. Before starting work, it’s best to check whether you’re eligible for any subsidies and find out what the requirements are to access them.

To help you, we’ve put together a list of the main government assistance programs.

First-time home buyers’ (FTHB) GST/HST rebate (federal)

First-time home buyers can receive a GST/HST rebate on new homes or homes undergoing major renovations.

Refund of up to $50,000 for a property valued at less than $1 million.
Partial refund for a property valued between $1 million and $1.5 million.

Eligible property types: single-family homes, plexes, mobile homes, condos.

For more information.

Rénoclimat (Quebec government)

Eligible work includes insulation, air-sealing, replacement of doors and windows and installation or replacement of mechanical systems (ventilation system, water heater, heat pump, heating system and geothermal system).

Up to $20,000 for a homeowner.
Up to $40,000 for the owner of a duplex, triplex or multi-unit residential building.

For more information.

Efficient heat pumps (Hydro-Québec)

The program aims to encourage residential Hydro-Québec customers to install an efficient heat pump. Several types of homes are eligible.

Financial assistance is $50 per 1,000 BTUs of heating output at -8 °C, or $120 per 1,000 BTU/h at -8°C if the unit is classified “cold climate.” It can go up to a maximum of $6,700.

For more information.

CMHC's Eco Products

These programs can help if you buy or build an energy-efficient home.

It provides a refund of up to 25% on the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation mortgage insurance premium.

For more information.

Éconologis (Quebec government)

This program is for low-income households. It offers free individualized advice and minor work to improve the comfort of your home and better manage your energy use. You can also get electronic thermostats installed, under certain conditions.

For more information.

Énergir

These are subsidies to improve the thermal envelope of buildings or build energy-efficient homes.

The Efficient Renovation Program, which offers up to $100,000.
Grant of $850 for a very high efficiency combo system.
Up to $100 for the purchase and installation of a smart thermostat.

For more information.

Novoclimat (Quebec government)

This program promotes the construction of energy-efficient homes.

The first owner of a new Novoclimat-approved home receives $2,000 in financial assistance.
First-time property owners are eligible for an additional $2,000, bringing the total amount of assistance up to $4,000.
If an eligible heat pump is installed, the owner can receive additional financial assistance.

For more information.

Réno Région (Société d’habitation du Québec)

If you live a rural area and your home requires significant work to repair major defects, this program may be right for you. It is intended for low- and modest-income families.

This grant may cover up to 95% of the approved cost for the eligible work, up to $20,000.

For more information.

Check with your municipality

Some municipalities offer additional subsidies for home and residential building renovation. Take the time to check with your local council to find out what is available.

Happy renovating!

The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, legal, professional or other advice or opinions. As such, we make no warranties, express or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability, integrity or exhaustiveness of this information, which you use at your own risk. In no event shall Centris be held liable for actions made on the basis of the information contained in this article or for any damage or loss, direct or indirect, that may result from, or in connection with, the use thereof. We recommended consulting with industry professionals for personalized advice before making any decisions.