Your Guide to Buying with Confidence

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone and it can also feel overwhelming. At EXIT Realty Town & Country, we specialize in guiding first-time home buyers in Nova Scotia through every step of the process with clarity, confidence, and care.

From understanding your budget to getting the keys, our experienced REALTORS® are here to make your first home purchase smooth, informed, and stress-free.

What First-Time Home Buyers Can Expect

Purchasing a home involves many moving parts, especially if you’re new to the process.

 We help you understand:

• The full home buying process in Nova Scotia

• Local market conditions and pricing trends

• Mortgage pre-approval and financing options

• Government programs and incentives for first-time buyers

• Inspections, offers, negotiations, and closing details

Our goal is to ensure you feel confident and informed, never rushed or pressured.

How We Help First-Time Buyers

Education & Guidance

We take the time to explain each step in plain language, from your first showing to possession day. No question is too small, we’re here to guide you.

Local Market Expertise

With deep roots in communities across the Annapolis Valley and beyond, we provide local insight into neighbourhoods, schools, amenities, and resale potential.

Trusted Mortgage & Professional Connections

We connect you with trusted local mortgage specialists, lawyers, inspectors, and other professionals to build a strong, reliable home-buying team.

Budget & Affordability Support

We help you understand what you can comfortably afford, including down payments, closing costs, property taxes, and ongoing homeownership expenses.

Offer Strategy & Negotiation

When it’s time to make an offer, we guide you through pricing, conditions, timelines, and negotiations, always protecting your best interests.

Step-by-Step Support to Closing Day

From accepted offer to final paperwork, we stay by your side to ensure deadlines are met and nothing is overlooked.

First-Time Home Buyer Programs in Nova Scotia

Buying your first home can feel overwhelming, but there are provincial and federal programs available that may help make homeownership more attainable for eligible buyers in Nova Scotia.

Programs That May Be Available:

Provincial Programs

• NEW: First-Time Homebuyers Pilot Program
  A provincial pilot program offering eligible buyers a minimum 2% down payment when purchasing through participating credit unions.

• Down Payment Assistance Program (Nova Scotia)
  An interest-free, repayable loan that may help eligible buyers cover a portion of their down payment.

Federal Programs

• RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)
  Allows eligible buyers to withdraw funds from their RRSP toward a down payment, tax-free, with repayment over time.

• First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
  A registered savings account designed to help first-time buyers save for a home with tax advantages.

• First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit
  A federal tax credit that may help offset some of the costs associated with purchasing your first home.

Other Rebates & Incentives

• Provincial and federal rebates or credits, including programs that may apply to newly built homes or specific buyer situations.

How We Help

Every buyer’s situation is different. Our agents are ready to help you navigate these programs, understand which options may apply to your circumstances, and connect you with trusted mortgage and financial professionals who can assist with eligibility and applications.

*New* First-Time Homebuyers Program:

Updated: February 3, 2026

The Province of Nova Scotia has announced a new First-Time Homebuyers Program designed to help more Nova Scotians purchase a home sooner by significantly reducing the minimum down payment requirement. 

What’s New

Under this new pilot program, eligible buyers can purchase a home with a minimum down payment of just 2% of the purchase price — less than half of the usual minimum required.

The program is being delivered in partnership with Atlantic Central and participating credit unions across Nova Scotia to help remove one of the biggest barriers to homeownership: saving for a down payment.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the First-Time Homebuyers Program, borrowers must:

• Be a resident of Nova Scotia

• Have a household income of $200,000 or less

• Pass the CMHC mortgage stress test

• Have a minimum credit score of 630

• Be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or eligible immigrant with a Nova Scotia provincial immigration sponsorship letter

Previous homeowners may also qualify if they have not owned a home in the last four years.

Home Price Limits

There are purchase price caps for homes bought through the program:

• Up to $570,000 in Halifax Regional Municipality and East Hants

• Up to $500,000 in all other areas of Nova Scotia

Program Highlights

• Minimum down payment: 2%

• No separate mortgage insurance required

• Interest rates capped at prime + 2%

• Household partners may apply together if they have lived together for 12 months or more or are newlyweds

• The Province of Nova Scotia acts as a guarantor, covering up to 90% of any shortfall if a property must be resold following a default

Why Choose EXIT Realty Town & Country

• Experienced, award-winning brokerage

• Strong focus on education and community

• REALTORS® who understand local Nova Scotia markets

• A supportive, no-pressure approach

• Ongoing support beyond your purchase

Your first home is more than a transaction—it’s the start of a new chapter. 

We’re honoured to help you take that step.

Ready to Start Your First Home Journey?

Whether you’re just beginning to explore or ready to start viewing homes, our team is here to help.

Contact EXIT Realty Town & Country today to speak with a REALTOR® who specializes in helping first-time home buyers in Nova Scotia.

Let’s make your first home purchase a positive and rewarding experience.