As published on CollingwoodToday written by Sue Kanhai
This advice from Buckley Mortgage Broker in Collingwood can help make your real estate dreams come true
If you’re hoping to get on the property ladder this year, one of the best mortgage brokers in the business has some advice to share.
Gerard Buckley is an experienced professional with a long record of success. He has worked in the financial industry for over 40 years, helping individuals and companies plan strategically for accelerated growth. He has held positions at several esteemed institutions, including Buckley Mortgage Team, Mortgage Wellness, Scotia Capital, Maple Leaf Angels, and Jaguar Capital, where he is Managing Director.
Since 2017, he has led a talented team of five mortgage professionals. Specializing in residential and new home construction mortgages, he has access to over 70 lenders, including Canadian banks, credit unions, mortgage finance companies, and private lenders.
He can help you find the best mortgage rates.
“We understand that each mortgage may need individual terms and conditions to meet the home purchaser and their family’s individual requirements,” says Gerard Buckley, Team Leader and Mortgage Broker. “We also realize the challenges of obtaining credit for new Canadians, the self-employed, millennials, retired folks, those who are recently divorced, etc.”
Helping you buy in 2025
It’s certainly a challenging time to buy your first home, but it is still an achievable goal, he assures. While prices do remain high and being able to save enough for a down payment can take a while, there have been some encouraging developments to note as well.
A number of programs and incentives announced by the federal and provincial governments are designed to make homeownership for first-time buyers possible. Interest rates also seem to be stabilizing and housing prices are getting more competitive, meaning this is actually a great time to enter the market.
To help, the team at Buckley Mortgage Broker created a First-Time Home Buyer Cheat Sheet to explain some of the financial tools and opportunities available in Ontario in 2025. Whether you’re just starting to save or are getting ready to put in an offer, you’ll be able to navigate the market with confidence.
Federal incentives:
- Home Buyers’ Plan (HPB)
- First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
- Expanded 30-Year Amortizations (starting December 15, 2025)
- Increased Insured Mortgage Cap
- First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC)
- GST/HST New Housing Rebate
- Secondary Suites Refinancing Option
- GST Holiday for Developers
Provincial incentives (Ontario):
- Land Transfer Tax (LTT) Rebate
- Toronto Land Transfer Tax Rebate
Additional benefits:
- CMHC Mortgage Insurance Premium Refund
- Affordable Home Ownership Programs
To be eligible for these incentives, you must be a first-time home buyer, meaning you have not owned a home in the last four years. Please note that exceptions apply for marital breakdowns.
For specific details and figures for each of these programs and incentives, download the printable cheat sheet here.
“There are more ways than ever to stretch your savings and make your dream of home ownership a reality this year,” says Gerard. “With the right plan and a little perseverance, homeownership in Ontario is within reach!”
To book an appointment, visit Buckley Mortgage Broker – Mortgage Wellness, call 705-532-1182, or email info@BuckleyMortgageBroker.ca. Follow Gerard on Facebook, X, YouTube @BuckleyMortgageBroker, LinkedIn, TikTok, and Instagram @buckleymortgagebroker.
