Open
Affordable Homeownership Program
Down payment assistance for homebuyers
Record updated
- Funding available
- $ 35,000
- Up to 10% of project cost
- Deadline
- Unspecified
- Location
- Ontario, Canada
Overview
This program provides down payment assistance for eligible households buying a home in Waterloo Region. It supports the purchase of new or resale homes and related home-buying steps for qualified buyers.
At a glance
Funding available
- Maximum funding
- $35,000
- Maximum share of project costs
- 10%
- Increase social or community impact
- Raise awareness or mobilize a population
Eligible candidates
- Location
- Ontario
- Eligible Industries
- All industries
- Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
- Organisation size
- All organization sizes
- Audience
- Indigenous Peoples
- Persons with Disabilities
- Newcomers to Canada
- Rural or Northern Residents
- Canadians
- Legal structures
- Sole proprietorship
Start applying for this program
Take a practical assessment to gain a clear understanding of how well this program aligns with your specific needs and long-term goals.
Availability timeline
2026
Periods: 1
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Low- to moderate-income renter households.
- Individuals buying their first home or an eligible home.
Who is not eligible
- Homeowners or applicants with an interest in another home.
- Households outside the program’s geographic area.
- Applicants seeking construction financing on land they already own.
- Mobile home purchases that do not include eligible land title.
Eligible expenses
- Down payment assistance for the home purchase.
Ineligible Costs and Activities
- Construction financing on land already owned.
- Leasehold land purchases.
- Mobile homes without land title.
- Partial loan repayments.
Eligible geographic areas
- Waterloo Region
- Renfrew County
- Chatham-Kent
- Leeds and Grenville
Activities funded
- Purchase of a new home or resale home.
- Homeownership purchase supported by down payment assistance.
How to apply
- Step 1: Get the application package
- Download it from the program website or request it from the housing office.
- Step 2: Complete the forms and gather documents
- Fill out the application in full and attach all required supporting documents.
- Step 3: Submit the application
- Send the completed package by mail, email, fax, or drop it off at the designated housing office.
- Step 4: Await review and next instructions
- If eligible, follow the instructions in the conditional commitment and loan process.
Documents Needed
- Mortgage pre-qualification from a lender.
- Photo identification for the main applicant.
- Proof of income and assets.
- Proof of residency in Waterloo Region.
- Notice of Assessment and other supporting documents.
Selection criteria
- Applications are assessed in the order received.
- Only complete applications are considered.
- Applications must meet all eligibility requirements.
Processing and Agreement
- Applications are reviewed for completeness and eligibility.
- Eligible applicants are placed on a waiting list.
- Applicants are contacted when funds become available.
- A conditional letter of commitment is issued before closing steps continue.
- A loan agreement is signed and the funds are advanced to the lawyer for closing.
Additional information
- Eligible households are placed on a waiting list.
- Applicants are contacted by mail when funds become available.
- Some versions require home ownership orientation or training before commitment.
Contacts
Official sources
Frequently Asked Questions about the Affordable Homeownership Program Program
What is the Affordable Homeownership Program?
This program provides down payment assistance for eligible households buying a home in Waterloo Region. It supports the purchase of new or resale homes and related home-buying steps for qualified buyers.
How much funding can be received?
Affordable Homeownership Program Funds up to 10% of admissible expenses, capped at $35,000 per project.
What is the deadline to apply?
The program is accepting continuous intake
Who is eligible for the Affordable Homeownership Program program?
To be eligible for the Affordable Homeownership Program program, you must:
Adult renter household
Mortgage-qualified buyer
Income and residency limits
What expenses are eligible under Affordable Homeownership Program?
Down payment assistance for the home purchase.
Who can I contact for more information about the Affordable Homeownership Program?
You can contact Renfrew County Housing Corporation (RCHC) by email at aho@regionofwaterloo.ca or by phone at 519-575-4400.
Where is the Affordable Homeownership Program available?
The Affordable Homeownership Program program is available the province of Ontario.