Home Sales Data for 1st Month of the HST Rebate Window Is Out. Here’s What the Numbers Show

The first full month of sales data since Ontario introduced its temporary HST rebate program is showing a noticeable increase in new home activity across the Greater Toronto Area, with single-family homes leading the recovery.

According to data compiled by Altus Group for the Building Industry and Land Development Association, 1,100 new homes were sold across the GTA in April 2026. That compares to just 384 new homes sold during the same month last year.

The figures include both newly built condo units and single-family homes. While overall activity improved significantly year over year, the majority of the increase came from the single-family housing segment.

Single-family home sales saw the biggest increase

Single-family homes, including detached, semi-detached, linked homes, and townhouses, accounted for most of April’s sales growth.

A total of 901 single-family homes sold in April, up from 241 sales recorded in April 2025. The increase suggests many buyers are moving quickly to take advantage of the province’s temporary HST savings while market conditions remain relatively stable.

The latest figures also place single-family home sales above the historical average for the month of April. According to BILD, the 10-year average for April single-family home sales in the GTA sits at 744 units.

Industry leaders say the numbers are an encouraging sign after an extended slowdown in new home activity caused by elevated borrowing costs and affordability challenges.

Justin Sherwood, Chief Operating Officer of BILD, said the rebate appears to be having its intended effect by helping bring buyers back into the market.

Condo sales remain far below normal levels

While condo sales did improve year over year, activity in the segment remains historically weak.

Only 199 newly built condo units sold in April compared to 143 units during the same period last year. Despite the increase, sales remain dramatically below the 10-year April average of 1,673 units.

The slower recovery reflects continued pressure in the condo market, particularly within the pre-construction sector. Higher carrying costs, cautious investor demand, and uncertainty around future price growth continue to weigh on activity across the GTA.

Several developers have already delayed or paused planned condo projects over the past year due to softer demand and rising construction costs.

Ontario's temporary HST rebate is aimed at affordability and housing supply

Ontario introduced the temporary rebate earlier this year as part of its 2026 budget in an effort to improve affordability and encourage more home construction.

The program removes the full 13% HST on eligible newly built homes valued at up to $1 million for a one-year period.

Because the HST includes both provincial and federal portions, legislative approval is required from both levels of government. Ontario has already passed its portion of the legislation, while the federal component is still progressing through Parliament after completing first reading.

That has created some uncertainty around exactly how buyers will receive the rebate once the program is fully implemented.

Buyers are still waiting for final federal guidance

One possibility would allow builders to apply the rebate directly at the point of sale, lowering the purchase price immediately for eligible buyers.

Another option could require purchasers to apply afterward through the Canada Revenue Agency in order to receive the rebate amount.

Industry groups have continued calling for a simple and streamlined process that minimizes additional paperwork for homebuyers.

Early numbers suggest improving buyer confidence

The latest sales data comes after months of concern from developers and housing organizations over declining new home activity across the GTA.

Industry leaders previously warned that prolonged weakness in pre-construction sales could threaten thousands of construction jobs while also limiting future housing supply.

Although it remains too early to determine the long-term impact of the rebate program, April’s numbers suggest the policy is already helping improve buyer confidence, particularly among purchasers looking at single-family homes across the GTA.

Sources: CBC News, Altus Group