What is the Welcome Home Niagara program?
The Welcome Home Niagara Homeownership Program is a down payment assistance program run by the Niagara Region. It helps eligible first-time homebuyers bridge the biggest hurdle to ownership — the down payment — with an interest-free loan of up to 10% of the purchase price, to a maximum of $66,774.80.
Because the loan is interest-free and fully forgivable after you live in the home for 20 years, it can be the difference between renting indefinitely and owning a home in Niagara. Funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so preparation and timing matter.
Who is eligible?
Eligibility is based on your buyer status, where you live, your household income, and your assets. The key criteria are:
- First-time homebuyerYou (and your spouse/partner) must not currently own a home anywhere, and generally must be a first-time buyer.
- Niagara renter householdYou must currently live in the Niagara Region and be renting — the program is designed to move local renters into ownership.
- Household income limitGross annual household income must fall below the program threshold — typically in the range of about $95,000 to $113,000 depending on family size.
- Asset limitTotal household assets generally must be under $50,000 (the program is intended for households who can't easily save a full down payment).
Income thresholds and asset limits are set by the Niagara Region and can change. Always confirm the current figures on the official program page before you rely on them.
Which homes qualify?
The home you buy must meet the program’s location, price and property-type rules:
- Located within the Niagara Region
- Maximum purchase price of $667,748
- Detached and semi-detached homes
- Townhomes
- Condominiums
Wondering which Niagara homes fall under the $667,748 cap? That’s exactly where we help — browse current Niagara listings or let us build you a shortlist of program-eligible homes.
How to apply
- 1Get a mortgage pre-approvalBefore you apply you must have an active mortgage pre-approval from a recognized lender. We can connect you with trusted local mortgage professionals.
- 2Confirm your eligibilityReview the first-time buyer, residency, income and asset criteria against your household situation. We'll help you read the fine print.
- 3Apply while funding lastsFunding is limited and distributed first-come, first-served, so a complete, timely application matters. Apply through the Niagara Region.
- 4Find your eligible homeShop within the program's price cap and property rules. This is where our team does the heavy lifting — matching you to homes that qualify.
How Davids & DeLaat help
We are Niagara real estate agents with REMAX Niagara Realty — we don’t administer, approve or fundthe Welcome Home Niagara program (that’s the Niagara Region). What we do is help eligible buyers actually use it: understanding the rules, getting connected to lenders for the required pre-approval, and finding homes that fit the price cap and property requirements so your application has the best chance of success.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Welcome Home Niagara Homeownership Program?
It's a Niagara Region down payment assistance program that gives eligible first-time homebuyers an interest-free loan of up to 10% of a home's purchase price (to a maximum of $66,774.80) to help them buy a home in Niagara. The loan is fully forgivable after you live in the home for 20 years.
How much money can I get?
Up to 10% of the purchase price, capped at $66,774.80. The assistance is structured as an interest-free, forgivable loan — meaning if you live in the home as your principal residence for 20 years, you don't repay it.
Do I have to pay the loan back?
The loan is interest-free and fully forgivable after 20 years of living in the home. If you sell or move out before then, repayment terms apply (often including a share of any increase in the home's value), so it's important to understand the agreement before you sign.
Who is eligible?
Generally you must be a first-time homebuyer, currently live in the Niagara Region as a renter, have a gross household income below the program threshold (roughly $95,000–$113,000 depending on family size), and have total household assets under about $50,000. Always confirm the current figures with the Niagara Region.
What homes qualify?
The home must be located within the Niagara Region with a maximum purchase price of $667,748. Eligible property types include detached, semi-detached, townhomes and condominiums.
How do I apply?
Funding is limited and given out on a first-come, first-served basis, and you must already have an active mortgage pre-approval from a recognized lender before you apply. Applications and official guidelines are handled directly by the Niagara Region.
Can Davids & DeLaat help me use this program?
Yes. We're Niagara real estate agents — we don't administer or approve the government funding, but we help eligible buyers understand the rules, connect with lenders for pre-approval, and find homes that fit the program's price cap and property requirements.
This page is provided for general information by Davids & DeLaat, REMAX Niagara Realty Ltd. It is not legal or financial advice and is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Niagara Region. Program amounts, income limits and rules are set by the Niagara Region and may change at any time — confirm all details on the official program page before applying.