Welcome to our new website

We’ve redesigned niagararegion.ca to make it easier to find what you need. We’re still putting on the finishing touches, so over the next few weeks you may notice:

  • Search is still learning. Some results may be incomplete or out of date. Try browsing by topic from the main menu.
  • Some links may not work. Old bookmarks and links may lead to pages that have moved.
  • Pages are still being updated. We’re reviewing content across the site and improving it as we go.

Home repairs and ownership programs

Forgivable loans to help low- and moderate-income homeowners and first-time buyers with essential repairs, accessibility modifications and down payment assistance.

Niagara Renovates - Homeowner

FORGIVABLE LOAN

A forgivable loan to fund essential repairs and accessibility modifications. The loan is written off equally over 10 years. Nothing is repaid as long as the homeowner remains in the home. One application per household.

Who qualifies

Low- and modest-income homeowners

Forgiven over

10 years

Income limits (total for all household members)

Household size Maximum total income
1 bedroom $56,000
2 bedrooms $65,500
3 bedrooms $71,000
4 or more bedrooms $83,500

Home value limits (must be below average MLS resale price)

City / town Maximum home value
Fort Erie $569,358
Grimsby $856,692
Lincoln $766,788
Niagara Falls $679,086
Niagara-on-the-Lake $1,239,504
Pelham $922,185
Port Colborne $597,898
St. Catharines $639,258
Thorold $689,935
Wainfleet $597,898
Welland $568,461
West Lincoln $826,500

Other requirements

  • Total household assets must not exceed $40,000
  • No liens or charges (except a first mortgage) registered against the property
  • Housing Services will assess the homeowner's financial ability to make the requested repairs based on income, savings and other liquid assets

Previous funding

You cannot apply if you have previously received funding from the Welcome Home Niagara Homeownership Program / CMHC (until forgivable period ends) or Niagara Renovates (until the 10-year forgivable period ends).

Eligible repairs

  • Structural (building exterior, roofs, foundations, walls)
  • Plumbing
  • Fire safety
  • Electrical
  • Heating (red tagged equipment)

Eligible accessibility modifications

  • Ramps
  • Handrails and chair / bath lifts
  • Height adjustment to countertops
  • Cues for doorbells / fire alarms

Not eligible

  • Landscaping
  • Routine maintenance
  • Cosmetic renovations and repairs
  • Repairs on detached dwellings

All repair work must include energy-saving products where possible, be permanent improvements, remove physical barriers and safety risks, and improve daily living within the home.

1
Submit your application with all supporting documents (PDF).
You'll need photo identification for all owners, proof of income for all household members, your MPAC assessment or property tax bill, and proof of insurance. Housing Services will conduct a title search. The cost is included in the approved funding amount.
2
Receive conditional approval and arrange contractor quotes.
If your application meets the eligibility requirements, Housing Services will inspect the property and provide a conditional approval report. You will need to get estimates from professional contractors and provide copies to Housing Services. Contractors must include WSIB coverage and insurance with their quote.
3
Sign the Letter of Agreement and begin work.
Housing Services will review quotes and issue final approval with a Letter of Agreement outlining the scope of work, funding amount and responsibilities. A mortgage / charge will be registered on title for 10 years. Legal costs are included in the approved funding. Work started before written approval is not eligible. Housing Services will inspect before, during and after construction.

The balance of the loan must be repaid if:

  • The home is sold
  • The homeowner stops living in the home as their primary residence
  • The funding is used for other purposes
  • The homeowner misrepresented information about program eligibility

Accessibility repairs

If the maximum loan amount includes a portion for accessibility repairs, up to $5,000 of that amount is provided as a grant and does not need to be repaid.

In 2026, Niagara Renovates helped 23 eligible homeowners with health and safety, and accessibility repairs. A total of $555,999.09 was used to assist homeowners with eligible repairs, averaging $24,173 per household.

Welcome Home Niagara - Homeownership Program

FORGIVABLE LOAN

An interest-free loan to help low- and moderate-income first-time buyers with a down payment. The loan is forgiven after 20 years if conditions are met.

Maximum loan

$66,200

Interest rate

0% — interest free

Forgiven after

20 years

Maximum purchase price

$662,000

To be eligible, a buyer must:

  • Be a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant, or have refugee claimant status with no outstanding removal order
  • Be a current Niagara resident, age 18 or older
  • Not own or have an interest in any other residential property
  • Not owe arrears to a government-assisted affordable housing provider or Housing Services
  • Be a renter household and a first-time home buyer — applicants paying room and board or living with family / friends do not qualify as a renter household, and applicants cannot have ever owned or had an ownership interest in a home anywhere
  • Have a gross annual household income below $95,100 (one person) or $113,700 (more than one person)
  • Have personal assets below $50,000, including RRSPs and any gifted amounts from family or friends
  • Qualify for a mortgage through a recognized financial institution — applicants who require a co-signer or guarantor are not eligible
  • Provide a fully executed Agreement of Purchase and Sale within 60 days of receiving a Conditional Letter of Commitment
  • Cover all costs associated with finalizing the purchase

  • Must be located in Niagara region
  • Purchase price cannot exceed $662,000 (this maximum may change based on updates from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing)
  • May be detached, semi-detached, row, townhouse, duplex or condominium
  • Must be modest in size and features
  • Cannot be a home in which the buyer or any family member has an ownership interest
  • A home inspection is required for resale homes and encouraged for new homes — paid by the buyer

Mobile homes and multi-residential properties, such as triplexes are not eligible.

1
Get pre-approved for a mortgage.
Contact a mortgage broker, trust company, credit union, bank or other qualified lender for a no-cost pre-approval before applying. Applicants who require a co-signer or guarantor are not eligible for funding.
2
Submit your application with all supporting documents.
You'll need proof of status in Canada for each household member, proof of age, photo identification for main applicant(s), bank verification of income and assets signed by a financial institution, employment verification or last eight weeks of pay statements, your most recent Notice of Assessment from Revenue Canada, proof of mortgage pre-approval, your current lease and rent receipts with landlord contact information, and if arrears are owed to a housing provider, a copy of the repayment plan. Incomplete applications will be returned. Applicants who are currently living in Community Housing paying market rent rate will be prioritized.
3
Receive final approval.
Once approved, a mortgage / charge will be registered on title in second position by Housing Services for 20 years.

The original down payment loan plus 10 per cent of any increase in the home's value must be repaid if the homeowner:

  • Sells the home before the 20-year period expires
  • No longer lives in the home
  • Refinances the home for more than the original primary mortgage amount
  • Voluntarily agrees to repay the loan
  • Defaults on the mortgage or Housing Services loan agreement

In 2026, Welcome Home Niagara Homeownership Program helped 11 home purchases in Niagara. A total of $505,932.10 was used to assist eligible applicants with a 10 per cent downpayment, averaging $45,993.