Released on June 28, 2016
More than $2.1 million has been approved to date under the province’s new Graduate Retention Program – First Home Plan, in support of 230 approved applications. Of that, payments of $450,000 have been issued for 49 interest-free loans. The average loan is approximately $9,184. To date, approximately 276 applications have been received. The first application was received 17 minutes after the initiative launched.“The Graduate Retention Program – First Home Plan is a solid investment in recent graduates who are trying to make their homeownership dreams come true,” Social Services Minister and Minister responsible for Saskatchewan Housing Corporation Donna Harpauer said. “Our government recognizes the importance of recruiting and retaining graduates from both in and out of province, and helping them enter into homeownership will help us do that. We are encouraging and supporting those who want to live and work here, and through initiatives such as this we will keep Saskatchewan strong.”
“Our government is committed to keeping our promises,” Advanced Education Minister Scott Moe said. “This initiative was part of our 2016 election platform and I’m happy to see that so many young people are already being impacted within just a few short months. I look forward to watching the program’s continued success.”
“The First Home Program has made it possible for my spouse and me to purchase our own home, freeing us from renting yet again,” a successful program applicant from Regina Kaleigh Maguire said. “Without this program, buying our own home this quickly after convocating from university would not have been possible. The online application process was quick and pain free, and the staff was knowledgeable and helpful with any questions that I had. I would highly recommend this program to all graduates who are able to access it. It’s a wonderful way to start your future.”
The plan will help recent post-secondary graduates who have the income to qualify for a mortgage, but may be unable to save for a down payment. The initiative allows eligible graduates to borrow up to $10,000 of their unused Graduate Retention Program tax credits as an interest-free loan to put toward the down payment on their first home. First-time homebuyers and those who have not owned a home in the last five years may be eligible for the First Home Plan. Those who took possession of their home on or after May 1, 2016 are eligible for the program.
Under the Graduate Retention Program, recent graduates are eligible for rebates up to $20,000 of tuition fees if they live in Saskatchewan for seven years following graduation.
Borrowers are required to repay the loan using the Graduate Retention Program tax credits they receive annually as part of their income tax filing. These payments will be made directly to Saskatchewan Housing Corporation. Borrowers will be required to sign a promissory note and abide by the conditions of the loan.
For more information about the First Home Plan, please call Saskatchewan Housing Corporation at 306-787-4177 or toll-free at 1-800-667-7567, or visit www.publications.gov.sk.ca/deplist.cfm?d=17&c=4607.
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For more information, contact:
Leya Moore
Social Services
Regina
Phone: 306-787-3610
Email: leya.moore@gov.sk.ca