- A qualifying secondary suite is a new separate dwelling unit located on the premises of the owner’s primary residence. For purposes of the SSI, a qualifying suite includes a secondary suite within the residence, or a laneway home, garden suite, or garage suite. Only one secondary suite unit for the owner’s primary residence will be considered for the grant.
- A qualifying suite must meet the requirements of a secondary suite according to the National Building Code of Canada and any other applicable national, provincial and municipal bylaws, codes and standards. The homeowner or builder must have received all required permitting and legal approvals necessary for the unit to be used as a rental property; however, the program eligibility criteria will not require verification that the suite has been rented before the grant is paid.
- Eligible costs are those incurred from April 1, 2023, to March 31, 2026, that are directly related to the construction or the renovation of an existing space, which results in a new qualifying secondary suite, and includes the cost of standard appliances (i.e. washer, dryer, refrigerator, stove and dishwasher) up to a maximum of $5,000. Construction of the secondary suite must be completed on or before March 31, 2027, and applications must be received by Finance on or before March 31, 2027. Examples of eligible costs include engineering and architectural services, materials and contract labour related to construction, interior finishing, electrical, plumbing and mechanical work, and standard appliances. The applicable PST must have been paid on all eligible costs.
- The SSI will be administered by the Ministry of Finance, and eligible applicants may access funding through the SSI program alongside existing Saskatchewan incentives, including the expanded Provincial Sales Tax (PST) Rebate for New Home Construction, provided the applicant meets the prescribed eligibility criteria for each program.
- The cost of renovating an existing secondary suite or the primary residence are not eligible. Other ineligible costs include minor appliances (e.g. microwaves), draperies, tools and cleaning products.
Costs Incurred
A cost is incurred by March 31, 2026, if;
- Construction on the secondary suite is finished on or before March 31, 2026;
- Materials or goods related to the secondary suite are delivered on or before March 31, 2026; or
- For a home purchase agreement, a portion of the construction of the new home has been completed by March 31, 2026.
If your contract covers both a main home and a secondary suite, only the portion of the costs for the secondary suite qualifies.
Example
You buy a home with a secondary suite for $600,000. The suite costs $60,000 (10 per cent). By March 31, 2026, you have paid $300,000 in progress payments. The eligible amount is $30,000 (10 per cent of $300,000).
The suite does not need to be fully finished by March 31, 2026, but costs for construction done or materials delivered by that date qualify.
- Signing a contract or paying a deposit alone does not make the cost eligible.
- Actual construction or delivery must happen by March 31, 2026.
You must provide invoices, progress billings, or a letter from the builder showing that construction or materials were completed or delivered on or before March 31, 2026.