Do I have to live in the home to get the Ontario first-time buyer LTT rebate?

Yes. One of the mandatory conditions for the Ontario first-time home buyer land transfer tax rebate is that you must occupy the home as your principal residence. You are required to move into the property within a set period after the closing date — you cannot purchase and immediately rent out the property while still claiming the rebate.

The Ministry of Finance takes the principal residence requirement seriously. Purchasing a home with the intention of renting it out rather than living in it yourself would disqualify you from claiming the rebate. If you initially move in but later move out and rent the property, the rebate you already received is not clawed back — the requirement is met at the time of purchase, not continuously afterward.

If you are buying a property to use as a rental investment from day one, you should not claim the first-time buyer LTT rebate even if this is your first property purchase. Speak with a lawyer if you are uncertain whether your intended use of the property satisfies the occupancy requirement.