We are conducting routine maintenance on portfolio manager. We'll be back up as soon as possible. Thanks for your patience.

Can I use the RRSP Home Buyer's Plan if my wife already owns a house?

Gena Katz, a chartered accountant and principal with Ernst and Young, has the answer.

Gena Katz 30 January, 2003 | 2:00PM
Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

Dear Expert:

I just got married and my wife already owns a house. Am I still eligible to withdraw $20,000 under the RRSP Home Buyer's Plan to buy a home, even though my wife already owns a property?

Expert Opinion:

In order to be eligible for an RRSP withdrawal under the Home Buyer's plan, an individual must not have owned and occupied a home within the five calendar years before the time of withdrawal. In addition, the individual must not have lived in a home owned by his/her spouse/common-law partner within that period (and while married or common-law). So assuming you have not lived in your wife's home during the time of your marriage and you have not owned a home (and lived in it as a principal place of residence) at any time within the five-year calendar period previously specified, you can still make the $20,000 RRSP withdrawal for the purchase of a home.


To find out how much an RRSP contribution may save you, try Morningstar's RRSP Calculator

Do you have a question?

All Ask the Expert questions are read and considered. Unfortunately we can't provide individual responses or respond to every question. Please note that questions about specific securities cannot be considered. Click here to Ask the Expert.


No statement in this article should be construed as a recommendation to buy or sell securities or to provide investment advice or individual financial planning. Morningstar Canada does not provide specific portfolio advice and recommends the use of a qualified financial planner when appropriate.

Facebook Twitter LinkedIn

About Author

Gena Katz

Gena Katz  

© Copyright 2024 Morningstar, Inc. All rights reserved.

Terms of Use        Privacy Policy       Disclosures        Accessibility