Financing is a key part of getting your housing project off the ground. A range of funding options are available to support builders and developers at various stages – from site preparation to project completion.
Programs may include grants, low-interest loans, tax incentives, and other financial supports aimed at encouraging the construction of new housing, affordable units, rental developments, and energy-efficient projects. Some funding is targeted toward specific types of developments, such as mixed-use housing or projects that meet environmental, energy and climate resiliency objectives and standards.
Federal Options
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC) Housing Solutions
CMHC provides housing finance solutions and reliable access to mortgage funding for lenders. Their commitment extends to providing crucial research and data to inform decisions for better housing sector outcomes.
Explore standardized designs to make homebuilding easier and faster.
The designs prioritize energy efficiency, accessibility and livability. They have been developed by local architects and engineers to comply with regional building codes.
The Catalogue helps municipalities, builders and homeowners build more homes, faster. It’s ideal for encouraging gentle density and infill development.
CMHC Solving housing affordability together
Access to CMHC funding, research, knowledge and expertise to help make affordable housing a reality.
Build Canada Homes is a new federal agency that will build affordable housing at scale. It will leverage public lands, offer flexible financial incentives, attract private capital, facilitate large portfolio projects, and support modern manufacturers to build the homes that Canadians need.
Funding for Indigenous housing
Discover funding and financing opportunities for Indigenous housing construction and renovation in Canada. CMHC offers a range of low-cost repayable and non-repayable loans and contributions for qualified projects.
Affordable Housing Innovation Fund
Funding for innovative housing providers driving innovation across the housing continuum. The AHIF supports new ideas that will drive change and disrupt the industry – ideas and approaches that will evolve the affordable housing sector and create the next generation of housing in Canada.
Co-Op Housing Development Program
Access forgivable loans along with low-interest repayable loans to build rental co-operative housing. This program supports a new generation of non-profit co-operative housing.
Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) Green Municipal Fund Sustainable Affordable Housing
Switch to energy-efficient options and lower your energy bills. Retrofits and new construction.
First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
A first home savings account (FHSA) is a registered plan which allows you, if you are a first-time home buyer, to save to buy or build a qualifying first home tax-free (up to certain limits).
The Government of Canada is providing resources and solutions to help you manage the potential effects of the evolving Canada-United States relationship.
Provincial Options
Affordable Housing Development
Funding to create housing that includes affordable rental units for households with low to moderate income. Private and non profit developers.
Community Housing Acquisition Program
The Community Housing Acquisition Program helps community housing providers preserve and expand the supply of affordable housing. Community housing providers can apply to the Community Housing Acquisition Program for a loan to help buy existing multi-unit residential properties for non-market (community) housing. You can apply anytime.
Community Housing Infrastructure and Repair Program
The Community Housing Infrastructure and Repair Program supports repairs for affordable housing. Community housing providers can apply for forgivable loans from the Community Housing Infrastructure and Repair Program to help fund capital repairs on residential buildings. You can apply anytime.
Community Housing Operating Support Program
To The Community Housing Operating Support Program provides short-term operating support for community housing providers. Community housing organizations can apply to Community Housing Operating Support Program for operating subsidies to meet immediate need. You can apply anytime.
Nova Scotia’s Black Community Housing Growth Fund
Nova Scotia Black Community Housing Fund (NS-BCHF) provides grants and develops tools and expertise. It is designed for Black-led, Black-focused, and Black-serving (B3) organizations that serve the needs of Black communities. It aims to increase the availability of community housing in the province.
Nova Scotia Community Housing Capital Fund
The Nova Scotia Community Housing Capital Fund provides community housing organizations in Nova Scotia with access to capital grants for the acquisition of existing residential buildings.
Nova Scotia’s Community Housing Growth Fund
The Nova Scotia Community Housing Growth Fund (NS-CHGF) supports community housing by offering financial assistance to help housing providers preserve and increase the supply of community housing in Nova Scotia.
The Land for Housing Program helps create affordable housing. Private developers and community housing developers can apply for provincially owned land available through the Land for Housing Program.
Home Repair and Accessibility Program
The Home Repair and Accessibility Program helps low-income Nova Scotians with the cost of home repairs. The program also provides funding for accessibility upgrades to help people with disabilities and seniors stay in their homes.
First-time Home Buyers’ Rebate Program
Nova Scotia’s First-Time Home Buyers Rebate is a rebate equivalent to 18.75 per cent of the provincial portion of the HST or 1.31 per cent of the purchase price of capital stock in a housing cooperative, up to $3,000, on newly built homes.
This program is for newly constructed homes only and does not include renovations or conversions from rentals
to condominiums.
Canada-Nova Scotia Targeted Housing Benefit
Homeowners can apply for help to stay in their home if they pay more than 50% of their pre-tax (gross) household income on housing costs.
Renters can apply for help with the cost of their rent.
Down Payment Assistance Program
The Down Payment Assistance Program helps Nova Scotians who pre-qualify for an insured mortgage to buy their first home. You can apply to the Down Payment Assistance Program for a loan of 5% of the purchase price of a home to help with the down payment.
Municipal Options
Municipality of the County of Antigonish’s Non-Profit Affordable Housing Grant
Spring 2026 round is now open.
Deadline: Friday, May 22, 2026
EXTENDED to Monday, June 1, 2026.
Town of Antignonish Town Services & Affordable Housing Grant
Open year-round!