LONDON, ONTARIO, March 31, 2026 – The London Home Builders’ Association (LHBA) and Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) applaud the provincial government’s announcement that they and the federal government will be removing the full amount of the harmonized sales tax on new homes under $1 million and a reduction of the HST for new homes between $1 million and $1.85 million, for all new home buyers, for the next year, where the new home must be used as a primary place of residence or as a residential rental property.

As currently defined within the regulations, substantially renovated new homes are treated as new housing for tax purposes and are included in this new policy measure. 

Local leaders from LHBA and OHBA have spent the past several months advocating for fairer tax conditions to spur new home construction and to save industry jobs. 

“Removing the HST from new home purchases will trigger a surge in both new units being brought to market, increased sales from existing inventory that is otherwise sitting empty and skilled labourers remaining employed,” says Board Chair, Adam Carapella. 

“A strong residential construction and professional renovation industry supports jobs, economic growth, and communities across Ontario,” said Executive Officer, Jared Zaifman.

Scott Andison, CEO of OHBA, says “I am happy to stand here today to say that the provincial and federal governments have listened to industry and taken our concerns with the existing market seriously, and taken decisive action to support home and community builders in Ontario. Today’s announcement will allow builders to do what they are meant to do – build, so that Ontarians can purchase homes to live and participate in communities and their local economies.”

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About the London Home Builders’ Association (LHBA)

Founded in 1952, the LHBA represents more than 250 member companies including builders, developers, renovators, trade contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, financial institutions and a host of allied professionals. In addition, we are affiliated with both the Ontario Home Builders’ Association (OHBA) representing nearly 4,000 members and the Canadian Home Builders’ Association (CHBA) which represents more than 8,500 companies. Membership is voluntary and applicants are screened by a committee using criteria from the Association’s Code of Ethics.

We Build Great Communities. LHBA commits to providing ethical building and business practices for new home builds and renovations by advocating with all levels of government to ensure everyone can live in a well built or renovated home. While giving back to the community through awareness and charitable efforts, the members strongly believe they have an obligation to help make communities great. Visit lhba.on.ca for more information.

About the Ontario Home Builders Association

Founded in 1962, the Ontario Home Builders Association (OHBA) is the voice of the residential construction industry in Ontario. It represents over 4,000 member companies in the home building, land development, professional renovation and professional services sectors through 28 local chapter associations across the province. OHBA advocates on behalf of its members to key stakeholders, provides member benefits and training, and promotes innovation and professionalism within the residential construction industry.

For any media inquiries, please contact:

Jared Zaifman, CEO of the London Home Builders’ Association, at jzaifman@lhba.on.ca or 226-973-4378.