But before you jump straight into applying, there are a few things you’ll want to understand first.

What Is the Kingston Home Ownership Program?

Offered through the City of Kingston, this program is designed to help first time buyers purchase a home with the support of a forgivable down payment loan.In simple terms:

• You get help toward your down payment
• There are no monthly payments on that portion
• The loan can be forgiven over time if you meet the conditions

It’s one of the more helpful programs available locally if saving a full down payment has been the biggest hurdle.

Who Qualifies?

Details can shift slightly year to year, but generally you’ll need to:

• Be a first-time home buyer
• Fall within a household income limit
• Be buying in Kingston or Frontenac County
• Stay under a maximum purchase price ($500K)
• Qualify for a mortgage

One thing to keep in mind is that this is a limited funding program, so not everyone who applies will be approved.

What Kind of Support Can You Get?

Most buyers receive:

• Up to 10% of the purchase price toward their down payment
• A deferred, interest-free loan
• No ongoing payments
• Forgiveness over time

For a lot of people, this is what actually makes the numbers work.

What Most Buyers Don’t Realize

This is usually the part that catches people off guard.Even with this program:

• You still need to qualify for your mortgage on your own
• There are timelines once you're approved
• Not every property will qualify
• There are repayment conditions if you sell early

(This is the part most people don’t realize until they’re already in it.)

Where to Apply (and What to Do Before You Click)

The application portal is live, so you can start reviewing everything and getting your application ready.

👉 Apply through the City of Kingston Home Ownership Program here

Important: Applications are not being accepted until April 1, and funding is limited.So what should you actually be doing right now?

• Go through the full application
• Start gathering your documents
• Talk to a mortgage professional
• Get clear on your price range with your lender

The buyers who are ready to submit right away tend to be the ones who benefit most.

When Should You Apply?

April 1, but the prep happens now.Waiting until applications open to start figuring things out could put you behind.

Is This Program Right for You?

This program tends to work well for people who:

• Have steady income but haven’t been able to save a full down payment yet
• Are currently renting and want to start building equity
• Are planning to buy in the next few months
• Want a bit of guidance navigating everything

How We Help You Use This Program Properly

A lot of people apply, but don’t really have a plan.We help you:

• Walk through how the program fits into the home buying process
• Connect you with a trusted mortgage professional, if needed
• Narrow down homes that fit the program criteria
• Make sure you’re ready to move when you’re approved

We’ve also put together a First-Time Home Buyer Guide that breaks everything down step-by-step, from getting started to closing, so you can feel confident going into the process.Getting approved is one thing, actually getting the right home is another.

Thinking About Applying?

Before April 1 rolls around, it’s worth having a bit of a plan in place.If you’re even thinking about applying, send me a message. I can walk you through how the process works and what to expect.From there, I can connect you with a trusted mortgage professional who can help with the financing side and make sure everything lines up properly.

👉 Download the First-Time Home Buyer Guide here