Métis Down Payment Assistance Program Alberta: How to Qualify in 2025

Jul 16

Renee Huse, founder of Spire Mortgage Team in Alberta, is here to break down one of the most powerful homeownership tools available to Métis Citizens in Alberta — and it’s back on the table August 5, 2025.

The Métis Capital Housing Corporation’s Down Payment Assistance Program offers up to $20,000 in forgivable loan support — and if you’re Métis and dreaming of homeownership, this could be the key that opens the door.

But here's the catch: you need to be 100% ready to apply when the application opens. And that starts with a mortgage pre-approval — which we can turn around for you within one business day.

What Is the Métis Down Payment Assistance Program?
Who Can Qualify in Alberta?
What You Need to Get Pre-Approved
How to Apply Through Spire Mortgage
Stack Your Benefits: Combine This Program With Other Support
Glossary: Plain English for First-Time Buyers
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts: What You Should Do Next

What Is the Métis Down Payment Assistance Program?

This Alberta-based program gives eligible Métis Citizens financial help to buy a home — specifically by covering a big chunk of the down payment.

Here's how it works:

The program offers a forgivable loan of up to 5% of the purchase price, to a max of $20,000.
It must be used toward your minimum down payment (not upgrades, closing costs, etc.).
It’s called forgivable because if you follow the program rules — like living in the home as your primary residence — you don’t have to pay it back.

It’s reopening August 5, 2025, after being paused in October 2024. And based on how quickly the last round filled up, this one will move fast.

Who Can Qualify in Alberta?

To apply, you’ll need to meet five key criteria:

✅ You are a verified Métis Citizen in Alberta.
🏡 You are buying a primary residence — not a rental or second property.
🕐 You do not currently own a home and haven’t in the past 12 months.
💰 Your income and purchase price fall within program limits (we’ll help you check).
📝 You have a full mortgage pre-approval from a lender.

Note: A rate quote or mortgage estimate isn’t enough. You’ll need a formal pre-approval letter on official lender letterhead — and we can provide that within 1 business day when you apply with us.

What You Need to Get Pre-Approved

If you’re wondering, “What exactly do I need to get pre-approved?” — we’ve got you. Here’s a step-by-step list:

1. Proof of Identity & Citizenship

Government-issued photo ID (driver’s license, passport)
Documentation confirming Métis citizenship in Alberta

2. Proof of Income

2 recent pay stubs
A letter of employment OR
If self-employed: last 2 years of Notice of Assessments + T1 Generals

3. Credit Consent

We’ll pull your credit score with your permission

4. Savings and Assets

Your most recent bank statement
If someone is gifting you money, we’ll also need a gift letter

5. Existing Debt

Loan statements, credit card balances, car payments, student loans

📩 Start now by applying here to get pre-approved fast.

How to Apply Through Spire Mortgage

We’ve helped dozens of Métis clients across Alberta get approved and into homes with this exact program — and we’re ready to help again.

Here’s what you can expect with us:

✅ 1 business day turnaround for pre-approval
✅ Customized mortgage advice (what you qualify for, what to avoid, where to buy)
✅ Help getting your documents organized
✅ Strategic guidance on how to combine multiple programs

Stack Your Benefits: Combine This Program With Other Support

You don’t have to use the Métis Down Payment Assistance Program alone. You can combine it with several other homeownership incentives.

🏦 1. First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

Save up to $8,000/year, up to $40,000 total
Tax-deductible contributions and tax-free withdrawals

🧾 2. Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)

Withdraw up to $60,000 from RRSPs tax-free
Repay over 15 years

🌱 3. Green Home Mortgage Rebate

Available through CMHC, Sagen, and Canada Guaranty
Up to 25% rebate on insurance premiums for energy-efficient homes

🏗️ 4. GST New Housing Rebate

Up to 100% GST refund on new builds under $1 million
Phased out between $1M–$1.5M
Must be your primary residence

👉 Read our full GST rebate guide here

Glossary for First-Time Buyers

Forgivable Loan – Doesn’t need to be repaid if you follow the rules.
Pre-Approval – A lender confirms in writing how much you qualify for.
Primary Residence – The home you live in most of the time.
FHSA – A special savings account to help first-time buyers save tax-free.
HBP – Lets you borrow from your RRSP without tax penalty.
Green Home Rebate – Discount for buying an energy-efficient home.
GST Rebate – Refund on GST paid for a newly built home.

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the application open?
August 5, 2025.

How long does it take to get pre-approved?
1 business day once we receive your documents. 👉 Apply now

Can I combine this with other programs?
Yes — FHSA, HBP, Green Rebate, GST Rebate all stack.

Is this money really forgivable?
Yes, if you follow all the program rules.

Can I use this for new builds or resale homes?
Yes — both are eligible if it’s your primary residence.

Do I have to repay the loan?
Not if you follow the conditions. It’s fully forgivable.

Final Thoughts: What You Should Do Next

If you’re Métis and dreaming of owning a home in Alberta, this is your moment.

Here’s what to do next:

✅ Gather your documents (ID, income, etc.)
✅ Apply now to get pre-approved
✅ Let us help you build a full plan using all eligible programs
✅ Be ready to apply August 5, 2025

You don’t have to do this alone. We’re here to guide you from pre-approval to keys in hand.

Written by Renee Huse, licensed mortgage broker and founder of Spire Mortgage. Renee helps Albertans make confident real estate decisions with smart financing strategies tailored to their goals. Learn more about Renee here.

Renee Huse