Hamilton Renovation Rebates & Incentives 2026
Hamilton homeowners can access provincial and federal renovation incentives — up to $115K+ in combined savings with energy and secondary suite programs.
Up to $204,780 in combined savings
Hamilton homeowners can stack 12 federal, provincial, and utility programs. Most are designed to be combined.
All Available Programs
Every rebate, grant, loan, and incentive available to Hamilton homeowners in 2026.
Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit
CRA (Canada Revenue Agency)
A 15% refundable tax credit on up to $50,000 in eligible renovation expenses to create a secondary dwelling unit for a qualifying relative. The unit must be a self-contained suite with a private entrance, kitchen, and bathroom.
Eligibility
- Must create a self-contained secondary unit
- For a senior (65+) or adult with disability
- Must be a qualifying relative (parent, grandparent, child, sibling, etc.)
- Expenses claimed within 12 months of completion
Claim on your annual tax return. One-time credit per qualifying renovation.
Up to $7,500 refundable tax credit
Apply NowCMHC Insured Refinancing for Secondary Suites
CMHC
CMHC allows homeowners to refinance up to 90% of the improved value of their home (vs. 80% normally) when creating a legal secondary suite. On a $900K home, this unlocks up to $80,000+ in additional equity.
Eligibility
- Must create a self-contained secondary suite
- Suite must meet local building code and zoning
- Property must be owner-occupied
- Standard CMHC mortgage insurance qualification
Works through your mortgage lender. Not a grant — increased borrowing capacity.
Refinance up to 90% of post-reno value
Apply NowHST New Housing Rebate (Substantial Renovations)
CRA
If your renovation is classified as "substantial" (90%+ of interior removed/replaced), you may qualify for the federal GST/HST new housing rebate. Combined federal + Ontario portions can return up to $16,080 in tax.
Eligibility
- Renovation must be "substantial" — 90%+ of interior removed
- Property must be primary residence after renovation
- Fair market value under $450,000 for full rebate
- Must file within 2 years of completion
Applies mainly to gut-renovation or full basement conversion projects.
Up to $16,080 HST rebate
Apply NowCanada Greener Homes Affordability Program
NRCan
The successor to the Greener Homes Grant is expected to launch in 2026 with a focus on low-to-moderate income households. Covers insulation, heat pumps, windows, and air sealing upgrades.
Eligibility
- Income-qualified (details TBA)
- Must complete EnerGuide audit
- Eligible upgrades: insulation, heat pumps, windows, air sealing
- Primary residence only
Program details expected mid-2026. Register for updates.
Up to $5,000 in grants (expected)
Apply NowHome Renovation Savings Program
Enbridge Gas / Save on Energy
Ontario's main energy retrofit rebate program, delivered through Enbridge Gas and Save on Energy. Covers insulation, heat pumps, windows, air sealing, and smart thermostats. Extended through November 2026.
Eligibility
- Ontario homeowner with existing natural gas or electric heating
- Must complete pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations
- Home must be primary residence
- Eligible upgrades: insulation, heat pumps, windows, air sealing, thermostats
Up to $10,000+ in rebates
Apply NowOntario Secondary Suite Incentive
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs
A forgivable loan to help homeowners create a legal secondary suite (basement apartment, garden suite, or laneway house). The loan is forgiven if you rent the unit at or below average market rent for 15 years.
Eligibility
- Must create a new legal secondary suite
- Owner-occupied property
- Suite must meet Ontario Building Code
- Must maintain affordable rent for 15 years to have loan forgiven
Forgivable after 15 years of affordable rent. Pro-rated repayment if you sell early.
Up to $40,000 forgivable loan
Apply NowOntario Renovates
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs
A forgivable loan for low-to-moderate income homeowners to make essential home repairs, accessibility modifications, or create a secondary suite. Delivered through local Service Managers.
Eligibility
- Low-to-moderate household income (varies by region)
- Must own and live in the property
- Home in need of essential repairs or accessibility upgrades
- Applied through your local Service Manager
Income thresholds vary by municipality. Contact your local Service Manager.
Up to $25,000 forgivable loan
Apply NowOil to Heat Pump Affordability (OHPA)
NRCan / Ontario
Covers the cost of switching from oil heating to an electric heat pump. Includes equipment, installation, and removal of oil tank. For homes currently heated by oil or propane.
Eligibility
- Home currently heated by oil or propane
- Must switch to an eligible heat pump system
- Owner-occupied primary residence
- Low-to-median household income (enhanced stream available)
Up to $15,000
Apply NowOntario Electricity Rebate
Ontario Energy Board
An ongoing bill reduction of 23.5% applied automatically to residential electricity bills. Reduces the cost of running heat pumps, electric water heaters, and other energy-efficient systems.
Eligibility
- Automatic for all Ontario residential electricity customers
- Applied directly to your monthly bill
- No application required
Automatic — no application needed. Reduces annual electricity costs by ~$400-$1,200.
23.5% off electricity bills
Apply NowEnbridge Home Efficiency Rebate
Enbridge Gas
Rebates for insulation, windows, heat pumps, smart thermostats, and air sealing through Enbridge Gas. Part of the Home Renovation Savings Program. Requires pre- and post-retrofit EnerGuide evaluations.
Eligibility
- Enbridge Gas customer in Ontario
- Must complete EnerGuide pre- and post-evaluations
- Primary residence
- Eligible upgrades: insulation, windows, heat pumps, thermostats
Part of the Home Renovation Savings Program. Often bundled with provincial rebates.
Up to $5,000 in combined rebates
Apply NowSave on Energy Home Renovation Savings
IESO / Save on Energy
Provincial electricity conservation program offering rebates on insulation, heat pumps, windows, and air sealing for electrically-heated homes. Delivered through local utilities.
Eligibility
- Ontario residential electricity customer
- Home with electric heating (no natural gas)
- Must complete EnerGuide evaluations
- Primary residence
Up to $5,000 in combined rebates
Apply NowHome Winterproofing Program
Enbridge Gas / Save on Energy
Free energy upgrades for income-qualified homeowners and renters, including insulation, draftproofing, smart thermostats, LED lighting, and in some cases a new furnace or heat pump.
Eligibility
- Low-income Ontario household (income thresholds vary)
- Must be primary residence
- Homeowners and renters eligible
- Free in-home assessment included
Income-qualified: no out-of-pocket cost for eligible households.
Free upgrades (income-qualified)
Apply NowStacking Example: Basement Apartment in Hamilton
Here's how a typical secondary suite project can stack incentives.
Multigenerational Home Renovation Tax Credit
CRA (Canada Revenue Agency)
Up to $7,500 refundable tax credit
Running total: $7,500
CMHC Insured Refinancing for Secondary Suites
CMHC
Refinance up to 90% of post-reno value
Running total: $87,500
HST New Housing Rebate (Substantial Renovations)
CRA
Up to $16,080 HST rebate
Running total: $103,580
Ontario Secondary Suite Incentive
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs
Up to $40,000 forgivable loan
Running total: $143,580
Ontario Renovates
Ontario Ministry of Municipal Affairs
Up to $25,000 forgivable loan
Running total: $168,580
Total Potential Savings for a Basement Suite
$168,580
Beyond Rebates — The Full Picture
Energy Savings
Save $1,500-$3,000/yr on heating, cooling, and electricity with modern upgrades.
Rental Income
Legal basement apartments in the GTA earn $1,500-$2,500/mo in rental income.
Property Value
Renovated homes with legal suites sell for 15-25% more at resale.
Health & Comfort
Better insulation, ventilation, and waterproofing mean no mold and clean air.
HouseFax Record
Every improvement is documented in a permanent, transferable property record.
ROI in 3-5 Years
Most renovation projects with stacked incentives pay for themselves in under 5 years.
Rebates in Nearby Cities
Compare incentives available in other GTA municipalities.
Services That Qualify for Rebates
These renovation services can qualify for one or more rebate programs.
Common Questions
See exactly how much you can save
Use the Savings Calculator to find every rebate that applies to your specific project in Hamilton. Select your project type and get a personalized savings stack.