Edmonton has a lot of new construction, and it’s Jay’s specialty — he spent two decades building before selling real estate. New builds work differently from resale, so here’s what to watch.
Bring your own agent — it’s free to you
The friendly agent in the builder’s show home represents the builder, not you. Having your own REALTOR® costs you nothing and puts an experienced advocate on your side of the contract. This is the single most common new-construction mistake.
The contract & deposits
New-build purchase agreements are the builder’s paper, with deposit schedules, upgrade terms, and clauses around possession timing. Read them with someone who’s seen a lot of them before you sign.
GST, upgrades & value
New homes carry 5% GST (rebates may apply). On upgrades, a builder’s eye matters: some add real resale value and some don’t. We help you spend where it counts and read how a home is actually built, not just how the show home is finished.
Warranty & possession
Alberta requires new-home warranty coverage on newly built homes, which protects you against defects on a set schedule. Be ready, too, for possession-date changes — new builds run on the builder’s timeline, and financing has to line up with it.
Note for launch: Confirm current Alberta New Home Warranty specifics and GST-rebate details.
Frequently asked
Do I need my own realtor to buy a new construction home?
Yes — and it’s free to you. The show-home agent works for the builder. Your own REALTOR® represents your interests in the contract at no cost to you.
Is there a warranty on new homes in Alberta?
Yes. Alberta requires new-home warranty coverage on newly built homes, protecting you against defects on a set schedule.
Do I pay GST on a new build in Edmonton?
Yes, 5% GST applies to new construction (rebates may apply). Resale homes generally don’t attract GST.
