Gateway Homeownership Program

• Down payment assistance loans are available of up to the lesser of $70,000.00 or 10% of the house purchase price. The maximum purchase price of a home is $804,300. The down payment assistance loans are available through an application process.  Gateway down payment assistance loans are limited and therefore may not be available to all eligible applicants. 
• Applications for the program will be available on an annual basis until all loans have been awarded.
• Applicants must enter into a loan agreement with The District Municipality of Muskoka and the Gateway down payment assistance loan will be registered on title against the lands.  A copy of the loan agreement is available upon request.
• A home inspection is required for resale homes and strongly recommended for new homes, and must be undertaken at the purchaser's expense.
• Closing costs must be paid in full by the applicant and cannot be paid for through the down payment assistance loan.
• Upon submission of Agreement of Purchase and Sale (APS) to the District, applicant must provide proof of funds for closing costs (e.g. copy of current bank statement).

• Homes must be new or for resale.
• The purchase price of the home shall not exceed at $804,300 and must be located in Muskoka.
• Persons seeking funds to offset construction costs on land that they currently own are not eligible for funding.
• Units may be detached, semi-detached, condominiums, or town houses.

• Cannot currently own a home or have any vested interest in a residence/land. Must be a household buying a sole and principal residence.
• Must provide proof of total household income at or below $117,300.
• Must provide proof of total household asset level at or below $50,000 for an individual and $75,000 for households (includes Savings, GIC's, RRSP's (for first time home buyers), gifts, and property or land, but does not include RESP's, or items such as vehicles).
• Must be at least 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen, landed immigrant, or have Refugee Claimant status.
• Must supply photo identification and birth certificate.
• Must provide documentation showing mortgage pre-approval at time of application.

Gateway Muskoka Homeownership Program funding for 2026 is fully allocated at this time.

New eligible applications are being placed on a wait list in chronological order, based on the date they are received and complete.

For more information, please call 705-645-2412 x 4410 or email affordablehousing@muskoka.on.ca.

• Download the Application at the following link: Gateway Application
• Only complete applications will be considered for eligibility.
• An application must have all information entered, and all supporting documentation provided to be considered complete.
• Upon determination of eligibility, the approved applicant will receive a conditional commitment letter which can be presented to a financial institution.
• Eligible applicants must provide a copy of the 'Agreement of Purchase and Sale' within 2 days of signing.  Offers conditional on financing must allow a minimum of 10 business days for processing. The closing date must be a minimum of 15 business days after all conditions have been met.
• Funding is limited and subject to availability.
• Applicant(s) are required to sign the loan agreement and additional mortgage documentation, as required.
• Funds are paid directly to the applicant's lawyer on closing.