Buying guide · August 2026 · 5 min read
A first-home budget for Windsor buyers
A practical way to separate your purchase price, down payment, closing costs and monthly comfort zone.
Before you read
Use this as a planning guide, not a checklist you need to perfect.
Mortgage decisions are individual. Save the parts that apply to your situation, write down your questions, and use them to make a more informed next move.
Start with the all-in number
A purchase plan is more useful when it includes your down payment, Ontario land transfer tax, legal costs, inspection, moving, and a post-closing reserve—not just the purchase price.
Treat the payment as a household decision
Test a payment against your actual monthly obligations and leave room for ordinary life. A pre-approval helps frame the conversation, but it is not a substitute for a comfortable budget.
Planning visual
Sample purchase budget split
Illustrative allocation only; your required down payment and costs will differ.
Save these questions
Three prompts for your next conversation.
- What is my comfortable all-in monthly amount?
- What cash is needed for down payment, closing and reserve?
- Which documents can I organize before offer day?