City of Langford aims to slash down payments for first-time home buyers

The City of Langford is about to launch an attainable housing program that will help first-time home buyers break into the red-hot real estate market.
“This is the toughest market I’ve ever seen or anybody’s ever seen in Canada, you know, probably ever,” said Langford Mayor Stew Young.
“You need a lot of money and you need a down payment to be able to afford it.”
The program will have developers build an attainable housing stock of one-, two-, and three-bedroom condos or townhomes, with a portion of the development fees going towards down payments for first-time home buyers in Langford.
Depending on a family’s income, they could qualify to receive a grant of up to 75 per cent of their down payment on one of those homes.
“It’s a game-changer for people that can’t afford to get into the market right now,” said Young. “What we’re trying to do is allow the opportunity for Langford residents to get into home ownership, to create some equity.”
The attainable housing program was initially introduced with eligibility for couples looking for two-bedroom homes, but has since been expanded.
Applications will be open to first-time home buyers who have been living in Langford for at least 2 years, as well as new RCMP officers moving to the area.
Mayor Young says about 500 people have already expressed interest, and he expects to see upwards of 1,000 applications once the program is finalized.
Applications are expected to open on the city’s website in the next 30 days.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING | 'Too many children did not make it home': Anniversary of discovery at Canada's largest residential school
A daylong memorial is underway Monday in Kamloops, B.C., at the site of what was once Canada's largest residential school on the one-year anniversary of the announcement of the detection of unmarked graves.

Death toll from Saturday's storm hits 10 across Ontario and Quebec
The death toll related to the powerful storm that swept Ontario and Quebec on Saturday has reached 10.
Is my home or car covered from storm damage? In most cases yes, insurance bureau says
As residents in Ontario and Quebec work to repair the damage caused by a severe storm over the weekend, many may be wondering whether their homes and cars are covered from any damages. The Insurance Bureau of Canada says wind damage is usually covered, but to confirm with their provider what losses may be included.
Russian sentenced to life in Ukraine's 1st war crimes trial
A captured Russian soldier who pleaded guilty to killing a civilian was sentenced by a Ukrainian court Monday to life in prison -- the maximum -- amid signs the Kremlin may, in turn, put on trial some of the fighters who surrendered at Mariupol's steelworks.
Monkeypox fears could stigmatize LGBTQ2S+ community, expert says
A theory that the recent outbreak of monkeypox may be tied to sexual activity has put the gay community in an unfortunate position, having fought back against previous and continued stigma around HIV and AIDS, an LGBTQ2+ centre director says.
Walk out at trade meeting when Russia spoke 'not one-off,' says trade minister
The United States and four other nations that walked out of an Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation group meeting in Bangkok over the weekend underlined their support Monday for host nation Thailand, saying their protest was aimed solely at Russia because of its invasion of Ukraine.
First of three flights bringing Ukrainians to Canada to land in Winnipeg
The first of three charter flights bringing Ukrainian refugees fleeing Russia's invasion to Canada is to land in Manitoba this afternoon.
OPINION | Richard Berthelsen: What kind of King will Prince Charles be? Royal tour offers hints
The Canadian royal visit took place at a time when many are starting to view Prince Charles differently, given that his destiny to be King seems to loom closer, Richard Berthelsen writes in his exclusive column for CTVNews.ca.
Military members urged to contact Habitat for Humanity amid housing crisis
An email encouraging members of the Canadian Armed Forces to consider contacting Habitat for Humanity if they can't find affordable housing is casting a spotlight on a growing challenge facing many military personnel and their families.