Neither program changes the minimum down payment rule, 5 percent on the first $500,000 of the purchase price and 10 percent above that, but both change where the cash comes from and let it grow tax-sheltered while you save.
A household buying together can combine both spouses' Home Buyers' Plan withdrawals and both FHSA accounts, which raises what you can put down before crossing the 20 percent threshold where CMHC, Sagen or Canada Guaranty insurance is required.
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