This means someone who sold a home 5 years ago and has been renting since can still qualify as a first-time buyer under both programs, which surprises a lot of people who assume the label only applies if they have truly never owned before.
A spouse's ownership history can also affect eligibility for the Home Buyers' Plan specifically, so a couple where one partner owned a home recently should confirm both partners' eligibility separately with Canada Revenue Agency or a mortgage professional before assuming the program applies.
The rule is about the last 4 years, not your entire life, which opens the door for more Saskatoon buyers than the term first-time suggests. Get your hand-reviewed valuation from Joel Dyck.