Cashback is the New Loyalty Program

How getting cashback is changing how Canadians buy (and sell) homes

Aug 22, 2025

In the world of personal finance, cashback has long been one of the most effective ways to stretch a dollar. From credit cards to shopping apps, the concept is simple: get rewarded for spending on things you were going to buy anyway. Now, the idea of cashback has moved into the housing market.

Wahi, a digital Canadian real estate platform and brokerage, offers a Cashback Program that offers homebuyers thousands of dollars back after their purchase.* For many Canadians, it’s a refreshing change at a time when affordability challenges dominate the housing conversation.

Here’s how it works: when a buyer purchases a home through Wahi’s Cashback Program, they receive up to 1% of the home’s purchase price back in cash after closing. On a $1,000,000 home, that translates to $10,000 in the buyer’s pocket. It’s money that can go toward moving expenses, furniture, renovations, or even a vacation.

Buy-and-Sell Cashback: More Bang for Your Buck

Wahi’s Cashback Program also extends to those who buy and sell with the company. When you buy and sell with Wahi, you’re eligible for up to 1.5% cashback on the purchase of your new home, which can amount to approximately $15,000 back on a $1 million property.

The platform’s innovative real estate model, which reduces operating costs, allows it to share a portion of the commission it receives with clients as cashback. Wahi empowers homebuyers by combining cutting-edge tech and a team of dedicated Realtors. The company transforms the house-hunting journey into a seamless experience, without sacrificing the human element of real estate, while offering homebuyers money back.

After a homebuyer books a consultation with a Wahi Realtor via the website or Wahi app, the app becomes their virtual home base. It’s where they’ll find all the listings and sold price history, and the real-time chat feature through which they can communicate with their dedicated Wahi Realtor. The main difference between Wahi and a traditional brokerage is Wahi Cashback Realtors don’t drive around doing showings. Wahi engages showing agents, who are also licensed Realtors, to meet homebuyers at the appointed time. This is one of the efficiencies that enables Wahi to provide cashback to clients.

“When a buyer purchases a home through Wahi’s Cashback Program, they receive up to 1% of the home’s purchase price back in cash after closing. On a $1,000,000 home, that translates to $10,000 in the buyer’s pocket”

Real People, Real Rewards

For buyers navigating the high costs of entering the market, that extra cash can be a game-changer.

Take Wendy, who bought a Toronto condo with Wahi’s help. “I loved using both Wahi’s website and the app … I also liked that the site and app gave me access to information such as pricing and sales history,” she explains. But it was the financial incentive that sealed the deal: “I was drawn to Wahi’s Cashback program … I have recommended Wahi to my network because I had such a good experience.”

For Marlon and Kadeja, first-time buyers who purchased a townhome in Clarington, Ont., the Cashback felt like a meaningful boost after making such a significant financial leap. “We would recommend Wahi to anyone given the knowledgeable staff and professional service we experienced,” they say. “We found Wahi’s cashback a great incentive because you get some funds back after such a large purchase — and those funds can go a long way. That was the reason we chose Wahi.”

And for Mayank, a newcomer to Canada who purchased a detached home in Hamilton, the Cashback Program added both efficiency and financial relief. “I really liked the instant communication [with my Wahi Realtor] and the ability to book a showing online on my phone. It was a much more efficient process,” he notes. He also emphasizes the peace of mind of receiving cashback right after closing: “My Realtor guided me every step of the way,” he said, adding that the money came quickly and made settling into his new home easier.

Cashback: The New Loyalty

What makes Wahi’s program stand out is how closely it mirrors the appeal of traditional loyalty and cashback rewards. For decades, Canadians have gravitated toward credit cards that return 2% on groceries or travel points that cover their next vacation. The incentive works because people like being rewarded for doing something they were going to do anyway. Wahi is applying that same model to one of the largest purchases people will ever make.

But cashback goes further than traditional loyalty perks. Instead of offering points or perks that may or may not hold value over time, cashback offers something consumers increasingly want: transparency, immediacy, and control. The money is deposited directly into the buyer’s account within approximately two weeks of closing.

Think about it. A loyalty program that promises a free latte or a flight upgrade can be nice, but in today’s economic climate, many buyers want tangible savings they can apply toward real financial goals. Cashback on buying a home delivers exactly that. It’s simple, flexible, and universally useful.

The Perfect Perk for First-time Buyers

For first-time homebuyers especially, Wahi’s Cashback program can make a real difference. Closing costs, land transfer taxes, and unexpected expenses often catch buyers off guard. Having thousands of dollars returned after closing eases that financial burden.

Even repeat buyers or those upsizing can find the incentive appealing. As Marlon and Kadeja point out, funds that come back after such a large purchase can stretch far, whether toward furnishing, renovations, or just padding a savings account.

At a time when Canadians are watching every dollar, programs like Wahi’s highlight a new reality: cashback isn’t just for groceries or gas anymore. It’s becoming a broader financial tool; a new kind of loyalty program built on putting cash directly into buyers’ hands.

How Much Cashback Could You Earn Buying With Wahi?