Real estate insights, tips, and market updates.
:format(webp)/www.zealty.ca/api/cms/media/file/foreign-buyer-ban-canada-non-canadian-buyers-vancouver.png)
Canada's Foreign Buyer Ban runs until January 1, 2027, but real exemptions exist for work permit holders, students, refugees, spouses of Canadians, and rural BC properties.
:format(webp)/www.zealty.ca/api/cms/media/file/principal-residence-exemption-bc.png)
The Principal Residence Exemption shelters BC homeowners from capital gains tax when they sell. Here's how the T2091 form, plus-one rule, and 45(2) election work in 2026, plus the BC-specific traps that can shrink your exemption.
:format(webp)/www.zealty.ca/api/cms/media/file/bc-2-5-10-new-home-warranty-contractor-inspection.png)
The BC 2-5-10 warranty is mandatory on every new home built by a licensed BC residential builder. Here's what each tier actually covers, where it falls short, and how to file a claim before your deadline runs out.
:format(webp)/www.zealty.ca/api/cms/media/file/gst-new-home-rebate-bc.png)
First-time buyers pay $0 federal GST on new BC homes up to $1M thanks to the 2025 FTHB rebate. See who qualifies, how it phases out to $1.5M, and how to stack it with the BC PTT exemption.
:format(webp)/www.zealty.ca/api/cms/media/file/bc-flipping-tax-2026-seller-reviewing-home-sale-document.png)
Sell a BC home within 730 days and the province takes up to 20% of the profit. Here is the exact rate formula, every exemption, and how to file.
:format(webp)/www.zealty.ca/api/cms/media/file/Property-transfer-tax-documents-and-closing-paperwork.jpg)
BC Property Transfer Tax is 1% on the first $200K + 2% to $2M + 3% to $3M + 5% above. On a $1.2M home that's $22,000. First-time buyers can owe as little as $0.
:format(webp)/www.zealty.ca/api/cms/media/file/bc-property-assessment-guide.png)
BC Assessment values are set each July 1 and usually come in below market value. Here's how your assessed value is calculated, how it drives property tax, and when it's worth appealing.
:format(webp)/www.zealty.ca/api/cms/media/file/BC-Strata-Depreciation.png)
Every BC strata with 5+ units must have a current depreciation report by July 1, 2026. Typical cost: $5K-$30K per building. Here's what the report covers and what buyers should flag.
:format(webp)/www.zealty.ca/api/cms/media/file/BC-TAX.png)
March 31 deadline passed? You can still declare for BC Speculation & Vacancy Tax until July 2. 2026 rates range 0.5%-3% of assessed value. Here's who owes and how to file.