#BC Real Estate

Empty Vancouver homes at dusk with downtown skyline and North Shore mountains in background

Empty Homes Tax Vancouver 2026: Who Pays, Who's Exempt, How to File

Vancouver's Empty Homes Tax is 3% of assessed value. Every owner has to declare by February 3, 2026. Here are the 10 exemption categories, the penalty rules, and how the EHT differs from BC's Speculation and Vacancy Tax.

Hamidreza EtebarianMay 13, 2026

BC home buyer signing title insurance documents at a notary's office in Vancouver.

Title Insurance BC: What It Costs and Why You Probably Need It

Title insurance in BC is a $250 to $700 one-time premium that covers what the land title registry does not: fraud, undisclosed liens, encroachments, and unpermitted work. Here is what it actually pays for and when to buy it.

Hamidreza EtebarianMay 12, 2026

Mid-rise condo building in Metro Vancouver BC with North Shore mountains behind

High-Ratio Mortgage BC: What It Is and How to Avoid It (Or Use It)

A high-ratio mortgage means less than 20% down and mandatory default insurance, which can add $26,000+ to your loan on a typical BC condo. Here is when to avoid it, when to use it, and how the 2026 rules work.

Hamidreza EtebarianMay 11, 2026

Two modern Vancouver homes at golden hour with a moving van in the driveway illustrating bridge financing buy before you sell in BC`

Bridge Financing BC 2026: Buy Before You Sell (Costs & Rates)

How bridge loans work in BC: prime + 2-4% rates, the firm-sale rule, real costs on a Metro Vancouver move, and when a HELOC or subject-to-sale offer is a better fit.

Hamidreza EtebarianMay 10, 2026

BC homeowner reviewing mortgage renewal options at kitchen table six months before term ends

BC Mortgage Renewal 2026: 6-Month Checklist to Save $5K+

Your BC mortgage renewal is a negotiation, not a notice. Start at 6 months out to lock rate holds, shop lenders, and skip the stress test on a straight switch.

Hamidreza EtebarianMay 9, 2026

First time BC homebuyer reviewing CMHC mortgage insurance premium breakdown on a tablet at home

CMHC Insurance BC 2026: Premiums, Calculator & When You Pay

CMHC mortgage insurance kicks in any time your down payment is below 20 percent. On a $1.1M Metro Vancouver condo at 10% down, the premium is $30,690 rolled into your mortgage. Here is how the 2026 rates work and the $1.5M insurable cap.

Hamidreza EtebarianMay 8, 2026

BC homeowner at desk with two mortgage rate documents, considering variable versus fixed options

Variable vs Fixed Mortgage in BC 2026: Math, Penalties, BoC Outlook

5-year variable in BC is 3.35%, fixed is 4.04%. Variable saves money if the Bank of Canada holds at 2.25%. Fixed wins if hikes return. Here is how to pick.

Hamidreza EtebarianMay 7, 2026

BC couple touring a Metro Vancouver presale condo construction site reviewing floor plans`

Presale Condos Vancouver 2026: Deposits, GST Rebate & Assignment Risks

Vancouver presale condos median $1,065,000 with new low-rise at $1,541/sqft. Full BC buyer guide: deposit schedules, the new $50K GST rebate, REDMA protections, assignment risk, and a pre-purchase checklist for 2026.

Hamidreza EtebarianMay 6, 2026

Quiet main street in a small British Columbia town with mountains in the background, representing affordable BC cities

Cheapest Places to Live in BC 2026: Median Prices by City

The 10 cheapest cities to live in British Columbia right now, ranked by live MLS median prices, from $326,500 in Dawson Creek to $549,900 in Port Alberni.

Hamidreza EtebarianMay 5, 2026

Greater Vancouver residential street in April 2026 with multiple for sale signs across condo townhouse and detached homes

BC Housing Market April 2026: Inventory Surges, Sales Accelerate

Greater Vancouver closed April 2026 with 15,241 active listings at a $1,188,000 median and 44 days on market. Fraser Valley: 7,863 listings, $969,000. Sales hit a 2026 high. Full city + property breakdown.

Hamidreza EtebarianMay 1, 2026

Glass condo tower beside a row of modern BC townhouses with North Shore mountains in background

Condo vs Townhouse in BC: Costs, Strata Fees & Which Holds Value Better

Metro Vancouver condos median $665K, townhouses $1.04M. Townhouses cost 60% more overall but 25% less per square foot. Compare strata fees, appreciation, and financing across BC.

Hamidreza EtebarianApril 28, 2026

BC contractor inspecting a new home exterior for 2-5-10 warranty coverage

BC 2-5-10 New Home Warranty: What It Covers, Gaps & How to Claim

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.

Hamidreza EtebarianApril 27, 2026