A plain-English walkthrough of buying a home in British Columbia: what it costs, what the rules are, and what to do at each step.用通俗易懂的语言,带你了解在卑诗省(BC)买房:要花多少钱、有哪些规则,以及每一步该怎么做。
Figures and rules checked October 2026. Rules and thresholds change, so confirm key numbers with the sources listed at the end before you sign anything.数据和规则核查于2026年10月。规则和门槛会变化,在签署任何文件之前,请与文末列出的官方来源核对关键数字。
Buying a home is easier when you know your numbers first. Spend an hour on these basics before you look at a single listing.
Are you ready to buy?
Your monthly housing budget
Lenders look at two ratios. You don't need to calculate them exactly, but it helps to know the targets.
Ratio
What it means
Typical limit
GDS
Mortgage, property tax, heat, and half of strata fees as a share of gross income
about 39%
TDS
All of the above plus every other debt payment (car, student loans, cards)
about 44%
Good to know
Being approved for a large amount does not mean you should borrow it. Build your own budget that leaves room for travel, repairs and savings.
Chapter 2
Money and mortgages
This is where most of the rules live. Here is how down payments, insurance and the mortgage stress test work in Canada right now.
Minimum down payment
Purchase price
Minimum down payment
Up to $500,000
5% of the price
$500,000 to $1.5 million
5% of the first $500,000 plus 10% of the amount above $500,000
$1.5 million or more
20% of the price
Example: on a $1.2 million home you need $25,000 (5% of $500,000) plus $70,000 (10% of $700,000), so $95,000 in total.
Mortgage default insurance
If you put down less than 20%, your mortgage must be insured (by CMHC, Sagen or Canada Guaranty). The premium is a percentage of your mortgage and is usually added to the loan.
Down payment
Premium (of the mortgage)
5% to 9.99%
4.00%
10% to 14.99%
3.10%
15% to 19.99%
2.80%
An extra 0.20% applies if you choose a 30-year amortization. Premiums are typical published rates; ask your lender for your exact figure.
BC surprise: PST on the premium
BC charges 7% provincial sales tax on the insurance premium, and it can't be added to your mortgage. You pay it in cash on closing day.
Amortization: 25 or 30 years?
A longer amortization lowers your monthly payment but costs more interest over time. Thirty-year insured mortgages are available to first-time buyers and to buyers of newly built homes. Everyone else is limited to 25 years when putting less than 20% down.
The stress test
Lenders must check that you could still pay if rates rose. You must qualify at your contract rate plus 2 percentage points, or 5.25%, whichever is higher. A pre-approval will confirm what you qualify for.
First-time buyer programs and savings tools
Program
What you get
BC First Time Home Buyers' Program
Full property transfer tax exemption up to $835,000, partial up to $860,000 (worth up to $8,000)
First Home Savings Account (FHSA)
Save up to $8,000 a year, $40,000 lifetime. Contributions are tax-deductible and withdrawals for a first home are tax-free
RRSP Home Buyers' Plan
Borrow up to $60,000 from your own RRSP (each partner can), repaid over time
First-Time Home Buyers' Tax Credit
$1,500 federal non-refundable credit
GST rebate on new homes
Enhanced rebate for first-time buyers of qualifying new homes, with full relief for homes up to $1 million, phasing out toward $1.5 million. Check the CRA for current terms
Who counts as a "first-time buyer" in BC?
For the property transfer tax exemption you generally must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, have lived in BC for 12 months (or filed two BC tax returns in the last six years), and never have owned a home you lived in anywhere in the world. Mortgage rules use a different, wider definition, so check each program separately.
BC does not currently offer a provincial down payment loan or grant program.
Chapter 3
Types of property
What you own, and what you are responsible for, depends on the type of property.
Freehold (detached, duplex, townhouse on its own lot)
You own the building and the land. You are responsible for all maintenance and repairs. There are no strata fees, but you carry the full cost of a new roof or a leaking foundation.
Strata (condo, or townhouse in a strata corporation)
You own your unit and share ownership of common areas. You pay monthly strata fees and may face special levies. The strata council makes decisions and enforces bylaws. See Chapter 8.
Pre-sale (buying before it's built)
You sign a contract for a unit that doesn't exist yet. Developers must give you a disclosure statement, and you have a 7-day right to cancel after receiving it. Completion dates can move, prices on paper may change at completion if the appraisal comes in low, and deposits are held in trust. Have a lawyer review the contract before you sign.
Leasehold
You own the right to use the property for a fixed term (often 99 years) but not the land itself. Remaining lease length affects value and financing. Many lenders are cautious, so confirm financing before you commit.
Manufactured home
If the home sits in a park, you often own the home but rent the pad. Look into pad rent, park rules, and whether lenders will finance the home. If it's on its own land, it may be treated more like freehold.
Co-op or cooperative housing
You buy a share in a corporation that owns the building, not the unit itself. Financing is specialized, and the co-op board often approves buyers.
Chapter 4
Where to buy: Metro Vancouver cities
Where you buy shapes your daily life and your budget. Here are five of the region's biggest cities, the neighbourhoods buyers like most, and why.
Read this first
This chapter is a general introduction, not a market report. Prices, transit projects and neighbourhood character change, so always check recent sales and visit in person before you decide.
At a glance
City
Known for
Common homes
Transit
Price level
Vancouver
Beaches, downtown, culture, walkability
Condos, townhouses, older detached
Expo, Millennium and Canada Lines; frequent buses
Highest
Burnaby
Central location, shopping, big parks
High-rise condos, townhouses, detached on slopes
Expo and Millennium Lines
High
Richmond
Food, flat streets, waterfront, near the airport
Condos, townhouses, detached
Canada Line
High
Coquitlam
Mountains, lakes, family living
Condos near SkyTrain, townhouses, large uphill homes
Millennium Line (Evergreen Extension), West Coast Express
Mid to high
Surrey
Space, new construction, fast growth
Detached, townhouses, condos
Expo Line to King George; Surrey-Langley line under construction
Generally the lowest of the five
Price level is a rough relative guide. Compare current sold prices in the neighbourhoods you like.
Vancouver
The region's urban heart: beaches, seawall paths, mountain views, and the most walkable neighbourhoods. Detached homes are very expensive, so many buyers choose condos or townhouses.
Kitsilano. Beaches, shops along West 4th, cycling routes, and a quick trip downtown. People like the active, social lifestyle.
Mount Pleasant. Breweries, cafes, galleries and good transit along Main Street. It suits buyers who want a creative, lively neighbourhood. A subway extension along Broadway is being built nearby.
Kerrisdale and Dunbar. Quiet, tree-lined west-side streets, larger lots and well-regarded schools. Popular with families, and priced accordingly.
Yaletown, Coal Harbour and downtown. Condo living with the seawall, restaurants and offices on your doorstep. Many residents go without a car.
Marpole and South Vancouver. Relatively more affordable by Vancouver standards, with Canada Line access and ongoing redevelopment.
East Vancouver (Commercial Drive, Hastings-Sunrise). Diverse food, local shops, arts and parks, with a tight-knit feel.
Burnaby
Sitting between Vancouver and the suburbs, Burnaby is well connected by SkyTrain and has lots of green space, including Burnaby Lake and Deer Lake.
Metrotown. A major shopping and dining hub with high-rise condos beside the SkyTrain. Everything is within walking distance, and it's busy and urban.
Brentwood. Newer towers around a large shopping and dining centre, with fast SkyTrain links to Vancouver. Popular with buyers wanting modern buildings.
Burnaby Heights. A village feel along Hastings Street, with cafes, older homes and North Shore mountain views.
Edmonds. SkyTrain access and a diverse range of shops and restaurants, often with better value than neighbourhoods closer to Vancouver.
Deer Lake and Burnaby Lake area. Trails, lakes and quieter streets that appeal to families who want nature close to the city.
Burnaby Mountain (UniverCity). A forested campus community around Simon Fraser University, with views and trails.
Richmond
An island city with flat terrain, which makes it easy for walking and cycling. Known for its outstanding Asian food scene, and it's close to the airport and the Canada Line.
City Centre (Brighouse, Aberdeen, Lansdowne). Condos beside the Canada Line, major shopping centres, and a huge choice of restaurants. It's the most convenient area, and busy.
Steveston. A historic fishing village with a boardwalk, fresh seafood and a small-town feel. Charming and popular, with prices to match.
Broadmoor. Central and family-oriented, with detached homes, parks and well-regarded schools.
Terra Nova. Dyke trails along the Fraser River, parks and quiet streets. Good for walking, running and family living.
Hamilton. A newer, growing area with townhouses and fresh amenities, often at lower prices than central Richmond.
Richmond buyer checks
Richmond is low-lying. Ask about flood protection and soil conditions, and check aircraft noise if you're near the airport flight paths.
Coquitlam
Mountains, lakes and trails on your doorstep, with a strong family focus. Transit has improved a lot since the Evergreen Extension opened.
Burquitlam. Condo and townhouse redevelopment around the SkyTrain, with quick links to Burnaby and Vancouver. Good for commuters.
Coquitlam Town Centre. A major shopping centre, Lafarge Lake, a library and recreation facilities, all walkable from a SkyTrain station.
Westwood Plateau. Large family homes, a golf course and mountain views. Peaceful, but you will want a car.
Maillardville. A neighbourhood with French-Canadian heritage, local events and generally more modest home prices, with older homes and gradual redevelopment.
Burke Mountain. Newer family neighbourhoods surrounded by forest and trails. Spacious and quiet, and mostly car-dependent.
Surrey
One of BC's fastest-growing cities and the biggest in Metro Vancouver by area. Buyers often come for more space and value, and neighbourhoods vary widely.
City Centre (Whalley). A fast-growing downtown with towers, a university campus and SkyTrain stations. The best car-light option in Surrey.
Guildford. A central location with a large shopping centre and easy access to Highway 1. A mix of housing types and prices.
Fleetwood. Family-friendly with parks and schools, and generally good value. A SkyTrain extension is planned along Fraser Highway.
Newton. One of the region's most diverse communities, with great food, a busy transit hub and relatively more affordable housing.
Cloverdale. A small-town feel with a historic main street, farmland nearby and the annual rodeo. Buyers like the character and open space.
South Surrey and White Rock. The Semiahmoo peninsula has beaches, the White Rock pier, Crescent Beach and golf, with an easygoing seaside lifestyle. Prices are higher than elsewhere in Surrey.
How to choose
Match the city to your budget
The first-time buyer exemption applies to homes of $835,000 or less (Chapter 9). In much of Vancouver, that mostly means condos or townhouses. In parts of Surrey and Coquitlam, your budget may reach further. Check what recent sales show in each area.
For current prices, look at the monthly statistics published by the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (covering Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond and Coquitlam) and the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (covering Surrey).
Chapter 5
Build your team
You don't have to hire every one of these, but most buyers want at least the first three.
Who
What they do
Mortgage broker or bank lender
Gets you pre-approved, explains your options, and finds you a rate. A broker compares several lenders for you.
Realtor (licensed)
Finds properties, advises on price, writes your offer, and negotiates. In BC, they must explain who they work for (see below).
Lawyer or notary
Searches title, registers the transfer, prepares closing documents and moves the money. Notaries cover residential conveyancing; lawyers can handle more complex issues.
Home inspector (licensed)
Checks the property's condition and gives you a written report. BC home inspectors must be licensed.
Insurance broker
Arranges home insurance, which lenders require before closing.
Understand "agency"
Before you sign an agreement with a realtor, they must explain in writing who they represent and what services they will provide. Ask questions until you are comfortable.
You can verify a realtor's or home inspector's licence on the BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) website.
Chapter 6
The buying process, step by step
Here is the usual order of events from first idea to move-in day.
Get pre-approvedYour lender confirms how much you can borrow and holds a rate for a period (often 90 to 120 days).
Choose your teamInterview a realtor or two and line up a lawyer or notary before you make an offer.
Search and viewUse the viewing checklist in Chapter 12. Check recent sold prices nearby so you know what is fair.
Make an offerYour realtor prepares a Contract of Purchase and Sale with your price, deposit, conditions (subjects) and dates.
Seller acceptsOnce signed by both sides, you have a binding contract. The 3-business-day rescission period starts the next day.
Complete your subjectsInspection, financing, strata documents, insurance and any other conditions. When all are satisfied you remove them in writing.
Sign closing documentsWith your lawyer or notary a few days before completion. You'll sign the mortgage, the transfer and a statement of adjustments.
Send your closing fundsThe remaining down payment, taxes, fees and adjustments go to your lawyer or notary's trust account before completion day.
Completion and possessionThe transfer is filed at the Land Title Office. Once it registers and funds are released, you get the keys, usually on possession day.
Key dates in your contract
Date
Meaning
Subject removal date
Deadline to complete conditions or walk away
Completion date
The day you pay in full and the transfer is filed
Possession date
When you can move in
Adjustment date
The day you start paying property tax, strata fees and utilities
Chapter 7
Making an offer
An accepted offer is a legal contract, so know what you are agreeing to.
What goes into an offer
Price. What you'll pay. Your realtor should show comparable sales to support it.
Deposit. Often 5% of the price, held in trust by the listing brokerage. It is credited to the price at closing.
Subjects (conditions). Things that must happen for the deal to proceed. Common ones: financing, home inspection, strata document review, insurance, and appraisal.
Dates. Subject removal, completion, possession and adjustment.
Inclusions and exclusions. Appliances, window coverings, light fixtures. Put them in writing.
Think carefully before waiving subjects
In hot markets, offers with no subjects can win. But if your financing or inspection fails, you could lose your deposit or face legal action. Only waive conditions you've already satisfied, for example, a pre-inspection you've reviewed or financing already approved for that property.
The 3-business-day rescission period
Since January 2023, BC buyers of most residential properties have the right to cancel within three business days after an offer is accepted. Weekends and holidays don't count, and the right can't be waived.
You must give the seller written notice before the period ends.
You pay the seller a fee of 0.25% of the purchase price (for example, $2,500 on a $1 million home).
It runs at the same time as your subject periods, not instead of them.
Some property types, such as pre-sale contracts, follow separate rules.
Buyer beware: disclosure in BC
BC sellers generally aren't required to complete a property disclosure statement, though many do. Sellers cannot hide or lie about known "latent defects" (hidden problems that make a home unsafe or unfit to live in). Always get your own inspection.
Chapter 8
Buying a condo or townhouse (strata)
With strata, you're buying into a community's finances, not just a unit. Reading the documents is essential.
Documents to request
Form B (Information Certificate). Current fees, special levies, legal claims, insurance and rental or pet restrictions.
Minutes. Typically at least two years of council and general meeting minutes. They reveal repairs, disputes and upcoming costs.
Financial statements and budget. Look at the contingency reserve fund (CRF), the savings for big repairs.
Bylaws and rules. Rentals, pets, age restrictions, short-term rental bans, moving rules.
Depreciation report. An expert forecast of major repairs and their cost. Ask whether one exists and when it was done.
Insurance details. The strata's deductible matters, because you may be charged for it if the problem starts in your unit.
Red flags in strata documents
A low contingency fund compared with the building's age and size
Repeated special levies or talk of a large upcoming one
Ongoing water-ingress, envelope or elevator problems in the minutes
Legal disputes involving the strata
Bylaws that conflict with how you plan to use the unit (rentals, pets)
Make strata document review a subject in your offer, and get your realtor or lawyer to read the documents with you.
Chapter 9
Closing costs and taxes
Closing costs are the money beyond your down payment. In BC the biggest one is the property transfer tax.
Property transfer tax (PTT)
PTT is a one-time provincial tax paid when the transfer is registered at the Land Title Office. It is calculated in tiers, like income tax.
Portion of fair market value
Rate
First $200,000
1%
$200,000 to $2,000,000
2%
$2,000,000 to $3,000,000
3%
Over $3,000,000 (residential portion)
5%
Foreign buyers pay an additional 20% in designated areas (see Chapter 10).
Exemptions
First-time buyers: exempt on the first $500,000 for homes of $835,000 or less (a saving of up to $8,000). The exemption shrinks gradually between $835,000 and $860,000 and disappears at $860,000.
Newly built homes: full exemption up to $1.1 million, shrinking to nothing at $1.15 million. You do not need to be a first-time buyer, but you generally must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
You generally apply one exemption or the other to a single purchase. Your lawyer or notary will confirm which is better for you.
Property transfer tax calculator
Tax before exemption$0
Exemption$0
You pay$0
An estimate for BC residents. It assumes the price equals fair market value and doesn't include the foreign-buyer tax.
Other costs to budget for
Cost
Typical amount
Legal or notary fees and disbursements
$1,000 to $2,500
Title insurance
$200 to $400
Home inspection
$500 to $900 (more for large or older homes)
Appraisal (if the lender requires)
$300 to $600
PST on mortgage insurance premium
7% of the premium, paid in cash
GST on new homes
5% of the price (rebates may apply)
Adjustments
You reimburse the seller for property tax or strata fees they've prepaid
Home insurance
Depends on home and location
Moving costs and strata move-in fees
Varies; some stratas charge deposits
Land title registration fees
A few hundred dollars
Amounts are rough ranges to help you plan. Ask for written quotes.
Chapter 10
BC-specific rules to know
British Columbia has a few rules you won't find in every province.
Foreign buyer rules
Federal ban: non-Canadians (people who aren't citizens or permanent residents) are barred from buying most residential property in cities and larger urban areas. The ban is scheduled to run to January 1, 2027, so confirm whether it has been extended.
BC additional property transfer tax: an extra 20% applies to foreign nationals and foreign corporations buying residential property in designated areas, including Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, the Capital Regional District, the Central Okanagan, and Nanaimo. Exemptions exist, for example for some workers and refugees.
Speculation and vacancy tax
Applies in certain larger urban areas. Owners must make a declaration each year. If the home is your principal residence, you're generally exempt. Rates are much higher for foreign owners and untaxed worldwide earners. The foreign rate is rising from 3% to 4% starting with the 2027 tax year.
Additional school tax
High-value homes pay extra school tax. Starting with the 2027 tax year, rates rise to 0.3% on the value between $3 million and $4 million, and 0.6% above $4 million.
Annual property tax and the Home Owner Grant
Property tax is set by your municipality and based on BC Assessment's value of your home. If it's your principal residence, you can claim the Home Owner Grant, currently $570 for the regular grant, which reduces your bill. Seniors, people with disabilities and some others may qualify for more or for deferment programs.
Land title system
BC uses a Torrens land title system run by the Land Title and Survey Authority (LTSA). A title search shows the registered owner and any charges such as mortgages, easements, rights-of-way and covenants. Your lawyer or notary reviews it. Title insurance adds protection against fraud and some errors.
Regulator and consumer protection
The BC Financial Services Authority (BCFSA) licenses realtors and home inspectors and handles complaints. If you have a concern about a licensee's conduct, start there.
Chapter 11
After you buy
Your keys are only the beginning. Here is what to do in the first few weeks, and what to expect each year.
Move-in checklist
Ongoing costs
Mortgage payments (and renewal every few years)
Property tax, plus utilities
Home insurance (and earthquake coverage, which is usually separate)
Strata fees if applicable
Maintenance: set aside around 1% of the home's value per year for freehold homes
Earthquake and flood
Standard policies often exclude earthquake damage, and overland flood coverage varies by location. Ask your insurance broker what's covered.
Chapter 12
Checklists, glossary and resources
Viewing checklist
Glossary
Amortization
The total number of years it would take to pay off your mortgage.
Adjustments
Reimbursements between buyer and seller for prepaid costs such as property tax and strata fees.
Completion date
The day you pay in full and the transfer is filed at the Land Title Office.
Contingency reserve fund (CRF)
A strata's savings account for major repairs.
Contract of Purchase and Sale
The legal agreement between buyer and seller.
Fair market value
What a property would likely sell for in an open market. Used to calculate property transfer tax.
Latent defect
A hidden problem that can't be found by a reasonable inspection and makes the home unsafe or unfit to live in.
Pre-approval
A lender's estimate of what you can borrow, usually with a rate hold. Not a final approval.
Special levy
An extra charge a strata corporation requires owners to pay for repairs or projects.
Subject (condition)
A clause that must be satisfied or removed before the contract becomes firm.
Title
Your legal ownership of the property, recorded at the Land Title Office.
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The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.