To qualify for the full PTT exemption, you must meet all of the following conditions:
You are a First-Time Home Buyer: You have never owned an interest in a principal residence anywhere in the world at any time.
You are a Canadian Citizen or Permanent Resident: You must be a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.
You have Lived in BC for 12 Months: You must have lived in British Columbia for the 12 consecutive months immediately before the date you register the property, or have filed at least 2 income tax returns as a BC resident in the last 6 years.
The Home is Your Principal Residence: You must move into the home as your principal residence within 92 days of the registration date and live there for at least one year.
The Purchase Price is Within the Threshold:
Full Exemption: The fair market value must be $835,000 or less.
Partial Exemption: The fair market value is more than $835,000 but less than $860,000. The exemption is reduced proportionally.
No Exemption: If the fair market value is $860,000 or more, you pay the full PTT.
Additional Eligibility for the Newly Built Home Exemption:
If the home is a brand-new build (has never been occupied), you may be eligible for a full exemption on homes up to $1,100,000. The partial exemption phases out for new homes valued between $1,100,000 and $1,115,000.
You do NOT need to be a first-time home buyer for this exemption.
You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and must live in the home as your principal residence for the first year.