Property Transfer Tax is a land registration tax imposed by the Province of BC. It must be paid any time a property changes hands at any Land Title Office in British Columbia. Property Transfer Tax is payable on the fair market value of the property being transferred.

Usually, fair market value is the purchase price. In other instances, such as where no money changes hands or the transfer did not take place in the open market, the fair market value must be determined by other means, such as an independent appraisal or by reference to the most relevant BC Assessment value.

The amount of Property Transfer Tax payable on a purchase is calculated as follows:

•    1% of the fair market value up to $200,000,
•    plus 2% on the balance.

Example:

Purchase Price  =  $450,000

Property Transfer Tax Calculation        

1% of 1st $200,000                       = $2,000
+ 2% of the balance ($250,000)    = $5,000
                      Total Tax Payable    = $7,000

Exemptions for First Time Home Buyers

Introduced in 1994, the First Time Home Buyers' Program is designed to help British Columbians purchase their first home. Under the program, eligible purchasers can claim an exemption from Property Transfer Tax if the fair market value of the home is less than the threshold amount.

Purchaser
You qualify for the exemption if:

• you are a Canadian Citizen, or a permanent resident as determined by Immigration Canada,

• you have lived in British Columbia for 12 consecutive months immediately before the date you register the property, or you have filed 2 income tax returns as a British Columbia resident during the 6 years before the date you register the property,

• you have never owned an interest in a principal residence anywhere in the world at anytime, and,

• you have never received a first time home buyers’ exemption or refund.

Property
The property you purchase qualifies if:

• the fair market value of the property is not more than the current threshold of $475,000
• the land is 0.5 hectares (1.24 acres) or smaller, and,
• the property will only be used as your principal residence.

If the property does not meet all of these requirements, you may still qualify for a partial exemption.