BC property transfer tax
The tax on buying, with first-time buyer and new home exemptions.
Estimated property transfer tax
$0
- Tax before exemptions
- $7,500
- Exemption
- $7,500 (first-time)
How the tax adds up
- 1% on $0 to $200,000$2,000
- 2% on $200,000 to $475,000$5,500
What this means
Property transfer tax is BC's tax on buying property. It's due when the sale registers, so it comes out of your savings, not the mortgage.
You need to move in within 92 days and live there to keep an exemption.
Estimates only. This isn't advice, a rate quote or a pre-approval. Your real numbers depend on your lender and your approval. Your lawyer or notary files the return and confirms the final amount.
Rules last verified: November 3, 2026
Sources and assumptions
- gov.bc.ca, Property transfer tax rates (updated 2025-12-03)
- gov.bc.ca, First time home buyers' exemption, current amount (updated 2025-12-03)
- gov.bc.ca, Newly built home exemption amounts (updated 2025-12-03)
- Assumes a fully residential property of 0.5 hectares or less, bought by eligible buyers holding 100% of the interest.
- The additional 20% tax for foreign buyers doesn't apply in the Kootenay Boundary or Central Kootenay regional districts.
- Where you'd qualify for both exemptions, the calculator shows the larger one. Confirm with your lawyer or notary.
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