Property transfer tax exemptions

When you purchase or gain an interest in a property, there are many ways you may qualify to reduce the amount of tax you need to pay.

Learn more below about the available programs and the types of transfer that may qualify for an exemption.

First time home buyers’ program

If you’re purchasing your first home, you may qualify to reduce or eliminate the amount of property transfer tax you pay.

Newly built home exemption

If you’re purchasing a newly built home, you may qualify for a property transfer tax exemption.

Additional transfer tax exemption

In some circumstances, you may be exempt from the tax if you're:

• Exempt from property transfer tax
• A confirmed B.C. Provincial Nominee
• Acquiring a property on behalf of a Canadian-controlled limited partnership

Purpose-built rental exemption

Effective January 1, 2024, if you’re purchasing a new qualifying purpose-built rental building, you may qualify for an exemption from the further 2% property transfer tax on the amount of the residential property value that exceeds $3,000,000.

In addition, effective January 1, 2025 until December 31, 2030, new qualifying purpose-built rental buildings are exempt from the general property transfer tax.

Family exemptions

• Transfer of a principal residence
• Transfer of a recreational residence
• Transfer resulting from a marriage breakdown (PDF, 236KB)
• Transfer of a family farm involving individuals
• Transfer of a family farm to or from a family farm corporation

Other exemptions

• Transfer of a newly built home
• Transfer to correct a conveyancing error
• Transfer to a registered charity (PDF, 211KB)
• Registration of an agreement for sale (PDF, 236KB)
• Transfer to or from joint tenants to tenants in common (PDF, 236KB)
• Transfer following bankruptcy (PDF, 236KB)
• Transfer for subdividing property
• Registration of multiple leases on the same property (PDF, 151KB)
• Transfer for company amalgamation (PDF, 207KB)
• Transfer for escheats, reverts or forfeits to or from the Crown (PDF, 236KB)
• Transfer under the Veterans' Land Act (Canada) (PDF, 236KB)
• Transfer to minors from the Public Guardian and Trustee (PDF, 174KB)
• Transfer to First Nations
• Transfer to or from trust companies or the Public Trustee (PDF, 156KB)