Additional Property Transfer Tax (Foreign Buyer PTT)

The Additional Property Transfer Tax is a 20% (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) tax imposed under the Property Transfer Tax Act, RSBC 1996, c. 378, on residential property transfers to foreign nationals, foreign corporations, or taxable trustees in specified regions of BC. This tax is separate from and in addition to the standard Property Transfer Tax. It applies in designated areas including Metro Vancouver, the Capital Regional District, the Fraser Valley Regional District, the Regional District of Central Okanagan, and the Regional District of Nanaimo (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). Verify current designated areas and rates with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed tax professional before acting.

Under the Property Transfer Tax Act, RSBC 1996, c. 378, the Additional PTT applies to foreign nationals (individuals who are not Canadian citizens or permanent residents), foreign corporations (corporations not incorporated in Canada or controlled by foreign nationals or foreign corporations), and taxable trustees (trustees of which a foreign national or foreign corporation is a beneficiary). The determination of who qualifies is fact-specific and depends on citizenship, residency status, and corporate control at the time of registration. Verify your specific status and eligibility with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed tax professional before acting.

The Additional PTT applies in designated areas specified under the Property Transfer Tax Act, RSBC 1996, c. 378, including Metro Vancouver Regional District, Capital Regional District (Greater Victoria), Fraser Valley Regional District, Regional District of Central Okanagan (Kelowna area), and Regional District of Nanaimo (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). The specific boundaries and any changes to designated areas are determined by regulation. Verify the current list of designated areas and whether a specific property falls within them with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed tax professional before acting.

Under the Property Transfer Tax Act, RSBC 1996, c. 378, the Additional PTT applies to residential property, which includes detached homes, townhouses, condominiums, and other forms of residential real property in the designated areas. Commercial property, agricultural land, and recreational property are generally not subject to the Additional PTT. Verify whether a specific property qualifies as residential and is subject to the Additional PTT with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed tax professional before acting.

The Property Transfer Tax Act, RSBC 1996, c. 378, provides certain exemptions from the Additional PTT, including for individuals who become permanent residents of Canada within a specified time after registration, certain nominees or trustees in limited circumstances, and transfers between spouses in some cases (verify current exemption criteria as of 2026-07-27). Each exemption has specific eligibility requirements and documentation obligations. Verify your eligibility for any exemption with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed tax professional before acting.

Under the Property Transfer Tax Act, RSBC 1996, c. 378, the Additional PTT is calculated as 20% (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) of the fair market value of the residential property at the time of registration. This 20% (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) is in addition to the standard PTT rates that apply to all property transfers in BC. Verify the current rate and calculation method with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed tax professional before acting.

The Additional Property Transfer Tax (Foreign Buyer PTT) was introduced through amendments to the Property Transfer Tax Act, RSBC 1996, c. 378, and came into effect on August 2, 2016 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) at an initial rate of 15% (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) in Metro Vancouver. The tax was later expanded to additional regional districts and the rate was increased to 20% (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) on February 21, 2018 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). Verify the complete legislative history and current status with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed tax professional before acting.

Under the Property Transfer Tax Act, RSBC 1996, c. 378, a refund of the Additional PTT may be available if a foreign national becomes a permanent resident of Canada within a specified time period after the property transfer is registered and meets other eligibility requirements (verify current refund period and conditions as of 2026-07-27). The refund application must be made within the prescribed timelines and supported by required documentation. Verify current refund eligibility, timelines, and application procedures with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed tax professional before acting.

Under the Property Transfer Tax Act, RSBC 1996, c. 378, the Additional PTT applies proportionally to the interest acquired by a foreign national, foreign corporation, or taxable trustee in residential property located in a designated area. If a foreign buyer acquires a 50% interest, the 20% (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) Additional PTT applies to the fair market value of that 50% interest. Verify how the tax applies to your specific ownership structure with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed tax professional before acting.

The federal Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, SC 2022, c. 10, generally prohibits non-Canadians from purchasing residential property in Canada (currently extended through January 1, 2027 as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), while the BC Additional PTT under the Property Transfer Tax Act, RSBC 1996, c. 378, imposes a 20% (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) tax on qualifying purchases in designated BC areas. Both laws may apply, and exemptions under one law do not automatically provide exemptions under the other. Verify the interaction of federal and provincial rules and any available exemptions with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed tax professional before acting.