Court Ordered Sale
What is Court Ordered Sale in British Columbia?

Key Points
- What is a Court Ordered Sale in British Columbia?
- How does bidding work at a court approval-of-sale hearing?
- What deposit is typically required for a Court Ordered Sale?
- Can I include subject clauses (financing or inspection) in a Court Ordered Sale offer?
- What does 'as-is' mean in a Court Ordered Sale?
A Court Ordered Sale is a stage in a BC foreclosure proceeding conducted through the BC Supreme Court. After a court issues an Order Nisi and the applicable redemption period expires, the mortgagee may apply to list the property for sale subject to court approval. Interested buyers typically submit offers with the understanding that the accepted offer will be presented at a court approval-of-sale hearing, where competing offers may be tendered; the court retains discretion to approve whichever offer it considers acceptable, regardless of which was originally accepted. Deposit requirements and subject-removal conditions are commonly required before the hearing — verify specific terms with a BC lawyer or notary, as they vary by court order. The property is generally conveyed on an as-is basis, with no seller disclosure obligations typical of a standard transaction. These proceedings differ materially from a conventional MLS® sale; buyers and licensees should review the governing court order carefully and seek independent legal advice before submitting an offer.
General information only — not legal, financial, tax, or real-estate advice. For your situation consult a licensed BC REALTOR®, lawyer, notary, or accountant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a Court Ordered Sale in British Columbia?
A Court Ordered Sale is the final stage of a foreclosure proceeding conducted under the Supreme Court Civil Rules, B.C. Reg. 168/2009, Rule 21-7 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). After the court issues an Order Nisi and the redemption period expires without payment, the property is listed for sale subject to court approval at a scheduled approval-of-sale hearing. The court may approve the highest acceptable offer presented at the hearing, even if it differs from the original accepted contract. Verify procedural details and timelines with a BC lawyer before participating in or relying on a court-ordered sale process.
How does bidding work at a court approval-of-sale hearing?
At the approval hearing conducted under Supreme Court Civil Rules Rule 21-7 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), competing offers may be tendered in open court even if an accepted offer has already been submitted. The court has discretion to approve the highest acceptable offer regardless of the original contract terms. All bidders at the hearing must typically be prepared to tender a deposit immediately upon acceptance, and the process differs materially from a standard MLS® transaction. Verify specific hearing procedures and deposit requirements with a BC lawyer before attending or submitting an offer.
What deposit is typically required for a Court Ordered Sale?
Court Ordered Sale transactions commonly require a substantial deposit, often in the range of 5–10% of the purchase price (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), though the exact percentage is set by court order or the terms of sale approved by the court. The deposit is usually required to be paid in certified funds before or at the approval hearing, and subjects must be removed prior to court approval. Verify the specific deposit amount, form, and timing for any particular court sale with a BC lawyer, as these terms vary by court order.
Can I include subject clauses (financing or inspection) in a Court Ordered Sale offer?
Standard Court Ordered Sale terms typically require removal of all subject clauses before the court approval hearing under Supreme Court Civil Rules Rule 21-7 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). The court generally will not approve an offer conditional on financing, inspection, or other subjects because the sale must be certain and the property conveyed 'as-is.' Buyers should complete all inspections and obtain financing pre-approval before submitting or bidding at the hearing. Verify the specific terms of sale and whether any subjects are permitted with a BC lawyer before making an offer.
What does 'as-is' mean in a Court Ordered Sale?
'As-is' means the property is sold in its current condition without warranties or representations about its state, and the seller (typically the court-appointed receiver or foreclosing creditor) provides no recourse for defects, title issues, or compliance with bylaws or statutes. Under Supreme Court Civil Rules Rule 21-7 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), the court's approval is of the sale transaction, not a guarantee of condition or title. Buyers should conduct their own independent inspections, title searches, and due diligence before committing to purchase. Verify what due diligence is advisable and what disclosures, if any, are available with a BC lawyer or notary.
Who pays the real estate commission in a Court Ordered Sale?
In a Court Ordered Sale conducted under Supreme Court Civil Rules Rule 21-7 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), the commission is typically paid from the sale proceeds and deducted before distribution to creditors, as specified in the court order approving the sale or the listing authorization. The buyer does not usually pay the commission directly. Verify the specific terms of the court order and how proceeds will be distributed with a BC lawyer, as commission arrangements and priority of payments are governed by the court's directions.
How long does the redemption period last before a Court Ordered Sale can proceed?
The redemption period is set by the court in the Order Nisi under Supreme Court Civil Rules Rule 21-7 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) and varies depending on the circumstances of the foreclosure. Common redemption periods range from one month to one year, during which the borrower may pay all amounts owing to redeem the property. Only after the redemption period expires without redemption may the court authorize a sale. Verify the specific redemption period and key dates for any foreclosure proceeding with a BC lawyer, as these are case-specific.
Can the original borrower or owner stop a Court Ordered Sale?
Under Supreme Court Civil Rules Rule 21-7 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), the borrower may redeem the property by paying all amounts owing (principal, interest, costs) before the redemption period expires, which stops the sale process. After the redemption period expires, the borrower generally loses the right to redeem, though the court retains discretion in exceptional circumstances. The borrower may also apply to the court to set aside or vary prior orders if there are grounds to do so. Verify redemption rights, amounts owing, and available remedies with a BC lawyer immediately if facing foreclosure.
What happens to existing tenants in a Court Ordered Sale property?
Existing tenancies are generally subject to the Residential Tenancy Act, SBC 2002, c. 78 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), and a Court Ordered Sale does not automatically terminate a valid tenancy agreement. The purchaser typically takes title subject to existing tenancies unless the court order or terms of sale specify otherwise, and proper notice under the RTA is required to end a tenancy. Buyers should verify the tenancy status, rent rolls, and compliance with the RTA before bidding. Verify tenant rights and purchaser obligations with a BC lawyer or licensed property manager before completing a purchase.
Are there property transfer tax (PTT) implications for a Court Ordered Sale?
A Court Ordered Sale is a registrable conveyance subject to property transfer tax under the Property Transfer Tax Act, RSBC 1996, c. 378 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), calculated on the fair market value or purchase price, whichever is higher. First-Time Home Buyer and Newly Built Home exemptions may apply if the purchaser meets all statutory eligibility criteria, and the Additional PTT (foreign buyer tax) may apply if the purchaser is not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident. The federal Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, SC 2022, c. 10 (extended through January 1, 2027 — verify current), may also prohibit or restrict non-Canadian purchases. Verify PTT liability, exemptions, and federal restrictions with a BC notary, lawyer, or the BC Ministry of Finance before completing the transaction.
Verify the specific statutory language, thresholds, deadlines and current guidance directly with the governing authority:
- BC Laws — Supreme Court Civil Rules (B.C. Reg. 168/2009) ↗BC Laws — Supreme Court Civil Rules (B.C. Reg. 168/2009)
- BC Supreme Court — Practice Direction 66 (Foreclosure Proceedings) ↗BC Supreme Court — Practice Direction 66 (Foreclosure Proceedings)
- Land Title Act (RSBC 1996, c. 250) ↗Province of British Columbia — BC Laws
- Property Law Act (RSBC 1996, c. 377) ↗Province of British Columbia — BC Laws
- Land Title and Survey Authority of BC (LTSA) ↗Land Title and Survey Authority of British Columbia