Homeowner Grant
The BC Home Owner Grant, established under the BC Home Owner Grant Act and administered by the BC Ministry of Finance, reduces annual property taxes for owners who occupy their home as a principal residence. The basic grant amount and applicable phase-out threshold vary by location and assessed value; verify current dollar figures at gov.bc.ca. Enhanced grant amounts may be available for qualifying seniors, veterans, and persons with disabilities — verify current eligibility criteria with the BC Ministry of Finance. A phase-out mechanism reduces the grant for properties assessed above a published threshold, calculated at a set rate per $1,000 of assessed value over that threshold (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). Regional supplementary grant components and their continuation are subject to provincial budget decisions; verify current program details at gov.bc.ca. Application is required annually and is not applied automatically. Verify all current amounts, thresholds, and eligibility requirements at gov.bc.ca or with a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed tax professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the BC Home Owner Grant?
The BC Home Owner Grant, authorized under the Home Owner Grant Act (RSBC 1996, c. 194), reduces annual property taxes for owners who occupy their home as their principal residence. The basic grant is up to $570 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) in Metro Vancouver, the Capital Regional District, and the Fraser Valley Regional District, and up to $770 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) elsewhere in BC. Seniors (65+), veterans, and persons with disabilities may qualify for an additional grant (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). Verify current grant amounts and eligibility with a BC lawyer, notary, or the BC Ministry of Finance before acting.
Do I automatically receive the Home Owner Grant every year?
No. Under the Home Owner Grant Act and BC Ministry of Finance administration, application is required annually; the grant is not automatic. Homeowners must apply each year, typically through their municipality or when paying their property tax notice. Verify the current application process with your local government or a BC lawyer, notary, or licensed tax professional before acting.
What is the assessed value phase-out threshold for the Home Owner Grant in 2026?
For 2026, properties assessed at or below $2,075,000 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) receive the full grant; above this threshold, the grant is reduced by $5 per $1,000 of assessed value over the threshold (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), as set by the BC Ministry of Finance under the Home Owner Grant Act. This threshold is subject to annual change. Verify the current threshold and reduction formula with a BC lawyer, notary, or the BC Ministry of Finance before acting.
Can I claim the Home Owner Grant if I own a rental property?
No. The Home Owner Grant under the Home Owner Grant Act is only available to owners who occupy their home as their principal residence. Rental properties or second homes do not qualify. Verify eligibility for your specific situation with a BC lawyer, notary, or the BC Ministry of Finance before acting.
Are seniors eligible for an additional Home Owner Grant?
Yes. Under the Home Owner Grant Act and BC Ministry of Finance guidelines, seniors aged 65 or older may qualify for an additional grant beyond the basic amount (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). The additional grant is also available to veterans and persons with disabilities. Verify current additional grant amounts and eligibility criteria with a BC lawyer, notary, or the BC Ministry of Finance before acting.
What happened to the northern and rural supplementary grant for the Home Owner Grant?
BC Budget 2026 announced that the $200 northern and rural supplementary grant (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current) will be eliminated effective 2027 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). Homeowners in northern and rural areas who previously received this supplementary grant should verify the elimination date and any transition rules with a BC lawyer, notary, or the BC Ministry of Finance before acting.
How much is the Home Owner Grant reduced if my home's assessed value exceeds the threshold?
For 2026, if a home's assessed value exceeds $2,075,000 (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), the grant is reduced by $5 per $1,000 of assessed value over the threshold (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current), as set by the BC Ministry of Finance under the Home Owner Grant Act. For example, a home assessed at $2,100,000 would see a reduction of $125 (25 × $5) from the full grant amount (as of 2026-07-27 — verify current). Verify the current reduction formula and threshold with a BC lawyer, notary, or the BC Ministry of Finance before acting.
Where can I apply for the BC Home Owner Grant?
The Home Owner Grant application is typically included on your annual property tax notice or is available through your municipality's property tax office, as administered under the Home Owner Grant Act and BC Ministry of Finance guidelines. Some municipalities also offer online application portals. Verify the current application method for your municipality with your local government, a BC lawyer, or a notary before acting.
Can I claim the Home Owner Grant if I own a strata unit (condo)?
Yes, provided you occupy the strata unit as your principal residence. Under the Home Owner Grant Act, both freehold and strata property owners are eligible if they meet the residency requirement. Verify eligibility for your specific strata property and occupancy situation with a BC lawyer, notary, or the BC Ministry of Finance before acting.
What happens if I claim the Home Owner Grant but do not occupy the property as my principal residence?
Under the Home Owner Grant Act, claiming the grant when you do not occupy the property as your principal residence constitutes an improper claim and may result in repayment of the grant, penalties, and interest. The BC Ministry of Finance may audit claims and require repayment for ineligible years. Verify the principal residence requirement and audit procedures with a BC lawyer, notary, or the BC Ministry of Finance before acting.
Verify the specific statutory language, thresholds, deadlines and current guidance directly with the governing authority:
- BC Government ↗BC Government