EZtoFind.ca — Free BC Real Estate Information & Property-Search Platform
An information and property-search site by Doug LeMaire, REALTOR® of Fraser Property Management Realty Services Ltd. Search the live CREA DDF® MLS® feed, browse 240 British Columbia community profiles, and get instant answers from Doogie — an educational guide backed by 439 statute-cited glossary entries.
Practice areas & referral policy: Doug LeMaire personally represents transactions in Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley, and the Sea-to-Sky Corridor (to Whistler). Community pages and glossary content are published province-wide for research and education, but any consumer viewing a page outside those areas (Interior BC, Vancouver Island, Northern BC, the Kootenays, the Okanagan, etc.) is served by referral only through Doug's network of licensed BC REALTORS® on the appropriate local board (VIREB, IAR, KAR, BCNREB, CADREB). Doug does not personally transact real estate outside his stated practice areas. Request an out-of-area referral.
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EZtoFind.ca provides general educational information about BC real estate — not legal, tax, financial, or real estate advice. For your own situation, speak with the appropriate licensed professional: a BC lawyer or notary, an accountant or tax professional, a licensed mortgage broker, or a licensed REALTOR®.
Foreign-buyer rules, additional PTT, and what actually restricts you
Non-Canadians face specific restrictions when buying residential property in BC. This page covers what applies in 2026.
Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act (federal)
In effect since 2023 and extended to 2027. Bans most non-Canadians from buying residential real estate in Canada. Key exceptions: temporary residents (workers/students meeting specific criteria), refugees, purchases outside CMA/CA census areas, and recreational properties >1.2 hectares in certain zones. Full exception list: canada.ca.
BC Additional Property Transfer Tax (foreign buyer PTT)
20% additional PTT applies to foreign nationals purchasing residential property in specific BC areas: Metro Vancouver Regional District, Capital Regional District, Fraser Valley Regional District, Regional District of Central Okanagan, Regional District of Nanaimo. This is on top of the standard PTT.
BC Speculation and Vacancy Tax
Annual tax on residential property owners in taxable areas. Rate: 0.5% (Canadian citizens/PRs) or 2% (foreign owners/satellite families). Applies to Metro Vancouver, Capital, Fraser Valley, Central Okanagan, Nanaimo Regional Districts + specific municipalities.
Underused Housing Tax (federal)
1% federal tax on vacant/underused residential property owned by non-resident non-Canadians. Annual UHT return required even if exempt.
Getting mortgage-approved as a newcomer
Several Canadian lenders have specific newcomer programs (up to 35% down, 5-year international credit-history recognition). Ask a licensed BC mortgage broker for current 2026 program terms.
Educational information only — not legal, tax, financial, or real-estate advice. Doug LeMaire, REALTOR® · BCFSA #167790 · Fraser Property Management Realty Services Ltd. Not intended to solicit or induce an agreement already in place.
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