BC Property Transfer Tax
Calculator
Calculate your property transfer tax, check exemption eligibility, and see exactly what you'll owe on closing day in British Columbia.
Base Property Transfer Tax
Total Property Transfer Tax
$0
Enter a purchase price to see your estimate
Results are estimates based on current BC property transfer tax rates. Exemption eligibility has additional requirements not captured by this calculator. Consult a lawyer or notary for advice specific to your situation.
How Property Transfer Tax Works in BC
Property transfer tax (PTT) is a provincial tax paid every time a property changes ownership in British Columbia. It's due on the completion date of your purchase — the day the title legally transfers to your name.
Your lawyer or notary will calculate and collect the PTT as part of your closing costs, then remit it directly to the BC government. This is a one-time cost — you don't pay it annually like property taxes.
The tax is calculated on a tiered percentage basis — similar to income tax brackets. Lower portions of the purchase price are taxed at lower rates, with higher portions taxed at progressively higher rates.
Good news: BC offers exemptions for first-time home buyers and newly built homes that can significantly reduce or eliminate your PTT. Keep reading to see if you qualify.
BC Property Transfer Tax Rates (2026)
| Purchase Price Portion | Tax Rate | Example ($1M) |
|---|---|---|
| First $200,000 | 1% | $2,000 |
| $200,001 to $2,000,000 | 2% | $16,000 |
| $2,000,001 to $3,000,000 | 3% | — |
| Over $3,000,000 | 5% | — |
| Total PTT on $1M | — | $18,000 |
The 5% rate on amounts over $3,000,000 applies only to residential properties. Commercial properties are taxed at 1% on the first $200,000 and 2% on the remainder, regardless of price.
First-Time Home Buyer Exemption
If you've never owned a home anywhere in the world, you may qualify for BC's first-time home buyer PTT exemption. This can eliminate your entire property transfer tax on homes up to $835,000.
Eligibility Requirements
Exemption Thresholds
The FTHB exemption saves you up to $8,000 — equivalent to the PTT on the first $500,000 of the purchase price. If your home is between $835,000 and $860,000, the exemption is proportionally reduced on a sliding scale. Use the calculator above to see your exact exemption amount.
Newly Built Home Exemption
Buying a brand-new home? You may qualify for BC's newly built home exemption, which offers a full PTT exemption on new homes up to $1,100,000 and a partial exemption between $1,100,000 and $1,150,000.
This exemption can be combined with the first-time home buyer exemption. If you're a first-time buyer purchasing a newly built home, you could receive both exemptions — up to $8,000 from the FTHB exemption plus additional savings from the newly built home exemption.
Eligibility Requirements
Exemption Thresholds
Tip: If you're buying a pre-sale (presale) property, you may also qualify for a GST New Home Rebate, which can save you additional money on your purchase.
Foreign Buyer Additional Tax
Foreign nationals and foreign-controlled corporations must pay an additional 20% tax on the fair market value of residential property in designated areas of BC, which includes the Metro Vancouver Regional District, the Fraser Valley Regional District (including Surrey), and several other regions.
This is in addition to the regular property transfer tax. On a $1,000,000 home, the foreign buyer tax alone would add $200,000 to your closing costs.
Example — $1M Home (Foreign Buyer)
Exemptions may apply if you're a permanent resident, a provincial nominee, or a refugee. If you become a permanent resident or Canadian citizen within one year of the property transfer, you may apply for a refund of the foreign buyer tax.
PTT at Different Price Points
Here's how property transfer tax compares across common Surrey price points, including potential exemption savings:
| Purchase Price | Base PTT | With FTHB Exemption | With New Build Exemption |
|---|---|---|---|
| $500,000 | $8,000 | $0 (exempt) | $0 (exempt) |
| $750,000 | $13,000 | $13,000 | $0 (exempt) |
| $1,000,000 | $18,000 | $18,000 | $18,000 |
| $1,500,000 | $28,000 | $28,000 | $28,000 |
| $2,000,000 | $38,000 | $38,000 | $38,000 |
FTHB = first-time home buyer. Exemption savings assume all eligibility criteria are met. Actual savings may vary.
Need Help Understanding Your Closing Costs?
Property transfer tax is just one part of your closing costs. I'll walk you through everything — PTT, legal fees, title insurance, and more — so there are no surprises on completion day.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is property transfer tax in BC?
BC property transfer tax is calculated on a tiered basis: 1% on the first $200,000, 2% on the portion from $200,001 to $2,000,000, 3% on the portion from $2,000,001 to $3,000,000, and 5% on amounts over $3,000,000 (residential properties). On a $1,000,000 home, the PTT is $18,000.
Do first-time buyers pay property transfer tax in BC?
First-time home buyers who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents may qualify for a full PTT exemption of up to $8,000 on properties with a fair market value of $835,000 or less. Properties between $835,000 and $860,000 receive a sliding scale partial exemption. Above $860,000, no first-time buyer exemption applies.
When is property transfer tax due in BC?
Property transfer tax is due on the completion date of your purchase — the day the property legally transfers to your name. Your lawyer or notary will collect the PTT as part of the closing costs and remit it to the BC government on your behalf.
Can I get a PTT refund in BC?
In some cases, yes. If you paid PTT but later discover you were eligible for an exemption you didn't claim, you can apply for a refund. You can also get a refund if the property transfer is cancelled or the purchase price is reduced. Applications must be made within 18 months.
Is property transfer tax different for foreign buyers?
Yes. Foreign nationals and foreign-controlled corporations must pay an additional 20% foreign buyer tax on top of the regular PTT. On a $1,000,000 property, this adds $200,000 to your closing costs. Some exemptions exist for permanent residents and provincial nominees.
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