Canada · Land Transfer Tax
British Columbia's property transfer tax starts at a friendly 1% but climbs to a 5% top band above $3 million, which is the steepest luxury rate in Canada and deliberately targets Vancouver's high-end market. First time buyers are exempt entirely on homes up to $835,000 (2024 thresholds), a relief worth up to $8,000. Foreign buyers face an additional 20% speculation-and-vacancy-linked burden in Metro Vancouver, so duty planning differs sharply between residents and non-residents.
Preset rates are indicative reference values only. Confirm current rates and any reliefs with your local tax authority.
Jurisdiction comparison at CA$900,000.00
British Columbia pays CA$16,000.00 (1.78%) vs British Columbia at CA$16,000.00 (1.78%).
1% to $200,000, 2% to $2m, 3% to $3m, and 5% above — a $900k home pays ~$16,000. Bands below are the standard residential buyer schedule used by the calculator.
| Property value | Rate |
|---|---|
| CAD 0.00 – CAD 200,000.00 | 1% |
| CAD 200,000.00 – CAD 2,000,000.00 | CAD 2,000.00 + 2% above CAD 200,000.00 |
| CAD 2,000,000.00 – CAD 3,000,000.00 | CAD 38,000.00 + 3% above CAD 2,000,000.00 |
| CAD 3,000,000.00+ | CAD 68,000.00 + 5% above CAD 3,000,000.00 |
Indicative figures compiled August 2026 — official source: Government of BC — property transfer tax. Rates are typically indexed or revised each financial year.
A CAD 900,000.00 purchase in British Columbia attracts about CAD 16,000.00 in land transfer tax at the standard indicative rates — an effective rate of 1.78%. BC Land Title fees are about $200–$700 depending on the property value. That makes the all-in cash requirement CAD 916,000.00 before you factor in any deposit, legal work, or moving costs. Adjust the price in the calculator to model your own number.
1% to $200,000, 2% to $2m, 3% to $3m, and 5% above — a $900k home pays ~$16,000. Rates change with legislation and vary by buyer circumstances, so treat these as planning figures and confirm the current rate with Government of BC — property transfer tax before you commit.
At the indicative rates above, a CAD 900,000.00 property attracts about CAD 16,000.00 in land transfer tax — an effective rate of 1.78%. BC Land Title fees are about $200–$700 depending on the property value.. The calculator above lets you change the price and see the result instantly.
First-time buyers: full exemption on homes up to $835,000 (partial to ~$860,000). Eligibility rules change frequently and vary by buyer type, so verify your situation with Government of BC — property transfer tax or a conveyancer.
The buyer pays the tax in essentially every case in this market. It is payable in full before or at settlement and cannot normally be added to a mortgage, so it must be part of your cash budget alongside the deposit.
How we calculate: the calculator applies the official band schedule marginally — each rate applies only to the slice of the price inside its band, exactly as the revenue authority does. Worked examples are computed with the same function.
Last reviewed: . Learn more about Nirmal Lashkari and LashkariProperties.
Disclaimer: land transfer tax rates change with legislation and vary by buyer circumstances. These are indicative planning figures, not tax advice — confirm every number with Government of BC — property transfer tax or a qualified local professional.
