Updated: April 2025  |  bremo.io financial guides

Closing Costs in BC: Full Breakdown Including Property Transfer Tax

British Columbia has some of the highest home prices in Canada, which makes understanding closing costs especially important. The Property Transfer Tax (PTT) is the single biggest cost for most buyers. Here is a complete breakdown of what to expect when closing in BC.

BC Property Transfer Tax (PTT)

The Property Transfer Tax applies to virtually all property transfers in BC. The rates are:

Example: On an $800,000 purchase, the PTT would be $2,000 (1% of $200,000) + $12,000 (2% of $600,000) = $14,000.

First-Time Buyer PTT Exemption

First-time buyers in BC can qualify for a full PTT exemption on homes up to $500,000. A partial exemption applies on homes between $500,000 and $525,000. To qualify:

• You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
• You must have lived in BC for at least one year immediately before the purchase
• You must never have owned a principal residence anywhere in the world
• You must occupy the home as your principal residence within 92 days of closing
• The home must be less than 00.5 hectares in size

Given Vancouver's home prices, many first-time buyers still pay full PTT because their purchase exceeds $525,000. The savings are most relevant for buyers in smaller BC markets.

Newly Built Home PTT Exemption

Buyers of newly built homes worth up to $1,100,000 may be exempt from PTT. A partial exemption applies between $1,100,000 and $1,150,000. This is separate from the first-time buyer exemption — you can be a previous homeowner and still qualify if buying new construction.

Legal Fees (Notary or Lawyer)

In BC, you can use either a notary public or a real estate lawyer for your closing. Notaries are common for straightforward residential purchases and can be slightly less expensive. Expect to pay:

• Professional fees: $1,200 to $2,200
• Disbursements and searches: $300 to $600
• Title insurance: $200 to $350

Home Inspection

Home inspections in Metro Vancouver and Victoria typically cost $500 to $800. Strata (condo) inspections may also include a review of the strata documents — budget an additional $150 to $250 for this service from your inspector or a specialist.

Property Transfer Tax on Assignments

If you are purchasing an assignment of contract (buying a pre-construction unit from the original purchaser before completion), PTT applies to the total price including the assignment fee. This is an important and often overlooked cost. See the assignment sale guide for full details.

Strata Documents Review (Condos)

If buying a strata (condo or townhouse), BC law requires sellers to provide a Form B (Information Certificate) and other strata documents. You should have a professional review these. Strata document review services typically charge $200 to $500.

GST on New Construction

New homes in BC are subject to 5% GST on the purchase price. The GST New Housing Rebate provides a partial rebate for homes under $450,000 in fair market value. For homes priced above $450,000, the rebate phases out and eventually disappears. In Metro Vancouver where most new homes far exceed $450,000, buyers effectively pay the full 5% GST — a significant cost on a $700,000 condo.

Complete Closing Cost Example: BC

Property Transfer Tax on Strata Conversions

Rental buildings converted to strata in BC may have additional PTT implications. If you are buying a unit in a recently converted building, confirm the full tax exposure with your notary or lawyer.