How is Property Transfer Tax calculated in BC?

The general PTT rate is 1% on the first $200,000 of fair market value, 2% on the portion between $200,000 and $2,000,000, and 3% on the portion above $2,000,000. If the property is residential and worth more than $3,000,000, a further 2% applies to the residential value above $3,000,000.

How much can a First Time Home Buyer save on PTT in BC?

Qualifying first-time buyers can receive a full exemption — worth up to $8,000 — on homes with a fair market value of $835,000 or less, with the exemption applied to the first $500,000 of the price. A partial, sliding-scale exemption applies between $835,000 and $860,000, and no exemption is available above $860,000.

Who qualifies for the First Time Home Buyers' PTT exemption?

You generally qualify if you are a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, have never owned an interest in a principal residence anywhere in the world, have lived in BC for 12 consecutive months before registration (or filed two BC income tax returns in the prior six years), and will move into the property within 92 days and live there for at least one year. The property must also be 0.5 hectares or smaller.

Can I combine the First Time Home Buyer and Newly Built Home exemptions?

Yes, if you qualify for both, you can apply whichever provides the greater exemption, and in some cases a combined calculation. Because the combined rules can get specific, it's best to confirm your exact exemption amount with your lawyer or notary before completion.

Is there an additional tax for foreign buyers in BC?

Yes. Foreign nationals, foreign corporations, and taxable trustees purchasing residential property within specified areas of B.C. — including Metro Vancouver, which covers the Tri-Cities — must pay an additional 20% property transfer tax on the residential portion of the fair market value, on top of the general PTT.

Is this PTT calculator exact, or an estimate?

This calculator gives a close estimate based on current provincial PTT rates and exemption thresholds, but your final tax amount is confirmed by your notary or real estate lawyer at completion based on the property's actual fair market value and your specific eligibility.

When is Property Transfer Tax due?

PTT is due when the property transfer is registered at the Land Title Office, which typically happens on the completion date of your purchase. Your notary or lawyer collects the tax as part of your closing costs and remits it on your behalf.

Free PTT Calculator

BC Property Transfer Tax Calculator

Q: What is BC Property Transfer Tax?

Property Transfer Tax (PTT) is a one-time provincial tax paid by the buyer when a property is registered at the Land Title Office in British Columbia. It applies to residential, commercial, and industrial property, and is calculated on the property's fair market value — typically the purchase price.

Q: What is the Newly Built Home exemption?

The Newly Built Home exemption fully removes PTT on qualifying new homes — including newly constructed houses, new condos, and manufactured homes on vacant land — with a fair market value of $1,100,000 or less. A partial exemption applies between $1,100,000 and $1,150,000. You do not need to be a first-time buyer to qualify, but the home must become your principal residence.

Q: Does PTT apply differently to commercial property?

The general PTT rate tiers (1% / 2% / 3%) apply to all property types, residential or commercial. The further 2% tax on value above $3,000,000 applies only to the residential portion of a property — commercial value above $3,000,000 is not subject to that additional tier.

Estimate exactly what you'll owe on closing day — including First Time Home Buyer and Newly Built Home exemptions — before you make an offer on a Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam, or Port Moody home.

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Purchase Price / Fair Market Value

Property Type

Buyer Scenario

Choose the exemption that applies to you. Eligibility rules are summarized below the calculator.

Buyer is a foreign national, foreign corporation, or taxable trustee (adds the 20% additional property transfer tax on the residential portion, within specified B.C. areas including Metro Vancouver)

Tax on first $200,000 (1%)$0

Tax on $200,000–$2,000,000 (2%)$0

Tax on amount over $2,000,000 (3%)$0

Further 2% — residential over $3,000,000$0

General PTT (before exemptions)$0

Estimated PTT Payable $0

Estimate only, based on B.C. PTT rates and exemption thresholds in effect since April 1, 2024. Your notary or lawyer confirms the final figure at completion.

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The Basics

What Is Property Transfer Tax?

Property Transfer Tax (PTT) is a one-time tax paid to the Province of British Columbia by the buyer whenever real estate changes hands and the transfer is registered at the Land Title Office. It applies to residential, commercial, and industrial property, and it's separate from your annual municipal property taxes — PTT is paid once, on closing.

How Is It Calculated?

The general PTT rate is tiered: each portion of the property's fair market value is taxed at a different rate, then the tiers are added together.

Portion of Fair Market Value	Rate
Up to and including $200,000	1%
Over $200,000 and up to $2,000,000	2%
Over $2,000,000	3%
Residential value over $3,000,000 (further tax)	+2%

The further 2% tax applies only to the residential portion of a property's value above $3,000,000 — it doesn't apply to commercial value. Foreign nationals, foreign corporations, and taxable trustees pay an additional 20% on the residential portion of properties within specified areas of B.C., including Metro Vancouver.

Save Thousands

PTT Exemptions Worth Knowing About

Two exemptions cover most Tri-Cities buyers. Use the calculator above to see exactly what you'd save.

First Time Home Buyers' Exemption

Full exemption up to $835,000 · partial to $860,000

Exempts PTT on the first $500,000 of a qualifying home's value — a savings of up to $8,000. To qualify, you generally must:

Be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident
Have never owned an interest in a principal residence anywhere in the world
Have lived in B.C. for 12 consecutive months before registration, or filed 2 B.C. income tax returns in the prior 6 years
Move in within 92 days and live there for at least 1 year
Buy a property 0.5 hectares (1.24 acres) or smaller

Newly Built Home Exemption

Full exemption up to $1,100,000 · partial to $1,150,000

Fully exempts PTT on qualifying new construction — you don't need to be a first-time buyer. Applies to:

A newly constructed house, on new or vacant land
A new condo or apartment in a newly built building
A manufactured home on vacant land

You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident and use the home as your principal residence, moving in within 92 days and staying at least 1 year.

Property Transfer Tax — Frequently Asked Questions

What is BC Property Transfer Tax?

A one-time provincial tax paid by the buyer when a property is registered at the Land Title Office, based on the property's fair market value.

How is PTT calculated?

1% on the first $200,000, 2% up to $2,000,000, 3% above that — plus a further 2% on residential value over $3,000,000.

How much can a First Time Buyer save?

Up to $8,000, with a full exemption on homes up to $835,000 and a partial exemption up to $860,000.

Who qualifies for the First Time Home Buyers' exemption?

Canadian citizens or permanent residents who've never owned a principal residence anywhere, meet B.C. residency requirements, and will live in the home for at least a year.

What is the Newly Built Home exemption?

A full PTT exemption on qualifying new homes up to $1,100,000, with a partial exemption up to $1,150,000 — no first-time buyer status required.

Can I combine both exemptions?

Yes, if you qualify for both. The rules for combining them are specific, so confirm your exact number with your notary or lawyer.

Does PTT apply differently to commercial property?

The 1% / 2% / 3% tiers apply to all property types. The further 2% over $3,000,000 applies only to residential value.

Is there an additional tax for foreign buyers?

Yes — 20% on the residential portion of fair market value, for purchases within specified B.C. areas including Metro Vancouver.

Is this calculator exact?

It's a close estimate using current provincial rates and thresholds. Your notary or lawyer confirms the final figure at completion.

When is PTT due?

On the completion date, when your notary or lawyer registers the transfer and collects the tax as part of your closing costs.

JORDAN MACNAB · REALTOR®

Buying in the Tri-Cities? Jordan and The Macnabs Team have helped 70+ families in 2026 alone navigate financing, closing costs, and PTT exemptions — with 18+ years of local experience behind every deal.

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This calculator is provided for general information and estimate purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or tax advice. Property Transfer Tax rates and exemption thresholds reflect provincial rules in effect since April 1, 2024, and are subject to change by the Government of British Columbia. Individual eligibility for exemptions depends on your specific circumstances. Please confirm your exact PTT amount and exemption eligibility with a licensed notary public or real estate lawyer before completion.