B.C. is introducing the Residential Property (Short-term Holding) Profit Tax Act, commonly referred to as the B.C. home-flipping tax. The legislation discourages investors from buying housing only to turn a quick profit. The tax is set to take effect on Jan. 1, 2025, but properties purchased in 2023 and 2024 will be subject to the tax if the property is resold within 730 days.
“Homes are meant to be lived in by people in our communities, not used for speculation,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing. “While some want to allow speculation in the housing market, allowing speculators to make a quick profit – we know that people can’t afford that. We will keep building up supply and take action on the driving forces behind rising prices, including speculation.”
In a year, approximately 4,000 properties are expected to be subject to the tax. Revenue from the tax is estimated at $43 million a year and will go back into building homes for people and strengthening housing programs.
“We see the Province has been putting policies in place that will make homeownership in multi-family communities affordable,” said Tony Gioventu, executive director, Condominium Homeowners Association of BC. “The tax will slow the speculator frenzy that happens when a flippable property is listed for sale frequently, resulting in unauthorized, unpermitted rushed alterations, leaving communities with a legacy of building failures and conflict. This new tax, partnered with the expanded first-time homebuyers benefit, will help give people the boost they have been needing to be able to purchase their first home and support sustainable communities.”
People who face unavoidable life changes, including divorce, death, illness, relocation for work, job loss or a change in household membership, will be exempt from the tax. Builders will also be eligible for exemptions if they are adding to the housing supply, including building housing on residential property with no existing housing, or adding an additional suite or housing unit to a property that has an existing home.