Real Estate News

Taxes

Thursday, September 4, 2025

What taxes apply to my property in Metro Vancouver?

Check out this easy guide to property-related taxes that may affect you as an owner and when you sell your home. (2 minute read)

Taxes

Tuesday, May 20, 2025

Property taxes 101

Property taxes are due soon. At the same time, make sure to fill out your Home Owner Grant application. (2 minute read)

Home Buying

Tuesday, April 8, 2025

7 green ideas to consider when buying a home

When looking for an eco-friendly home, here are some things to look for or put in place yourself. (2 minute read)

Taxes

Monday, January 27, 2025

All you need to know about Vancouver's Empty Homes Tax

Home owners will have received a property status declaration from the City to determine if their property is subject to the Empty Homes Tax.

Taxes

Thursday, December 5, 2024

Comparing the provincial and federal home flipping taxes

On Jan 1, 2025, the new BC home flipping tax will be added alongside the federal flipping tax. Here's how they work. (2 min read)

Urban Planning

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Delta making it easier to build a secondary suite

The new Home Suite Home program aims to encourage property owners to add a secondary suite to their home. (3 minute read)

Taxes

Wednesday, May 22, 2024

Property Transfer Tax fact sheet

Want to know more about the PTT? Check out this fact sheet. (7 minute read)

Taxes

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Vancouver’s Empty Homes Tax

Each year Vancouver home owners must declare their property status to see if it's subject to the city's Empty Home Tax.

Home Buying

Tuesday, May 14, 2024

Home buyers: 5 tips to prepare for a busy market

Before you begin home hunting, get prepared using these five simple steps to mitigate your risk so there are no unwanted surprises. (2 minute read)

Taxes

Thursday, May 2, 2024

A closer look at changes to the federal capital gains tax

What changes are coming to the capital gains tax, and how it could affect you. (4 minute read)

Home Buying

Monday, April 8, 2024

Finding the right strata property for you

If you plan to buy a strata property, check out the strata council minutes, contingency fund, and more.

Taxes

Friday, January 26, 2024

What you need to know about BC's Speculation and Vacancy Tax

Detailed information about BC's SVT and property exemptions. (4 minute read)

Urban Planning

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Building homes faster and cheaper with ready-made designs

The BC government plans to create up to 10 standardized home designs inspired by the Vancouver Special. (2 minute read)

Home Buying

Thursday, November 23, 2023

How rising mortgage rates affect insured mortgages

Since June 22, 2022 chartered banks have repeatedly raised their posted mortgage rates in response to higher bond yields. (1 minute read)

Home Buying

Monday, November 20, 2023

CMHC tightens lending standards, making homes less affordable

Since July 1, 2020, it has become increasingly more difficult for first-time home buyers to buy a home. (2 minute read)

Home Buying

Monday, November 20, 2023

A closer look at bank rates

Home buyers with less than a 20 per cent down payment applying for a high-ratio mortgage with a regulated financial institution are typically offered a contract mortgage interest rate.

Home Buying

Friday, November 17, 2023

How mortgage stress test changes affects home buyers

Check how the stress test may affect you, with examples of buying an apartment, an attached home, and a detached home. (3 minute read)

Home Buying

Thursday, November 2, 2023

Private insurers offer options

Private insurers have not been required to follow CMHC's lead and tighten lending standards. (2 minute read)

Urban Planning

Monday, September 25, 2023

Vancouver allows up to eight units on single family lots

The change aims to address the housing crisis and simplify zoning regulations. (2 minute read)

Taxes

Thursday, September 7, 2023

Will I have to pay capital gains when I sell my house?

Read about the conditions required for paying capital gains, and what you need to do even if you don't have to pay. (2 minute read)

Taxes

Friday, September 1, 2023

Why do I have to pay property taxes on the house I’m buying?

Property taxes in BC are due the first business day after July 1. If you buy a home at another time, you may have to pay a share of the year to avoid a penalty.

Taxes

Thursday, August 24, 2023

Empty Homes Tax put to good use – Vancouver creates affordable housing

Affordable housing projects in Vancouver received grants worth over $8.7 million, partially from Vancouver’s EHT. (1 minute read)

Home Buying

Thursday, July 6, 2023

Lower Mainland REALTORS® to enhance transparency for buyers involved in a multiple offer situation

Home buyers in a multiple offer situation will soon receive additional information about other competing offers.

Taxes

Tuesday, June 27, 2023

Putting Property Transfer Tax revenue to work

Our recommendations to the provincial government on how the PTT can be used to help build more affordable homes. (2 minute read)

Urban Planning

Monday, June 19, 2023

What well-designed density looks like: Southlands in Tsawwassen

This area demonstrates a new model of well-designed density through innovative practices. (2 minute read)

Urban Planning

Friday, June 9, 2023

BC government identifies 47 municipalities that must densify

The identified municipalities must address local barriers to construction and update zoning bylaws. (2 minute read)

Urban Planning

Thursday, May 11, 2023

Disaster funding for flooding makes local communities safer

Learn more about initiatives to mitigate flood damage and assess flood risks around Greater Vancouver. (3 minute read)

Home Buying

Wednesday, March 29, 2023

What is an Offer to Purchase?

When you decide to buy a property, your Realtor will prepare what is known as an Offer to Purchase.

Home Buying

Wednesday, February 1, 2023

Use Realtylink.org to help find your next home

Search listings from the MLS® systems operated by the Greater Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Chilliwack, BC Northern, and Vancouver Island real estate boards.

Urban Planning

Tuesday, August 16, 2022

Council passes Vancouver Plan

The plan promises new densification to accommodate 260,000 new residents and 210,000 new jobs. (1 minute read)

Urban Planning

Thursday, June 30, 2022

Broadway Plan approved: 30,000 new homes coming

The approved Broadway plan will include a significant number of new homes, increase tenant protection, new space for more jobs, and more. (3 minute read)

Home Buying

Wednesday, May 25, 2022

Questions for a mortgage broker: Interest rates, stress test, mortgage options

Check out what local mortgage broker Angela Calla said about what’s happening in the mortgage market today. (3 minute read)

Home Buying

Wednesday, April 20, 2022

Here are 7 strata terms you should know

If you’re looking to own a strata home, make sure you’re familiar with related terminology. Here’s a guide to some of those terms.

Home Buying

Tuesday, April 12, 2022

What are the buying costs of a home?

If you’ve decided to buy a home, it’s important you understand all the costs involved in addition to the price you're paying for the property.

Home Buying

Monday, March 21, 2022

What are the tax implications of buying a vacation home?

Before buying a vacation property, be aware of tax implications and other vital considerations. (4 minute read)

Taxes

Friday, February 18, 2022

No SVT exemption for owners of vacant stratas

Owners of strata property in buildings with rental restrictions are no longer exempt from the BC Speculation and Vacancy Tax. (1 minute read)

Urban Planning

Tuesday, February 15, 2022

Fee simple row houses offer gentle, more affordable density

There are many strata townhomes but very few fee-simple, individually owned row homes in Metro Vancouver. Why? And how can row homes help with affordability? (3 minute read)

Home Buying

Tuesday, December 21, 2021

How to get a mortgage when you’re self-employed

To increase your chances of qualifying as a self-employed borrower, you’ll need to be familiar with what lenders require and what questions they’ll ask.

Home Buying

Wednesday, July 14, 2021

Can you explain sellers’ and buyers’ contractual obligations?

Buyers and sellers with signed contracts that are legally binding have many contractual obligations. Here are a few examples.

Taxes

Thursday, April 8, 2021

What are the tax implications of building a laneway house?

Before building a laneway home or buying a property with one, you should understand the tax implications of doing so.

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