BC Property Transfer Tax Calculator
Estimate the property transfer tax on a BC purchase, including the first-time buyer and newly built home exemptions.
- Exemptions apply only to a home you will live in as your principal residence, on land of no more than 0.5 hectares, bought by a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
- You can claim one exemption per purchase. If you tick both, the calculator applies the larger one.
Estimated property transfer tax$14,000
| 1% on the first $200,000 | $2,000 |
| 2% on the portion from $200,000 to $2,000,000 | $12,000 |
| Property transfer tax before exemptions | $14,000 |
How BC property transfer tax is calculated
Property transfer tax is charged when a property is registered in your name at the Land Title Office. It is worked out in tiers on the fair market value, which in an open-market sale is usually the price you pay.
| Portion of fair market value | Rate |
|---|---|
| 1% on the first $200,000 | 1% |
| 2% on the portion from $200,000 to $2,000,000 | 2% |
| 3% on the portion over $2,000,000 | 3% |
| Further 2% on residential value over $3,000,000 | 2% more |
Exemptions this calculator applies
First time home buyers: no tax on the first $500,000 for homes up to $835,000, a saving of up to $8,000. The exemption shrinks between $835,000 and $860,000 and ends at $860,000. You must never have owned a principal residence anywhere in the world, and have lived in BC for a year before registration or filed two BC tax returns in the last six years.
Newly built homes: the full tax is exempt on a new home up to $1,100,000, with a partial exemption up to $1,150,000. You must move in within 92 days of registration and live there for the rest of the first year.
For the full rules, more examples and how PTT fits into your closing costs, read our guide to property transfer tax in BC. First-time buyers can also see every program they may qualify for in our first-time home buyer guide. When you are ready to look, browse homes for sale in Surrey or talk to our team on 604-385-3770.
Questions about property transfer tax
How do I calculate property transfer tax in BC?
Apply 1% to the first $200,000 of fair market value, 2% to the portion up to $2,000,000 and 3% to anything above that. For residential property over $3,000,000, add a further 2% on the value above $3,000,000. An $800,000 home works out to $14,000 before any exemption.
How much do first-time buyers save on property transfer tax?
Qualifying first-time buyers pay no tax on the first $500,000 of a home worth up to $835,000, which saves up to $8,000. The saving shrinks between $835,000 and $860,000 and ends at $860,000.
Is there property transfer tax on a new home in BC?
A newly built home that will be your principal residence can be fully exempt up to $1,100,000, with a partial exemption up to $1,150,000, if you meet the residency and occupancy rules.
When is property transfer tax paid?
It is paid when the property is registered in your name at the Land Title Office, usually by your lawyer or notary on completion day from the funds you provide.
Sources
Rates and exemption rules were checked against these Province of BC pages on October 9, 2026.
- Province of BC: Property transfer tax
- Province of BC: First time home buyers' program
- Province of BC: First time home buyers' exemption amounts
- Province of BC: Newly built home exemption
- Province of BC: Newly built home exemption amounts
This calculator gives an estimate for general information only. It does not cover every situation, such as partial interests, mixed-use property values, foreign entities or other provincial taxes. Your lawyer or notary calculates the tax actually payable on your property transfer tax return.