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Legislation & Regulations
More protections for renters, landlords, parents, and families
Friday, April 19, 2024
These proposed amendments look to restrict rent increases, resolve rental disputes faster, and more. (3 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Federal budget helps homebuyers and renters
Friday, April 19, 2024
Read our breakdown of the Federal Budget 2024: Fairness for every generation. (6 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Land Act amendments on hold
Monday, February 26, 2024
The government's proposed land-sharing agreement with First Nations groups will undergo further consultation. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
BC government announces PTT changes, flipping tax in new budget
Monday, February 26, 2024
Here's a summary of the new housing measures in the BC budget announced on February 22, 2024.
Legislation & Regulations
Metro Vancouver regulates wood burning fireplaces and stoves
Monday, December 18, 2023
Metro Vancouver is reducing pollution by regulating wood burning appliances. Does this affect you? (3 minute read)
Urban Planning
Building homes faster and cheaper with ready-made designs
Wednesday, December 13, 2023
The BC government plans to create up to 10 standardized home designs inspired by the Vancouver Special. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
How will the 2021 mortgage stress test rules impact Metro Vancouver real estate?
Thursday, November 16, 2023
The new rules as of June 1, 2021 will dampen mortgage credit growth, but should have a modest effect on home sales and prices. ( 1 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Interest, fees increase amount owed for property tax deferment
Friday, October 6, 2023
If your clients are deferring their property taxes, interest rates and fees will increase the amount they owe. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
BC caps maximum rent increase to 3.5 per cent
Tuesday, September 26, 2023
The change aims to address the housing crisis and simplify zoning regulations. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Government removes GST on new rental housing
Monday, September 25, 2023
This policy is for projects beginning construction from Sept 14, 2023, to Dec 31, 2030, completing construction by Dec 31, 2035. (2 minute read)
Urban Planning
Vancouver allows up to eight units on single family lots
Monday, September 25, 2023
The change aims to address the housing crisis and simplify zoning regulations. (2 minute read)
Taxes
Why do I have to pay property taxes on the house I’m buying?
Friday, September 1, 2023
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.
Home Buying
Choosing the right home starts with choosing the right REALTOR®
Wednesday, August 30, 2023
Buying or selling a home is a significant financial decision. That’s why it’s important to take your time to choose the right Realtor for you. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Homeownership rates decline – purpose-built rentals can help
Monday, August 28, 2023
Declining homeownership rates spark investment in purpose-built rentals as solution. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
PM shuffles cabinet, new federal housing minister
Thursday, July 27, 2023
Sean Fraser is now the minister of housing, infrastructure, and communities. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
REBGV recommends policy changes to improve housing affordability and availability in BC
Tuesday, July 25, 2023
Read about the three tax-related recommendations REBGV made to the provincial government to ease housing. (3 minute read)
Taxes
Putting Property Transfer Tax revenue to work
Tuesday, June 27, 2023
Our recommendations to the provincial government on how the PTT can be used to help build more affordable homes. (2 minute read)
Urban Planning
What well-designed density looks like: Southlands in Tsawwassen
Monday, June 19, 2023
This area demonstrates a new model of well-designed density through innovative practices. (2 minute read)
Urban Planning
BC government identifies 47 municipalities that must densify
Friday, June 9, 2023
The identified municipalities must address local barriers to construction and update zoning bylaws. (2 minute read)
Urban Planning
Disaster funding for flooding makes local communities safer
Thursday, May 11, 2023
Learn more about initiatives to mitigate flood damage and assess flood risks around Greater Vancouver. (3 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
New exemptions to strata age restriction bylaws
Wednesday, May 10, 2023
The new exemptions include future children, dependents, and spouses/partners. (1 minute read)
Working with a REALTOR®
What’s the Disclosure form that REALTORS® are asking you to sign?
Friday, April 28, 2023
When buying or selling a home, Realtors have to inform you, up front, about your representation options. This is what the DORTS form is for. (3 minute read)
Home Ownership
Know the rules when insuring secondary suites
Monday, April 3, 2023
Having insurance coverage is vital. There’s a misconception among home owners that their existing policy will cover a suite. It doesn’t.
Legislation & Regulations
Federal foreign buyer ban coming in January 2023
Friday, March 31, 2023
The federal government’s ban on new foreign ownership of residential property becomes law on January 1, 2023. Here's what you need to know. (3 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
The effect of flood mapping and floods on housing prices
Tuesday, February 28, 2023
Floodplain mapping can help assess risk and better understand a home's value. (3 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Better protection for strata property owners coming in November
Friday, February 3, 2023
Amendments to the Strata Property Act that increase contingency reserve fund minimums are coming November 1, 2023. (2 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
BC government introduces “cooling off” period for home sales
Tuesday, December 6, 2022
Starting January 1, 2023, home buyers can back out of a residential purchase up to three business days after signing a contract. (3 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
Supreme Court of Canada clarifies, expands principles of expropriation
Wednesday, November 16, 2022
A recent decision has clarified the test for constructive taking and expropriation by regulation. (5 minute read)
Home Ownership
Home renos: plan for success
Monday, August 22, 2022
Your home reno can be less stressful if you plan wisely. Find out how! (3 minute read)
Urban Planning
Council passes Vancouver Plan
Tuesday, August 16, 2022
The plan promises new densification to accommodate 260,000 new residents and 210,000 new jobs. (1 minute read)
Urban Planning
Broadway Plan approved: 30,000 new homes coming
Thursday, June 30, 2022
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
What are the buying costs of a home?
Tuesday, April 12, 2022
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.
Legislation & Regulations
BC REALTORS® offer 30 policy recommendations to province to improve BC real estate
Thursday, March 31, 2022
The BC Real Estate Association, with support of BC’s real estate boards, has 30 policy recommendations for the provincial government.
Legislation & Regulations
What’s in BC Budget 2022 for homebuyers and owners?
Tuesday, February 22, 2022
BC Budget 2022 was released on February 22, 2022 with a focus on funding for climate change, infrastructure, and homelessness. (2 minute read)
Urban Planning
Fee simple row houses offer gentle, more affordable density
Tuesday, February 15, 2022
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)
Urban Planning
Vancouver pilot program to permit six units on a detached lot
Monday, February 14, 2022
The City of Vancouver is starting a pilot program to streamline densification on single-family lots. (3 minute read)
Legislation & Regulations
How many homes paid BC Vacancy and Speculation Tax in your community?
Friday, December 10, 2021
Read how much tax was generated from this tax in Greater Vancouver municipalities.
Urban Planning
Redevelopment plan for False Creek South headed to Council
Monday, October 25, 2021
The City of Vancouver’s real estate department has released a conceptual plan to redevelop city-owned land on False Creek.
Legislation & Regulations
REBGV makes three recommendations to BC government to help make homes more affordable
Thursday, October 14, 2021
Metro Vancouver is facing a housing affordability crisis. Home prices continue to rise, and the inventory of homes for sale is insufficient to meet today’s demand.
Legislation & Regulations
Federal government plans unused housing tax
Friday, September 24, 2021
Read about the federal government’s plans to implement a national, annual one-per-cent tax on non-resident, non-Canadian owned residential vacant or underused real estate.
Market Trends
How many Metro Vancouver properties are purchased by foreign buyers?
Wednesday, September 1, 2021
Check out the impact on Metro Vancouver's real estate market.
Market Trends
What's the difference between a buyer's and seller's market?
Tuesday, August 31, 2021
Several factors influence the housing market which then influences supply and demand.
Home Buying
Millennials to drive housing demand
Tuesday, August 24, 2021
Millennial newcomers will help fill the expected 861,000 job openings in BC over the next decade (2019-2029), and most would like to own a home.
Urban Planning
Two dwellings to be permitted on ALR farmland with conditions
Thursday, July 29, 2021
Property owners in the Agricultural Land Reserve who meet certain conditions will be able to build a second permanent dwelling as of December 31, 2021.
Legislation & Regulations
Speculation and vacancy tax relief for non-existent homes
Wednesday, May 26, 2021
The provincial speculation and vacancy tax applies to airspace above buildings classed as residential. The government will temporarily remove this tax for one year.
Home Buying
Home buyers: 5 tips to prepare for a busy market
Friday, May 14, 2021
Before you begin home hunting, get prepared using these five simple steps to mitigate your risk so there are no unwanted surprises in one of the biggest financial decisions of your life.
Home Buying
Q&A with REBGV Chair Taylor Biggar: Tips for home buyers in today’s hectic housing market?
Thursday, April 29, 2021
Here's what hopeful home buyers need to know to successfully navigate Metro Vancouver’s hectic housing market.
Home Ownership
What's a non-conforming strata? What you need to know to avoid headaches
Wednesday, April 28, 2021
If you’ve heard the term “non-conforming strata” before, there’s something you should know: There’s no such thing. Find out why.