International Buyers: Purchasing property in Canada
Welcome to World-Class Living
There is a reason the world looks to British Columbia as a dream destination. From the pristine waters of Kootenay Lake to the vibrant culture of Nelson, our region offers a lifestyle that is hard to match.
If you are looking to make this beautiful part of the world your home, you likely have questions about the current regulations for international buyers. The good news is that home ownership in Canada is still possible for many, and we are here to help you navigate the process with confidence.
Understanding the "Foreign Buyer Ban" To ensure housing remains available for those living in Canada, the federal government enacted the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act.
Current Status: The prohibition is currently active and has been extended. Expiration Date: The ban is set to expire on January 1, 2027.
While this legislation does restrict many foreign investors from purchasing residential real estate in major urban centers, it does not apply to everyone, and it does not apply to every property.
The Good News: Exemptions & Opportunities
You might be eligible to purchase a home today. Several meaningful exemptions allow non-Canadians to enter the market immediately.
1. Work Permit Holders If you hold a valid work permit, you may be eligible to purchase a residential property to live in.
- Key Requirement: You generally need to have at least 183 days of validity remaining on your work permit at the time of purchase and not have purchased more than one residential property.
2. Permanent Residents & Spouses The ban does not apply to:
- Canadian Citizens or Permanent Residents.
- A non-Canadian who purchases a home with a spouse or common-law partner who is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person registered under the Indian Act.
3. Vacant LandLooking to build your dream home from the ground up? The prohibition generally does not apply to the purchase of vacant land zoned for residential and mixed-use, allowing you to buy a lot now and build for the future.
4. Specific Locations (The "Census" Exemption)The ban applies specifically to properties located within a Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) or a Census Agglomeration (CA).
- Why this matters for the Kootenays: Many smaller communities, rural areas, and recreational properties fall outside these specific census boundaries. If a property is located outside these designated zones, it may be exempt from the ban.
Is Your Dream Home Exempt? Check the Map.
(Suggested Image: A screenshot of the map tool below to show users what to expect)
The easiest way to determine if a specific home or area falls under the ban is to use the official government lookup tool.
Interactive Map: Foreign Buyer Ban Search Tool https://cmhc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/instant/lookup/index.html?appid=84481a24c11e46108b6c34602e707b0d)
How to use this tool:
- Click the link above.
- Type the address or city of the property you are interested in.
- If the property falls outside the shaded areas, it likely is not subject to the foreign buyer prohibition.
Let's Navigate This Together
Real estate laws can be complex, but your buying experience doesn't have to be. Whether you are moving here for work, joining a Canadian partner, or looking for a rural property that falls outside the restricted zones, I can help you identify legitimate opportunities.
Don't rule yourself out. Contact me today to discuss your specific situation and let's see if we can find your place in Nelson and the Kootenays.
