Province targets speculators and vacant homes, supports housing affordability
BCREA
The British Columbia Real Estate Association welcomes the Government of British
Columbia’s inclusion of exemptions from the speculation and vacancy tax proposed as Bill 45 today, Tuesday, October 16, 2018. Some of the exemptions directly address concerns BCREA brought to the Province’s attention through its advocacy work.
The Bill allows for exemptions for British Columbians going through traumatic life events such as illness and divorces or separations. It also allows for exemptions for owners of properties that are being developed or undergoing renovations.
It also exempts strata units from a vacancy tax for 2018 and 2019, where strata restrictions prohibit rentals. Further clarity is needed on this exemption and other implications.
BCREA, its 11 regional real estate boards and the 23,000 REALTORS® they represent look forward to providing the Province with REALTOR® insight on the implementation of Bill 45 to ensure that the best interests of BC homeowners are served.
Read the Province’s news release here. Learn more about the speculation and vacancy tax here
