BC property transfer tax calculator plus every other province and territory: first-time buyer exemptions up to $835K, the $1.1M new-build exemption, Toronto’s municipal tax, and Alberta’s fee advantage.
How much is property transfer tax in BC? The 2026 answer
BC property transfer tax is 1% of the first $200,000 of the purchase price, 2% on the portion from $200,000 to $2,000,000, 3% above $2,000,000, and a further 2% on the residential portion above $3,000,000. On a $750,000 home that is $2,000 + $11,000 = $13,000, due at completion through your lawyer or notary. First-time buyers pay nothing on homes up to $835,000, with the exemption phasing out by $860,000; newly built homes are exempt to $1,100,000 with a phase-out to $1,150,000. The calculator above applies every tier and exemption for you; the tables below show the rates and thresholds it uses.
| Portion of purchase price | PTT rate |
|---|---|
| First $200,000 | 1% |
| $200,000 to $2,000,000 | 2% |
| $2,000,000 to $3,000,000 | 3% |
| Above $3,000,000, residential | 3% plus a further 2% |
| Exemption | Full exemption | Partial | Worth up to |
|---|---|---|---|
| First-time home buyer | Price up to $835,000 | Fades out by $860,000 | $8,000 |
| Newly built home | Price up to $1,100,000 | Fades out by $1,150,000 | Varies with price |
Frequently asked questions
How much is property transfer tax in BC?
1% of the first $200,000, 2% up to $2 million, 3% above that, and a further 2% on the portion over $3 million. This calculator handles every bracket, plus every other province and territory.
Do first-time buyers pay PTT in BC?
Often not. The first-time buyer exemption covers qualifying purchases up to $835,000, with a partial exemption to $860,000. The calculator applies it automatically.
What about newly built homes?
The newly built home exemption can eliminate PTT up to $1.1 million, and the 2026 first-time buyer GST rebate can return the GST on new builds. Both are in the math here.
Does the seller pay property transfer tax in BC?
No. PTT is the buyer’s tax, paid at completion. Sellers have their own bill: realtor commissions plus GST on them, their legal fees, and any mortgage discharge or penalty. Full seller math: the seller closing costs calculator.
How do I calculate property transfer tax myself?
Work the brackets. On a $750,000 home: 1% of the first $200,000 is $2,000, plus 2% of the remaining $550,000 is $11,000, so $13,000 total, before any exemption. The calculator above does the same math and applies the exemptions for you.
When is property transfer tax paid?
On completion day, through your lawyer or notary when the transfer is registered. It is cash you need on top of your down payment; it cannot be rolled into the mortgage.