Essential Resources for a Smooth Purchase

Subject removal is one of the most critical steps in the homebuying process in BC. Learn what it means, why it's important, and how to navigate it confidently.

Beyond your down payment, expect to budget for several closing costs when buying property in BC. These can add up fast—know what to expect so there are no surprises.

Vancouver property tours zip by—15 minutes tops—yet you’re expected to judge everything from plumbing smells to traffic noise on the spot. This checklist keeps nerves calm and eyes sharp so you leave each showing with confident notes, not fuzzy memories. Follow it to prep smart questions, bring the right gear, and rate every home objectively before you grab that post-tour latte.

Securing a mortgage in British Columbia involves more than hunting for a low rate. From gathering two years of income records and proving the source of your down payment to clearing the federal stress test and locking in a rate hold, this checklist breaks down every step. Read it before you call a lender so you can present a flawless file and negotiate from a position of strength.

B.C. buyers can still stack a mix of tax breaks and savings plans to soften sticker shock—even after Ottawa shuttered its shared-equity incentive. This guide unpacks the 2025 rules for the revamped Property Transfer Tax exemption, higher RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan limit, tax-free First Home Savings Account, new GST rebate on presales up to $1.5 million, and other credits you can combine to slice thousands off closing costs.

A smooth move starts weeks before the truck pulls up. This guide breaks down the timeline, must-do tasks, legal requirements, and local Vancouver quirks—like how to book your condo’s elevator and secure a street permit for the moving van—so you arrive with power, internet, and peace of mind. We cover utility transfers, mail forwarding costs, strata rules, packing tips, and the critical first-night checklist.

Buying your first property in Metro Vancouver is exciting—but the rules, costs, and acronyms can feel like a second language. This guide decodes everything from minimum down payments and the latest mortgage stress-test to B.C.’s refreshed Property Transfer Tax exemption. You’ll also learn which federal incentives stack (FHSA + enhanced Home Buyers’ Plan) and how to budget for legal fees, inspections, and insurance so there are no day-of-completion surprises.

Confused by amortization schedules, stress-test rates, and CMHC insurance rules? This guide unpacks the nuts and bolts of Canadian mortgages with a Metro Vancouver lens. Learn the minimum down-payment thresholds, how fixed and variable rates work, and the fees lenders seldom advertise—so you can walk into a pre-approval meeting ready to negotiate on your own terms with confidence and clarity.

A professional home inspection gives Metro Vancouver buyers much-needed peace of mind. By revealing hidden plumbing leaks, outdated electrical panels, roof damage, or structural red flags before closing, an inspection lets you renegotiate, request repairs, or walk away entirely—often saving tens of thousands in future surprises. Here’s how licensed inspectors work in B.C., typical costs, and the key trouble spots they zero in on.

Strata ownership is the most common way to own a condo or townhouse in Metro Vancouver, yet many first-time buyers are surprised by the extra layer of rules, fees, and shared decision-making that comes with it. This guide unpacks the key differences between strata and freehold land, explains monthly fees, bylaws, and special assessments, and shows you how to spot a healthy strata before you write an offer.

Buying a home in Metro Vancouver can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to be. This step-by-step guide walks you through every stage—from clarifying your budget and securing pre-approval to handing over the keys on Possession Day—using plain-language explanations, local insider tips, and up-to-date rules for British Columbia. Keep this roadmap handy so you can move forward with confidence and avoid costly surprises.