New to Canada
This program is for people who have immigrated or relocated to Canada within the last 5 years and would like to purchase a home.
Criteria:
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Purchase – Owner-Occupied
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Working Visa or Permanent Resident
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Little as 5% down payment
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Same great rates as everyone else
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No min amount of credit required
You will receive the same great rates as everyone else!!
Moving to a new country can be a long and overwhelming process. We want to be here to make this next step a bit easier by offering guidance and support along the way. Our services are free of charge and our hours are flexible so we can work around your schedule.
What you should know....
Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act
a Canadian federal law that temporarily bans certain foreign nationals from buying residential real estate in Canada.
Came into force: January 1, 2023
Duration: Originally 2 years (2023–2025), extended to January 1, 2027
Purpose: To address housing affordability by reducing foreign demand in Canadian residential markets.
Who is Prohibited?
A “non-Canadian” under this Act includes:
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Individuals who are not Canadian citizens, not permanent residents, and not registered as Indians under the Indian Act.
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Corporations that are not incorporated in Canada, or that are controlled (directly or indirectly) by non-Canadians.
What Properties Are Covered?
The ban applies to residential property, defined as:
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Detached houses or similar buildings
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Semi-detached houses
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Rowhouses
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Residential condos or similar premises
It only applies to properties located in:
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Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs)
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Census Agglomerations (CAs)
(Meaning: it does not apply to rural or remote areas)
Exemptions – Who Can Still Buy:
Certain non-Canadians are exempt from the ban, such as:
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Temporary residents (e.g., international students, foreign workers) who meet specific conditions (like length of stay, tax filings)
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Refugees and protected persons
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Non-Canadians buying with a Canadian spouse or common-law partner
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Diplomats, consular staff, or members of international organizations
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Temporary residents studying in Canada, if they:
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are enrolled in a program of authorized study at a designated learning institution as defined in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, and
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have filed income tax returns for each of the 5 taxation years preceding the year in which the purchase was made, and
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have been physically present in Canada for a minimum of 244 days in each of the 5 calendar years preceding the year in which the purchase was made, and
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have not previously purchased a residential property in Canada while the prohibition is in effect, and
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purchase a property for a price not exceeding $500,000
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Temporary residents working in Canada, if they:
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hold a valid work permit or are authorized to work in Canada, and
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have 183 days or more of validity remaining on their work permit or work authorization at time of purchase, and
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have not previously purchased a residential property in Canada while the prohibition is in effect
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Penalties for Violation:
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Up to $10,000 in fines for anyone who knowingly assists or participates in a prohibited purchase
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The property may be ordered to be sold, with proceeds (minus costs) returned to the buyer
Recent Amendments (2023):
In response to criticism and confusion, the government eased some restrictions, including:
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Allowing more foreign workers to purchase homes
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Allowing purchases of vacant land zoned for residential/mixed use
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Loosening the corporate control threshold for Canadian companies
British Columbia (BC) Foreign Buyers Tax
officially known as the Additional Property Transfer Tax (ATT), is a surcharge applied to residential real estate purchases by foreign entities. Here's a breakdown of what it entails:
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Tax Rate - 20% of fair market value
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Applies To - Foreign nationals, corporations, and taxable trustees
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Regions Covered - Metro Vancouver, Fraser Valley, Capital Regional District, Nanaimo, Central Okanagan
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Origins - Introduced in 2016 (Bill 28), raised to 20% in 2018
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Refunds - Available for new PRs or citizens under specific conditions
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Judicial Notes - Legal transferees and trustees are liable for the full tax
Exemptions & Refund Opportunities
Certain individuals or transactions may qualify to avoid or reclaim the ATT:
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Confirmed BC Provincial Nominees: If you have a valid nomination certificate and use the property as your principal residence, you may claim an exemption.
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Canadian-Controlled Limited Partnerships: Transactions conducted on behalf of qualifying Canadian-controlled limited partnerships may be exempt.
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Refunds: If you become a Canadian citizen or permanent resident within a year of purchase, can prove the property was your principal residence within 92 days of registration, and maintained it as such for at least a year, a refund may be available.