The foreign buyer ban runs through January 1, 2027
Canada's ban on residential purchases by non-Canadians is in effect until January 1, 2027. If status is a factor for you, plan before you sign.
If you are not a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, the rules on buying a home in BC are stricter than many buyers realize.
Canada’s Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act restricts most non-citizens and non-permanent-residents from buying residential property, and it has been extended through January 1, 2027. There are exceptions, including certain work-permit holders and some students, and the rules interact with presale timing in specific ways.
For presale buyers this matters at two moments: when you sign, and when you complete years later. Your status, and the law in effect at each point, can both come into play. The penalties for getting it wrong are significant, so this is not a place to guess.
If citizenship or residency is a factor for you, get advice early. Start with The Complete Guide to Buying a Presale in BC, which covers who can buy and how the timing works.
Current as of June 2026. Confirm your situation with a lawyer before relying on this.
