The speculation and vacancy tax (SVT) rates depend on the homeowner’s tax residency. For the years 2019 to 2025, the speculation tax rate in B.C. was:
0.5% for Canadian citizens and permanent residents
2% of the property’s assessed value for foreign owners, and untaxed worldwide earners
For 2026 and the subsequent years, the speculation tax in B.C. has been raised to:
1% for Canadian citizens and permanent residents
3% of the property’s assessed value for foreign owners, and untaxed worldwide earnersThis is a friendly reminder for all City of Vancouver property owners regarding the upcoming deadlines for the Empty Homes Tax and Advance Property Taxes, both due by February 3rd, 2026. Even if your property is occupied or exempt from the tax, filing the declaration is required through the City’s EHT portal Empty Homes Tax | City of Vancouver. Make sure to file before the deadline, otherwise, the City of Vancouver will deem the property as vacant and the tax will apply!
Advance Property Taxes for Vancouver property owners are also due on February 3rd, 2026, but there is no need to claim the Homeowner Grant when paying this portion. The Home Owner Grant will be claimed upon payment of the full tax in July. More information can be found at Understand your property tax notice | City of Vancouver.
The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Greater Vancouver REALTORS® (GVR), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the GVR, the FVREB or the CADREB.