News: Vancouver Real Estate Market

Government reduces tax burden on first-time buyers

First-time home buyers received welcome news in today’s provincial budget. 

 

The government has announced, effective February 19, 2014, under the Property Transfer Tax (PTT) First-Time Home Buyers’ Exemption program, qualifying first-time buyers can buy a home worth up to $475,000. The previous threshold was $425,000.

 

The partial exemption continues and will apply to homes valued between $475,000 and $500,000.

 

With this change, the government estimates 1,700 additional first-time buyers will annually be eligible to save up to $7,500 in PTT when they buy their home.

 

The government estimates this measure will cost $8 million in lost tax revenue each year.

 

The Real Estate Board, together with BC Real Estate Association, has actively lobbied to make home ownership more affordable for first-time home buyers. This increase in the threshold clearly signals our efforts have paid off as in past years.

 

In 2008, as a result of industry lobbying, the provincial government increased the threshold to $425,000 from $375,000. 

 

In 2005, the government increased the threshold to $325,000 from $275,000.

 

The PTT is calculated at a rate of one per cent on the first $200,000 and two per cent on the remaining value of the purchase price.

 

Here is a link to the Budget.: http://www.bcbudget.gov.bc.ca/2014/default.htm 

Comments:

No comments

Post Your Comment:

Your email will not be published
Categories
Reciprocity Logo 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.