Removal of Property Transfer Tax suggested for first time Vancouver homebuyers

General Angela Calla 6 Jul

Owning a home in Vancouver can often feel unattainable for first time buyers.

The Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV) is calling on the provincial government to make policy changes to help with affordability.

The board met with a provincial legislative committee this week to present a list of changes to help ease the burden of house hunters.

One suggestion states the Property Transfer Tax (PTT) should be removed on any home costing under $755,000 for both new construction and resale.

Dylan Passmor has been looking to buy his first home for more than a year and could qualify if the PTT removal was implemented.

“It’s a really challenging time, affordability just seems to be getting worse,” he said.

While he’s happy advocates are pushing for policy changes, he says the recommendations don’t reflect the price tags he’s seeing on the market.

“We’re looking at two bedrooms and it’s hard to find under $800,000 and that’s a pretty average, if not a below average living environment.”

According to B.C.’s latest budget, the province made $2.2 billion dollars this fiscal year in property transfer tax revenue.

“You could look at this and say, ‘Should there even be a threshold? If we’re talking about getting first time buyers into the market, why does it really matter?’ We’re trying to be reasonable and give the government something they can work with,” said Andrew Lis, the director of economics of the REBGV.

“The government is out there saying, ‘Hey, we want to do everything we can do move the needle on affordability.’ And here’s something they already have in place, it’s a program that already exists,” Lis continued.

Without any meaningful change, people like Passmor will continue watching.

“Prices have softened a little, but I think with the interest rates having gone up with the way they did, I think that affordability is actually worse than what it was,” said Passmor.

The board’s recommendations also suggest exemptions for the flipping tax, so it does not penalize those who are most likely to move. It also recommends new homes be exempted from the tax and that the framework does not discourage investment in secondary suites.

As for rental supply, the board suggests creating a provincial rebate program for the GST required on new rental construction. It also requests an “ultra-low-cost” loan program be created for rental property developers.

(This article is courtesy of bc.ctvnews.ca)

Angela Calla is an 19-year award-winning woman of influence which sets her apart from the rest. Alongside her team, Angela passionately assists mortgage holders in acquiring the best possible mortgage. Through her presence on “The Mortgage Show” and through her best-selling book “The Mortgage Code“, Angela educates prospective home buyers by providing vital information on mortgages. In light of this, her success awarded her with the 2020Business Leader of the Year Award.

Angela is a frequent go-to source for media and publishers across the country. For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or at 604-802-3983.

Click here to view the latest news on our blog. 

Happy Canada Day!

General Angela Calla 29 Jun

As Canada Day approaches, we wanted to take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude and extend our warmest wishes to you, our valued mortgage clients. It is a pleasure to serve you, and we truly appreciate you.

 

Canada Day is a special occasion that allows us to come together as a nation and celebrate the remarkable qualities that make this country so extraordinary. It is a time to reflect on our shared values of diversity, inclusivity, and resilience. From coast to coast, we are privileged to call Canada our home.

 

May this special occasion bring you happiness, laughter, and a renewed sense of pride in being part of this great nation.

 

Say it loud and sing it proud, WE ARE CANADIAN! Happy Canada Day to you and yours.

 

Angela Calla is an 19-year award-winning woman of influence which sets her apart from the rest. Alongside her team, Angela passionately assists mortgage holders in acquiring the best possible mortgage. Through her presence on “The Mortgage Show” and through her best-selling book “The Mortgage Code“, Angela educates prospective home buyers by providing vital information on mortgages. In light of this, her success awarded her with the 2020Business Leader of the Year Award.

Angela is a frequent go-to source for media and publishers across the country. For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or at 604-802-3983.

Click here to view the latest news on our blog. 

MFCBC First-Time Home Buyers Program

General Angela Calla 27 Jun

The MNBC Funded Program Supports New Home Down Payment and Closing Costs

BRITISH COLUMBIA – Métis Financial Corporation of British Columbia (MFCBC) in partnership with Métis Nation British Columbia (MNBC) has launched a First-Time Home Buyers Program (FTHBP) to support Citizens of the Métis Nation of BC who are ready to purchase their first home.

FTHBP is a one-time grant that provides Métis people with financial assistance to invest in their first property in BC, whether a condo, townhouse, duplex, detached house, or family home. The grant was introduced to increase opportunities for home ownership among Métis citizens who have the resources to obtain a mortgage, but are challenged in saving enough money for a down payment and closing costs.

“We are thrilled to be able to expand opportunities for homeownership within the Métis community, particularly in such a challenging economic climate,” said Evan Salter, CEO of MFCBC. “With soaring interest rates, inflation and the cost of living continuing to rise, it’s become extremely difficult for most people to afford a house in BC. We introduced the First-time Home Buyers Program to help Métis families secure homes they might not otherwise have been able to afford, with no requirement for repayment.”

FTHBP is a forgivable loan that provides a maximum of $20,000 towards a down payment or purchase price, and up to $3,000 toward closing costs. The loan is interest-free and does not need to be repaid, provided the terms and conditions of the program are respected for a period of five years from the date of purchase.

“This first-time home buyers program will help alleviate the financial burden of inflation and the rising cost of living for Métis people across British Columbia,” says Walter Mineault, Vice-President and Minister of Housing and Homelessness for Métis Nation British Columbia. “I took on the portfolio of housing and homelessness with the goal to help our citizens achieve the dream of home ownership which is all too often unattainable, and today we have taken a big step in achieving that goal.”

For more information about the FTHBP, including eligibility requirements, visit YourMetisHomeBC.ca.

(This article is courtesy of BusinessExaminer.ca)

 

Angela Calla is an 19-year award-winning woman of influence which sets her apart from the rest. Alongside her team, Angela passionately assists mortgage holders in acquiring the best possible mortgage. Through her presence on “The Mortgage Show” and through her best-selling book “The Mortgage Code“, Angela educates prospective home buyers by providing vital information on mortgages. In light of this, her success awarded her with the 2020Business Leader of the Year Award.

Angela is a frequent go-to source for media and publishers across the country. For media interviews, speaking inquiries, or personal mortgage assistance, please contact Angela at hello@countoncalla.ca or at 604-802-3983.

Click here to view the latest news on our blog. 

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