First Home Stack

Guides

Guides for BC first-time home buyers

Short, sourced explainers, each tied to a calculator.

Rules last verified:

Plain-language guides for buying your first home in BC. Each one links to the official rules and to the calculator that does the math.

Saving the down payment

Minimum down payment in BCThe 5% and 10% tiers, with BC price examples. FHSA explained for BC buyersLimits, who can open one, and how a tax-free withdrawal works. RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan: $60,000 and repaymentWhat you can take out and what you pay back each year. FHSA or RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan for your down payment?How they differ and how to use both. Where to open an FHSAWhat banks and online platforms offer, side by side.

Taxes, insurance and closing

BC property transfer tax and the first-time buyer exemptionWho qualifies, the price limits and worked examples. BC newly built home exemptionProperty transfer tax on a new home up to $1.15 million. GST rebates on a new home in BCThe first-time buyer GST rebate and the new housing rebate. CMHC insurance cost and the 30-year optionThe premium table and what a longer amortization costs. How much are closing costs when you buy in BC?The costs to plan for, with realistic ranges. Title insurance in BCWhat it covers and who offers it.

Buying and selling

BC first-time home buyer checklistFrom saving to completion day, step by step. What does it cost to sell a home in BC?Payout, penalty, fees, GST and what is left.

Calculators

Down payment plannerStack cash, FHSA and Home Buyers’ Plan and see your monthly cost. Closing costs calculatorEstimate transfer tax, GST, legal fees and more as a range. Selling costs calculatorEstimate net proceeds when you sell a BC home.
Estimates only. Not tax, legal or financial advice.

Rough numbers, not a quote or a lender’s decision. Check with a lawyer or notary and your lender before you rely on them. See Disclosures and Methodology.