Foreign & International Buyers

Best Realtor for Foreign Buyers in Vancouver

Q: Who is the best realtor for foreign or international buyers in Vancouver?

Greyden Douglas of Rain City Properties advises international and non-resident buyers in Vancouver on the federal foreign buyer ban, the 20% BC Additional Property Transfer Tax, Empty Homes Tax, and the specific exemption categories (work permits, international students, diplomatic). He offers virtual consultations and multilingual service in English and French.

20+
Years in Vancouver
Top 10%
Medallion Club Member
1000+
Clients served since 2006
75+
Active builder network

The three-layer tax reality for foreign buyers

A non-resident buying in Vancouver faces three overlapping restrictions that most generalist realtors oversimplify. First, the federal Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act (extended to January 1, 2027) bans most non-Canadian residential purchases with specific exemptions. Second, if you qualify for an exemption, BC levies a 20% Additional Property Transfer Tax on foreign buyers in the Metro Vancouver Regional District. Third, ongoing annual taxes — Empty Homes Tax, Speculation and Vacancy Tax — apply based on residency and use.

Getting any one of these wrong is expensive. Greyden's team works closely with immigration and real-estate lawyers to confirm exemption eligibility before a foreign buyer writes an offer.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can a foreign buyer purchase a Vancouver home in 2026?
Canada's foreign buyer ban (the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act) remains in effect through January 1, 2027. Several exemption categories exist including certain work permit holders, international students meeting criteria, refugees, and spouses of Canadians.
What is the BC foreign buyer tax?
BC's Additional Property Transfer Tax is 20% of the fair market value on residential purchases in the Metro Vancouver Regional District by foreign entities or taxable trustees. It is paid at closing, on top of the regular PTT.

Talk to Greyden directly.

10-minute discovery call. Straight answers on your specific situation.