BC & Vancouver Presales

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BC & Vancouver Presales

Welcome to BC Presales Search Page. On this page you will find a comprehensive list of BC & Greater Vancouver new condos for sale.

Please zoom out see presales outside of the Vancouver area.

Search our new constriction homes to find new condos for sale Vancouver and across British Columbia.

BC Presales & Presale BC

Presales is what you find on this page. VancouverNewCondos.com is your number one source for presales in Vancouver & across British Columbia.

What Vancouver New Condos Does for You

By signing up for Vancouver New Condos VIP email list, you can purchase new construction homes before anyone else and get information on new Vancouver and BC new development condos before anyone else. We can also get you access to detailed pricing & floor plans before anyone else.

Please see our Vancouver New Condos FAQ where we discuss the services we provide new home buyers in Vancouver and across BC.

What is a Presale?

The Cambridge Dictionary defines a presale as such:

“An agreement to sell something before it is finished or available

In British Columbia real estate, a presale condo (sometimes called a pre-construction condo or an off-plan property) is a type of property transaction where a unit in a new home development is sold to a buyer before it has been built or completed.

This method for selling properties is common in many markets globally, including BC.

To learn more, please check out our post What are presale condos to learn more on presale condos in British Columbia.

Why are there Presales?

Developers pre-sell condos to demonstrate market viability to their lenders and investors before construction begins. In most cases, lenders—primarily banks—require a specific percentage of units (20-70% typically) to be pre-sold by a set date as a condition for financing the project.

This requirement ensures there is sufficient market demand to justify the development and minimizes the risk associated with the construction loan to the developer.

Once the developer has reached their presale requirement from their lenders, they typically being construction.

Do Presales Get Cancelled?

Yes.

If a developer does not sell the required amount of presale condos by the date set by their lenders, the pre sale project can be cancelled.

Pre sales are highly regulated by REDMA & BCFSA and all preconstruction deposits are held in a trust account. If a project is cancelled, the buyers get their deposits back.

Presale Condo Deposits

Pre-construction purchases in BC typically require a deposit 5-35% of the purchase price depending on market conditions and residency of the buyers.

Non-resident Canadian citizens can expect to pay 35% pay in 5% or 10% chunks over 18-24 months.

Permanent Residents (and those with certain work permits/visas – consult with a qualified immigration lawyer for details) & Resident Canadian citizens can expect deposits as low as 5% in soft market sometimes payable in 2.5% chunks over a 12-18 months.

In a hotter market Permanent Residents (And those with certain work permits/visas – consult with a qualified immigration lawyer for details) & Resident Canadian citizens can expect deposits as much as 25% of the purchase price payable over 12-24 months.

British Columbia Foreign Buyers Tax

The BC government enacted an abrupt Foreign Buyers Tax of 15% on non-Canadians & non-Permanent Residents purchasing properties in the province in 2016. A subsequent government increased it to 20% in 2018.

Foreign Buyers Ban

Canada’s federal government, in a vain attempt at reelection, has banned non-Canadians & non-Permanent Residents from buying properties in this country until January 1, 2027.

Some visa’s and work permits do allow property purchases, so please do check in with a qualified immigration lawyer if you are thinking of a purchase and you are not a Canadian Citizen or PR.

Taxes on Presales in British Columbia

Presale condos, like all new properties in British Columbia are subject to the following taxes:

Good & Services Tax GST

The GST is a 5% federal tax that is payable on all new properties in BC including presales upon completion of the development.

GST Rebates in BC

There is also a rebate on GST in British Columbia subject to certain conditions. Please see the link to GST Rebate calculator below for more details.

Property Transfer Tax PTT

The PTT is a BC provincial tax on the fair market value payable transfer of ownership of all residential freehold properties in the province.

  • 1% on the first $200,000 of the purchase price
  • 2% on the fair market value between $200,000 and $2,000,000
  • 3% on the  fair market value above $2,000,000
  • 5% on the fair market value of the home above $3,000,000

British Columbia Goods and Services Tax (GST) & Property Transfer Tax (PTT) & Rebate Calculator

Want to calculate the GST and any potential rebate as well as the PTT on a new property in BC?

Please check out our GST & PTT Calculator.

Undecided on Presales? Check out the Pros & Cons on Buying a Presale Condo

Buying a new construction condo or townhouse in British Columbia is a major commitment and should not be entered into lightly. Before making a decision, check out our page on The Pros And Cons Of Buying Presale Condos In BC.

Vancouver New Condos Focuses on Buying Presales Safely

Buying a presale in Vancouver and across British Columbia can be a nerve wracking process. All the Realtors with Vancouver New Condos are experienced new home specialists who are focused helping clients with safe new home purchases. Please see some of the articles below discussing the safe purchase of presales in BC.

Presales are Regulated in British Columbia to Ensure Buyer Safety

The purchase of new construction residential properties in BC are regulated by the British Columbia Financial Services Authority BCFSA. The legislation that BCFSA uses to regulate presales in BC is call the Real Estate Development Marketing Act REDMA. One of the most important aspects of these protections is the 7 day rescission period for presale condo purchases.

7-Day Rescission Period for Presale Condos in British Columbia

The 7-Day Rescission Period allows purchasers of presales in BC can kill their accepted offer for up to 7 days after it is accepted. This period is a provision under section 21 of the Real Estate Development Marketing Act (REDMA), allowing buyers to cancel their purchase agreement without penalties within seven days of signing the contract.

The purpose of this provision is to protect buyers from making rushed decisions, giving them time to review the contract, seek legal and accounting advice, and ensure they are comfortable with their purchase.

The rescission period begins either when the offer is accepted and signed by both parties or when the buyer receives a copy of the disclosure statement. If the buyer does not take action to rescind the contract during this period, the deal automatically proceeds.

The article emphasizes the importance of this period in protecting new home buyers and enabling informed decision-making for purchasers.

🏡 Frequently Asked Questions About Presale Condos in BC

1. What are presale condos in BC?

Presale condos are units that developers sell before the building is completed. This allows buyers to secure a property at today’s price and take ownership once construction is finished. Presales are popular in regions across British Columbia, including Metro Vancouver, Victoria, and Kelowna.

2. Why do developers pre-sell condos in BC?

Developers pre-sell condos to show lenders and investors that there is market demand for the project. Banks typically require a certain percentage of units to be pre-sold before approving financing for construction.

3. How much deposit is required for a presale condo in BC?

Deposits for presale condos in BC typically range from 5% to 35% of the purchase price. These deposits are usually paid in installments throughout the construction period.

4. How does the Property Transfer Tax (PTT) apply to presale condos in BC?

Presale buyers in BC are subject to the Property Transfer Tax (PTT) when the property completes. The tax is calculated based on the fair market value of the property at the time of registration.

5. What are the benefits of buying a presale condo in BC?

  • Price Appreciation: Secure a property at today’s price and benefit from potential market increases by the time of completion.
  • Customization: Choose finishes, layouts, and sometimes even unit locations.
  • New Home Warranty: Most presale condos come with a 2-5-10 year warranty for peace of mind.

6. What are the risks of buying a presale condo in BC?

Potential risks include:

  • Project Delays: Construction timelines can be delayed.
  • Market Fluctuations: Property values may change during construction.
  • Developer Reliability: Ensure the developer has a solid track record to minimize risks.

7. What is the 7-Day Rescission Period in BC?

In BC, buyers have a 7-day rescission period to cancel a presale purchase agreement without penalty. This gives time to review the contract carefully and consult a lawyer if needed.

8. Are there any taxes or fees I should consider when buying a presale in BC?

In addition to the Property Transfer Tax, buyers should be aware of:

  • GST on New Homes: A 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST) applies to new homes in BC.
  • Closing Costs: Legal fees, inspection fees, and other closing costs may apply.

9. How long does it take to complete a presale condo in BC?

Most presale condo projects in BC take 2 to 5 years from sales launch to completion, depending on the project’s size and location.

10. Can I finance a presale condo purchase?

Yes, but mortgages for presale condos are typically finalized closer to the completion date. It’s wise to get pre-approved and work with a lender who understands presale financing.

Updated by Mike Stewart on December 13, 2024