Your purchase price is not your cash requirement. A defensible BC buying budget separates the down payment, property transfer tax, professional costs, closing adjustments, immediate repairs, and a post-closing reserve.
Decision points
- 01
Model cash to close separately from monthly affordability.
- 02
Confirm exemptions against your registration date and eligibility.
- 03
Keep an after-closing reserve instead of spending to the lender maximum.
Build the cash stack
Start with the down payment, then add net property transfer tax, legal or notary fees, inspection, appraisal if required, title and registration disbursements, insurance, tax and strata adjustments, moving, and immediate work. GST on a new home and the additional property transfer tax can materially change the total and require professional confirmation.
- Down payment
- Taxes and exemptions
- Professional and registration costs
- Adjustments and possession expenses
- A separate contingency reserve
Where estimates fail
Generic percentages hide the timing and eligibility questions that matter. Property transfer tax uses fair market value at registration, exemptions have detailed occupancy and buyer conditions, and closing adjustments depend on the contract and accounts. Use an estimate to prepare questions—not to replace the statement of adjustments from your conveyancer.
No provider paid to appear on this page. Parcel & Key does not accept legal referral fees or paid real-estate-agent leads. Future partner links will be labelled beside the action and activated only after written approval.