Buy · Cost mapLinked calculator
The real cost of buying a home in BC
A complete cash-to-close map for BC buyers, from down payment and property transfer tax to adjustments and moving reserves.
Read the decision guideThe BC property research desk.
Search by the decision in front of you—not by whatever was published most recently. Every guide and dataset shows its sources, review date, assumptions, and professional boundary.
Original scenario research
Reusable numbers—with the assumptions attached.
Download the full tables in CSV or JSON, inspect the versioned method, and use the publisher-ready citations.
Dataset 01
The Closing Brief · four-issue launch libraryRead the source-backed research dispatch →BC cash-to-close benchmarks: 13 price and exemption thresholds
A reproducible 2026 scenario dataset showing general property transfer tax, first-time and new-build exemption effects, a 20% down payment, and a fixed planning allowance at 13 purchase-price thresholds.
13 rows · CSV + JSON →Dataset 02BC strata capital stress grid: project scale × stated reserve coverage
Nine deterministic strata-capital scenarios showing how project scale and the share of a stated contingency balance change a modelled unit-level exposure range.
9 rows · CSV + JSON →Buy · ClosingLinked calculator
BC closing costs: a buyer’s line-by-line checklist
Understand which closing costs are predictable, which are property-specific, and which require a lawyer, notary, lender, or insurer.
Read the decision guideBuy · Tax rulesLinked calculator
BC property transfer tax: rates, exemptions, and thresholds
Current BC property transfer tax brackets with first-time-buyer and newly built home exemption logic.
Read the decision guideBuy · First purchaseLinked calculator
First-time home buyer in BC: the decision checklist
A practical sequence for financing, exemptions, strata review, insurance, subjects, and closing reserves.
Read the decision guideBuy · Vancouver condosLinked calculator
Buying a Vancouver condo: a risk-first guide
How to compare Vancouver condos using documents, building exposure, monthly cost, and decision deadlines.
Read the decision guideBuy · Strata diligenceLinked calculator
BC strata documents checklist for buyers
The core records to request, what each can reveal, and how to turn them into professional questions.
Read the decision guideBuy · Form BLinked calculator
BC strata Form B: what buyers should verify
A buyer-focused explanation of Form B information, attachments, timing, and cross-checks.
Read the decision guideBuy · MinutesLinked calculator
How to read BC strata minutes without missing the pattern
A repeatable way to scan council and general-meeting minutes for cost, governance, insurance, and maintenance signals.
Read the decision guideBuy · Capital planningLinked calculator
BC strata depreciation reports: turning forecasts into questions
How buyers can use component forecasts, funding models, and report dates without treating them as guarantees.
Read the decision guideBuy · Special leviesLinked calculator
BC strata special assessments: estimate exposure before you buy
A scenario method for special levies using project cost, available reserves, unit share, known levies, and uncertainty.
Read the decision guideBuy · InspectionLinked calculator
Home inspections in BC: scope, licensing, and follow-up
How to hire a licensed inspector, understand the limits of a visual inspection, and escalate specialist concerns.
Read the decision guideFinance · QualificationLinked calculator
Mortgage stress test in BC: qualification versus survivability
Understand the minimum qualifying rate and why a lender’s approval is not a complete ownership budget.
Read the decision guideFinance · CompareLinked calculator
Mortgage broker versus bank in BC: compare the mandate, not the pitch
A neutral comparison of lender access, advice boundaries, compensation, portability, penalties, and service.
Read the decision guideFinance · Private lendingLinked calculator
Private mortgages in BC: a total-exit-cost framework
Evaluate a private mortgage by purpose, term, fees, payment risk, security, and a credible exit—not rate alone.
Read the decision guideAnalyze · Rent or buyLinked calculator
Rent versus buy in Vancouver: compare scenarios, not slogans
A transparent framework for housing cash flow, transaction costs, time horizon, uncertainty, and flexibility.
Read the decision guideAnalyze · Ownership costLinked calculator
The true monthly cost of owning a Vancouver condo
Build a monthly condo budget that includes financing, building costs, reserves, and renewal stress.
Read the decision guideProtect · InsuranceLinked calculator
BC condo insurance: match the unit policy to the strata risk
Understand strata insurance, unit-owner coverage, deductibles, improvements, loss assessment, and confirmation questions.
Read the decision guideProtect · ConveyancingLinked calculator
Real-estate lawyer versus notary in BC
Compare scope, transaction complexity, conflict needs, pricing, and professional fit without paid ranking.
Read the decision guideImprove · Renovation
Vancouver condo renovation costs: price the approvals first
A pre-budget framework for strata approval, permits, access, building rules, contingency, and contractor scope.
Read the decision guideMove · Possession
Moving costs in Vancouver: build a possession-day budget
Plan mover, strata, storage, utility, overlap, cleaning, and contingency costs around possession.
Read the decision guide