How to Apply for the BC Homeowner Grant

If you own a home in British Columbia, the Homeowner Grant is one of the most valuable tax benefits available to you. This provincial program helps homeowners reduce their annual property tax bill. For newcomers who have recently purchased their first home, understanding how to apply for and receive the grant is an important step in managing the costs of homeownership. This guide covers everything you need to know about the BC Homeowner Grant.

What Is the BC Homeowner Grant?

The BC Homeowner Grant is a provincial program that reduces the amount of residential property taxes you pay each year. It is available to homeowners who use their property as their principal residence. The grant was introduced to make homeownership more affordable by offsetting a portion of property taxes.

The grant is not automatic. You must apply for it every year, and you must meet the eligibility requirements. If you do not apply, you will pay your full property tax amount without the reduction. The program is administered by the Province of BC. For official information, visit the BC Homeowner Grant page.

Who Is Eligible?

To qualify for the BC Homeowner Grant, you must meet the following requirements:

• You must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (or the owner must be a Canadian citizen or permanent resident).
• The property must be your principal residence. You must live in the home as your primary residence.
• The assessed value of your property must be below the grant threshold. For the regular grant, the property must have an assessed value below a certain threshold (which changes annually). If your property value is above the threshold, the grant is reduced and eventually eliminated.
• You must not have received the grant on another property for the same year.

If you are a newcomer who has recently become a permanent resident and purchased a home, you are likely eligible for the grant. If you are still in the process of buying a home, check out our guide on buying your first home in Canada as a newcomer.

Grant Amounts

The grant amounts vary depending on where your property is located and whether you qualify for additional amounts:

• Regular grant: Up to $570 for properties in the Capital Regional District, Metro Vancouver, and the Fraser Valley. Up to $770 for properties in northern and rural areas of BC.
• Additional grant: If you are 65 years or older, a person with a disability, or a veteran, you may qualify for an additional grant of up to $275 (for a total of up to $845 in urban areas or $1,045 in northern and rural areas).

The assessed value threshold above which the grant is reduced changes from year to year. For properties with assessed values above the threshold, the grant is reduced by $5 for every $1,000 of assessed value above the threshold, until the grant reaches zero. Check the BC Homeowner Grant amounts page for current thresholds and amounts.

How to Apply

Starting in 2024, the BC Homeowner Grant is claimed directly through the Province of BC rather than through your municipality. Here is how to apply:

Step 1: Gather Your Information

You will need the following information to apply:

• Your property folio number or jurisdiction code and roll number (found on your property tax notice).
• Your social insurance number.
• Your date of birth.
• Your property address.

Step 2: Apply Online

The easiest way to apply is online through the BC Homeowner Grant application portal. You can apply as soon as you receive your property tax notice. The online application is straightforward and takes only a few minutes to complete.

Step 3: Apply by Phone or Mail (Alternative)

If you prefer not to apply online, you can also apply by phone or by mail. The Province of BC provides a toll-free phone number and a mailing address for applications. Check the application page for current contact information.

Step 4: Confirm Your Grant

After you apply, the Province will process your application and apply the grant to your property tax account. You can verify that the grant has been applied by checking your property tax account or contacting your municipality. If there are any issues with your application, the Province will contact you.

Important Deadlines

You must apply for the Homeowner Grant before your property tax due date, which is typically in early July for most municipalities in BC. If you miss the deadline, you may still be able to apply for a late grant, but there could be penalties or interest charges on the unpaid portion of your taxes. To avoid any issues, apply as soon as you receive your tax notice.

Additional Grant for Seniors and People with Disabilities

If you are 65 years or older on the current calendar year, or if you are a person with a disability, you may qualify for an additional Homeowner Grant. To claim the additional grant for disability, you will need documentation from a qualified health professional confirming your disability. For more information about disability services and supports available to newcomers, visit our guide on disability services for newcomers in Canada.

Veterans who receive certain disability benefits may also qualify for the additional grant. Contact the Province for details about qualifying veteran benefits.

What If You Have Multiple Owners?

If your property has multiple owners, only one owner needs to apply for the grant. However, at least one owner must meet the eligibility requirements (Canadian citizen or permanent resident, using the property as their principal residence). If you co-own a property with someone who does not meet the requirements, you may still be eligible based on your own qualifications.

Homeowner Grant and Strata Properties

If you own a strata property (such as a condominium or townhouse), you are eligible for the Homeowner Grant just like any other homeowner, as long as you meet the eligibility requirements. The grant applies to the property taxes on your individual strata lot.

Common Questions

• Can I claim the grant if I rent out part of my home? Yes, as long as the property is still your principal residence. If you rent out the entire property, you do not qualify.
• What if I bought my home partway through the year? You can still apply for the grant for the portion of the year that you owned the home. The grant will be prorated based on your ownership period.
• Can I claim the grant on a mobile home? Yes, mobile homes on leased land can qualify for the Homeowner Grant.
• What if my assessed value is very high? The grant is reduced for properties with high assessed values, and it may be eliminated entirely above a certain threshold. Check the current thresholds on the BC government website.

Related Financial Benefits for Homeowners

In addition to the Homeowner Grant, BC homeowners may be eligible for other financial benefits:

• Property tax deferment: Eligible homeowners (seniors, families with children, people with disabilities) can defer their property taxes through a low-interest provincial program.
• Home renovation tax credit: Seniors and people with disabilities may qualify for tax credits related to home renovations that improve accessibility.

If you are also interested in learning about workers' compensation in BC or how to register a vehicle in BC, we have guides on those topics as well.

Final Thoughts

The BC Homeowner Grant is a valuable benefit that can save homeowners hundreds of dollars each year on their property taxes. As a newcomer who has purchased a home in BC, make sure you apply for the grant every year to take advantage of this savings. The application process is simple and can be completed online in just a few minutes. Do not leave money on the table by forgetting to apply.

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