Let's help you find the best mortgage rate in BC

British Columbia at a glance

• Population: 5 million - 3rd largest in Canada after Ontario and Quebec
• Average Household Income: $69,995
• Percentage of Homeowners: 68%

 

Current state of the BC housing market

• Home sales in December 2022 were 3,522 units, down 48.9% from December 2021.  
• The average price for resale residential homes in December 2022 was $907,456, a 11.9% year-over-year decrease from December 2021.
• New listings in December 2022 were 3,586 units, a decrease of 30.7% from December 2021.
• The sales to new listings ratio (SNLR), meaning the number of home sales compared to new listings, was 53%. 
• Months of inventory stood at 3.8 months in December 2022.
• The dollar value of all home sales in BC in December 2022 was nearly $3.2 billion, representing a year-over-year decline of 55%.

 

British Columbia home sales and price forecast

British Columbia, home of Canada’s most expensive housing market, witnessed some of the steepest declines in year-over-year home sales and average home prices in December 2022. Home sales dropped precipitously to 3,522 units, nearly 50% less than the previous December. Meanwhile, the average home price experienced a decline of 11.9%, nearly identical to the national average home price decline of 12% year-over-year. 

Unsurprisingly, market conditions have put off many potential sellers, and new listings in December 2022 fell by 10.7% year-over-year. Sellers were not the only ones deterred - buyers have also adopted a “wait and see” approach. This is best illustrated by British Columbia’s sales to new listings ratio (SNLR), which stood at 53% in December 2022, indicating a balanced market. Meanwhile, inventory came in at 3.8 months.

In 2022, the average home price in British Columbia was $996,994, indicating a 7.5% increase from 2021. However, according to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), that trend is set to reverse in 2023. The average home price in British Columbia is expected to decline by 7% in 2023 to $926,705, before rebounding by 5.6% in 2024. 

How do I get the best mortgage in BC? 

Thanks to some beautiful countryside, some of the most livable cities in the world, as well as a busy local and tourist economy, British Columbia is home to a vibrant mortgage and real estate industry. You'll find all the Big 5 Banks and numerous national banks and credit unions here, as well as local banks and credit unions like VanCity Savings Credit Union and Coastal Capital Savings Credit Union. To find the best mortgage rates available in BC right now, consult the rate tables above. 

However, the mortgage with the lowest rate is not always the best mortgage for you. The ideal mortgage is the one that best suits your needs and financial situation. It's critical to shop around and consult a mortgage broker who can provide you with expert, personalized advice and guidance, all for free. 

What factors affect the mortgage rate I get?

The mortgage rates available in BC are only one part of the equation. Your financial situation will greatly determine what rates you’re actually able to qualify for. Here are the most important factors that will affect your personal mortgage rate: 

• Down payment: All property purchases in Canada require a down payment. The minimum down payment ranges from 5% to 20%, depending on how expensive the property is. If your down payment is under 20%, you’ll be required to take out mortgage default insurance (often called CMHC insurance). While having an insured mortgage will cost you more overall, it allows you to access lower mortgage rates, as there’s less risk to your lender. That said, it’s almost always better to put in a larger down payment if you can afford to do so, even if your mortgage rate ends up being slightly higher, as you will still save more overall through the life of your mortgage by not having to pay for mortgage insurance. Remember that BC - and Vancouver in particular - is more expensive than the rest of Canada. In the Greater Vancouver area, where the average home price is over $1 million, a 20% minimum down payment is often required, as homes priced over $1 million are not eligible for mortgage default insurance. 
• Amortization period: Mortgages with amortization periods above 25 years can’t be insured and therefore come with higher mortgage rates. However, a longer amortization period will give you more time to pay off your mortgage thereby lowering your monthly payments. You can use our amortization calculator to see how your monthly payments would vary under different amortization length scenarios. 
• What the property will be used for: Mortgage rates are lower for properties that are owner-occupied, rather than those that are occupied by renters.
• Mortgage type: Mortgages for renewals and purchases typically have lower rates than mortgages for refinancing.
• Income and credit score: With prices in BC being as high as they are, lenders will be especially vigilant about making sure that you’ve got a steady source of income and a good credit history. You can learn more about how to understand your credit score elsewhere on our site. 
  
  

Historical trends in BC mortgage rates

BC mortgage rates rise and fall, as do rates throughout Canada. Have a look at this interactive graph showing the lowest mortgage rates in the country over the last several years to give you an idea of how today's rates compare historically.

Source: Ratehub Historical Rate Chart

British Columbia land transfer tax

If you purchase property in British Columbia, you’ll be required to pay the provincial land transfer tax. This is sometimes forgotten by homebuyers, despite being one of the largest closing costs associated with buying a home.

In BC, land transfer tax is based on the cost of the property, with a marginal tax rate that increases with the purchase price. 

Purchase Price	BC land transfer tax rate
0 - $200,000	1.0%
$200,000 - $2,000,000	2.0%
$2,000,000 - $3,000,000	3.00%
$3 million +	3.00% for non-residential property 5.00% for residential property

Source: Province of British Columbia

BC first-time homebuyer rebate

First-time homebuyers in British Columbia may be eligible for a full or partial rebate of the BC land transfer tax for property purchases of less than $525,000. The full tax may be eligible for a rebate if the price is less than $500,000, while a partial rebate may apply for home worth between $500,000 and $525,000.

It’s best to speak to a BC mortgage broker to determine your eligibility. For information on other opportunities for first-time homebuyers, read our guide to first-time homebuyer incentives in Canada.