What is the property tax rate in Vancouver?

Vancouver's residential property tax rate for 2026 is approximately 0.27% — the lowest in Canada. Despite this low rate, annual taxes can exceed $5,000 due to high assessed values.

Why is Vancouver property tax rate so low?

Vancouver has Canada's highest average property values. Even at 0.27%, a $1.5M home pays $4,050 annually — comparable to what a $640,000 home in Ottawa pays at 1.01%. The city generates sufficient revenue without needing a higher rate.

How much is property tax on a $2 million home in Vancouver?

At 0.27%, annual property tax on a $2 million assessed home in Vancouver is approximately $5,400 ($450/month) before deducting the Home Owner Grant.

What is the Vancouver Empty Homes Tax?

Vancouver charges a 5% Empty Homes Tax (EHT) on the assessed value of homes that are not a principal residence and are vacant for more than 6 months per year. On a $2M home, the EHT is $100,000 per year — far exceeding the regular property tax bill. Owners must declare occupancy status annually.

What is the BC Home Owner Grant?

The BC Home Owner Grant reduces property taxes for eligible homeowners. The basic grant is $570 per year; seniors (65+) and people with disabilities receive up to $845. An additional $200 is available for northern and rural properties. The grant phases out on homes assessed over $2,150,000.

When is Vancouver property tax due?

Vancouver property tax is due in early July each year. A 5% penalty applies to amounts unpaid after the deadline. Monthly pre-authorized payment plans (TIPP) are available throughout the year.

How does Vancouver property tax compare to Toronto and Calgary?

Vancouver has a much lower rate (0.27%) than Toronto (0.63%) or Calgary (0.66%), but higher home values mean the total dollars paid are comparable. A $1.5M Vancouver home pays $4,050; a $650,000 Calgary home pays $4,290. The rate difference matters most when comparing similarly priced homes across cities.

Vancouver Property Tax 2026 | Tax Rate & Calculator

Vancouver Property Tax 2026

Vancouver has the lowest residential property tax rate in Canada at approximately 0.27%. This reflects the city’s extremely high property values — even a low percentage generates significant revenue per home. However, Vancouver homeowners face additional costs unique to BC: the Empty Homes Tax, the Speculation and Vacancy Tax, and the provincial school tax surcharge on high-value properties.

Component	Details
Residential tax rate	~0.27%
Per $1,000 assessed value	$2.70
Assessment authority	BC Assessment
Assessment frequency	Annual (July 1 reference date)
Assessment notices mailed	January
Tax due date	Early July

Vancouver Property Tax Calculator

Assessed Value	Annual Tax	Monthly	After $570 Grant
$800,000	$2,160	$180	$1,590
$1,000,000	$2,700	$225	$2,130
$1,250,000	$3,375	$281	$2,805
$1,500,000	$4,050	$338	$3,480
$1,750,000	$4,725	$394	$4,155
$2,000,000	$5,400	$450	$4,830
$2,500,000	$6,750	$563	$6,180

Grant phases out on assessed values over $2,150,000.

Vancouver vs BC Cities

City	Tax Rate	Tax on $1M	Tax on $1.5M
Vancouver	0.27%	$2,700	$4,050
Burnaby	0.36%	$3,600	$5,400
Richmond	0.38%	$3,800	$5,700
Surrey	0.39%	$3,900	$5,850
Coquitlam	0.41%	$4,100	$6,150
Kelowna	0.47%	$4,700	$7,050
Victoria	0.52%	$5,200	$7,800

Vancouver vs Major Canadian Cities

City	Rate	Tax on $800K	Province
Vancouver	0.27%	$2,160	BC
Toronto	0.63%	$5,040	ON
Calgary	0.66%	$5,280	AB
Edmonton	0.76%	$6,080	AB
Montreal	0.76%	$6,080	QC
Ottawa	1.01%	$8,080	ON

Additional Vancouver Property Levies

Beyond the base property tax rate, Vancouver homeowners may be subject to:

Levy	Rate / Amount	Who Pays
Empty Homes Tax (EHT)	5% of assessed value	Vacant homes; declare annually
BC Speculation and Vacancy Tax	0.5% (BC citizens) to 2% (foreign owners)	Non-principal residences in designated areas
BC School Tax Surcharge	0.2% on $3M–$4M, 0.4% over $4M	High-value property owners
Metro Vancouver regional levy	Included in base rate	All Vancouver homeowners
TransLink levy	Included in base rate	All Vancouver homeowners

Empty Homes Tax Example

Assessed Value	EHT (5%)	Regular Tax (0.27%)	Total if Vacant
$1,000,000	$50,000	$2,700	$52,700
$1,500,000	$75,000	$4,050	$79,050
$2,000,000	$100,000	$5,400	$105,400

Owners must submit an annual declaration by February 2 each year. Failing to declare results in the EHT being assessed automatically.

BC Home Owner Grant

The BC Home Owner Grant reduces property taxes for eligible principal residences:

Category	Grant Amount
Basic grant	$570
Seniors (65+) basic	$845
Persons with disabilities basic	$845
Northern/Rural supplement	+$200

The grant phases out on homes assessed over $2,150,000 and is zero at approximately $2,764,000. Apply each year through the BC Home Owner Grant portal — it is not automatic.

BC Assessment and Appeals

Step	Timeline
Assessment reference date	July 1 (previous year)
Assessment notices mailed	Early January
Appeal deadline	January 31
Appeal body	Property Assessment Appeal Board (PAAB)
Appeal fee	$30 for residential

If you disagree with your assessed value, first contact BC Assessment for an informal review. If unresolved, file a formal appeal with the PAAB by January 31. Appeals must be based on market value evidence — comparable sales, errors in property details, or classification issues.

Payment Options

Method	Details
TIPP (Tax Instalment Payment Plan)	Monthly pre-authorized withdrawals; enroll at Vancouver.ca
Full annual payment	Due early July
Online banking	Add “City of Vancouver” as payee using your folio number
In-person	City Hall cashiers

Late payment penalty is 5% of the unpaid balance after the July due date.