Empty Homes Tax
Each year, every owner of residential property in Vancouver is required to submit a property status declaration to determine if their property is subject to the tax.
The City's Empty Homes Tax is separate from the provincial government’s Speculation and Vacancy Tax. If you have an enquiry about the Province's tax, please refer to the Province's website External website, opens in new tab or call 1-833-554-2323.
Properties deemed empty will be subject to a tax of 1% of the property’s 2019 assessed taxable value.
Most homes will not be subject to the tax, as it does not apply to principal residences or homes rented for at least six months of the year; however, all homeowners are required to submit a declaration.
Net revenues from the Empty Homes Tax will be reinvested into affordable housing initiatives.
Ready to declare?
Instructions will be mailed out with your advance property tax notice throughout November.
Declare by:
February 4, 2020
- Jan 1, 2019
Start of tax year - Dec 31, 2019
End of tax year - Feb 4, 2020
Declaration deadline
Will your home be taxed?
Determine if your property will be subject to the Empty Homes Tax (Vacancy Tax).
Enforcement and penalties
Find out how the tax is enforced, how to submit a Notice of Complaint, or pay or dispute a bylaw notice.
Frequently asked questions
View a list of questions, answers, and definitions about the Empty Homes Tax (Vacancy Tax).
Declare property status
Submit your Empty Homes Tax (Vacancy Tax) property status declaration for 2019 by February 4, 2020
Paying your taxes
Pay your property tax and Empty Homes Tax (Vacancy Tax). Get information on ways to pay your taxes.
Clarifications to the Vacancy Tax bylaw were made on September 18, 2018. These changes are in effect for the 2018 reference period (January 1 to December 31, 2018). View the clarified exemptions.
The Empty Homes Tax is also known as the Vacancy Tax and is imposed under the Vacancy Tax Bylaw No. 11674.
The data relating to real estate on this website comes in part from the MLS® Reciprocity program of either the Real Estate Board of Greater Vancouver (REBGV), the Fraser Valley Real Estate Board (FVREB) or the Chilliwack and District Real Estate Board (CADREB). Real estate listings held by participating real estate firms are marked with the MLS® logo and detailed information about the listing includes the name of the listing agent. This representation is based in whole or part on data generated by either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB which assumes no responsibility for its accuracy. The materials contained on this page may not be reproduced without the express written consent of either the REBGV, the FVREB or the CADREB.
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