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A well-positioned ground-level condo just hit the market at Parkview Place — one of Central Port Coquitlam's established and well-maintained strata communities. Unit 104 at 2109 Rowland Street offers a practical layout, solid building history, and a location that buyers in the Port Coquitlam real estate market consistently gravitate toward. Whether you're entering the market for the first time, simplifying your lifestyle, or adding to a rental portfolio, this is a property worth a close look.

Why Central Port Coquitlam Draws Consistent Demand

Central Port Coquitlam sits in a sweet spot for buyers who want walkability without the premium price tag of Vancouver or Burnaby. The neighbourhood is bookended by parks, trails, and everyday conveniences — Aggie Park, Nacht Park, and the Coquitlam River trail system are all within easy reach. Homes in Port Coquitlam at this price point rarely stay available for long, and condos in established buildings like Parkview Place tend to attract multiple interested parties quickly. Proximity to the West Coast Express and TransLink routes makes this corridor particularly appealing to commuters working in Vancouver or Burnaby.

What Buyers Are Looking For in This Area

Buyers shopping in Central Pt Coquitlam are typically prioritizing value, practicality, and location over luxury finishes. They want buildings that are properly maintained, strata fees that are reasonable and inclusive, and layouts that actually function well for everyday living. Parkview Place checks those boxes — built in 1994, the building has been fully rain screened, which is a significant factor buyers and their agents pay close attention to in Metro Vancouver. The strata includes gas, management, and snow removal in the monthly fees, which adds real budgeting clarity for owners. Those also exploring options in the broader area may want to browse Coquitlam homes for sale or check what's available across Pitt Meadows for comparison.

Why This Type of Home Sells Well

Ground-level and garden-style units in the Tri-Cities have found a reliable buyer audience. Private outdoor access — particularly a covered patio — is a feature that resonates with buyers who don't want the limitations of a high-rise balcony, pet owners taking advantage of Parkview Place's pet-friendly policy, and those who simply want a space that feels more like a home than an apartment. Two-bedroom, two-bathroom configurations in Port Coquitlam condos continue to outperform one-bedroom units on resale, offering flexibility for shared living, a dedicated home office, or hosting guests without compromise. You can explore similar condos available under $500,000 to see how this listing compares across the region.

Who This Home Is Ideal For

Unit 104 at Rowland Street is particularly well-suited to first-time buyers looking to get into the Tri-Cities real estate market with a property that doesn't require significant renovation investment. It also appeals to downsizers coming from larger homes who want to remain close to the community they know, as well as investors who recognize the consistent rental demand in Central Port Coquitlam — Parkview Place permits rentals, which keeps the door open for future flexibility. Browse active listings or use the map search to explore what else is available in the area right now.

A Neighbourhood With Real Long-Term Appeal

What makes Port Coquitlam real estate particularly compelling right now is the combination of relative affordability within Metro Vancouver and continued infrastructure investment in the area. Riverside Secondary, Central Elementary, and Terry Fox Secondary are all nearby, making this a practical choice for families as well. The mix of restaurants, local services, and green space along the Rowland and Pitt River Road corridor creates a day-to-day liveability that buyers increasingly prioritize over square footage alone.

Jared Gibbons has been closely tracking the Port Coquitlam condo market and the movement of properties across the Tri-Cities, giving clients a clear, grounded perspective on what's available, what's priced right, and where the real opportunities are. For anyone considering a move in this market, having someone who understands the nuances of buildings like Parkview Place makes a meaningful difference.

After nearly a year of steady price declines, March gave us the first real sign that the Surrey market is catching its breath. Benchmark prices ticked up slightly — the first month-over-month gain in 11 months — and buyers showed up in bigger numbers than February.

That said, Surrey is still firmly a buyer's market, and there are some really specific opportunities hidden in the neighbourhood-level data that most headlines miss. Here's what actually happened in March, broken down by property type and community.

Surrey Detached Homes: March 2026

The Surrey detached market recorded 79 sales against 936 active listings — an 8% sales ratio, which is firmly buyer's market territory. (For context, a balanced market runs between 12% and 20%.)

Key Surrey detached numbers for March:

• Median sale price: $1,305,000 (up 3% from February's $1,270,000)

• Price per square foot: $493 (down 2% month-over-month)

• Sale-to-list price ratio: 97% (homes selling 3% below list price)

• Days on market: 24 days

• Total inventory: 936 homes, up 3% from February

Sales jumped 22% month-over-month (from 65 in February to 79 in March), which is a healthy sign that buyers are starting to move. But with sellers still getting 97% of list on average, nobody's panic-selling either.

Most Active Surrey Detached Price Band

The $900,000 to $1 million range is where the action is — 33% sales ratio, firmly a seller's market at that price point. If you're selling a detached home in Surrey under $1M right now, you're in a surprisingly strong position despite the broader buyer's market conditions.

Above $1M, the market cools quickly. The $1.25M–$1.5M band saw only a 7% sales ratio. Above $2M, it's a straight buyer's market — 4-8% sales ratios across most bands.

Surrey Detached Neighbourhood Breakdown

Some Surrey neighbourhoods are selling noticeably faster than others:

• Royal Heights — 20% sales ratio (seller's market)

• Queen Mary Park — 19% sales ratio (strong balanced market)

• Bolivar Heights — 13% sales ratio

• Panorama Ridge — 12% sales ratio 

• West Newton — 11% sales ratio

• Cedar Hills — 10% sales ratio

On the slower side:

• Bear Creek Green Timbers — 5% sales ratio

• Fleetwood Tynehead — 5% sales ratio

• Sullivan Station — 5% sales ratio

If you're buying detached, Bear Creek, Fleetwood, and Sullivan Station are where you have the most negotiating leverage right now. Good inventory, slower sales, willing sellers.

If you're selling detached, Queen Mary Park and Royal Heights are moving, and three-to-four-bedroom homes are selling faster than bigger five-plus-bedroom properties right now.

Surrey Condos & Townhomes: March 2026

The Surrey attached market (condos + townhomes combined) recorded 146 sales against 1,350 active listings — an 11% sales ratio, also a buyer's market but tighter than detached.

Key Surrey condo/townhome numbers for March:

• Median sale price: $550,000 (down 1% from February's $555,000)

• Price per square foot: $566 (up 9% month-over-month — worth watching)

• Sale-to-list price ratio: 97%

• Days on market: 26 days (down 4% from February)

• Total inventory: 1,350 units, up 7% from February

The jump in price-per-square-foot (up 9%) alongside a small drop in median price tells me smaller, higher-quality condos are selling at premium prices while larger, older units are dragging the median down. Sharp condo buyers are paying up for well-located new builds.

Most Active Condo/Townhome Price Band

$300,000 to $400,000 is the hottest segment at 18% sales ratio — basically a balanced market at that entry-level price. First-time buyers and investors are active there.

The $600,000 to $700,000 range is the buyer's sweet spot — only a 7% sales ratio, meaning plenty of inventory and motivated sellers.

Surrey Attached Neighbourhood Breakdown

Where condos and townhomes are moving:

• Royal Heights — 20% sales ratio (but low inventory, only 5 listings)

• Fraser Heights — 15% sales ratio

• Bolivar Heights, Sullivan Station, Queen Mary Park, Fleetwood Tynehead — all around 13-14%

• Whalley (City Centre) — 12% sales ratio on 519 listings (this is the biggest condo inventory pool in Surrey)

• Panorama Ridge — 12% sales ratio

Slower-moving condo/townhome areas:

• East Newton — 7% sales ratio with 115 listings

• Guildford — 8% sales ratio with 139 listings

• West Newton — 9% sales ratio with 127 listings

If you're a condo buyer looking for deals, East Newton and four-plus-bedroom townhomes across Surrey are the best opportunities right now. If you're selling a condo, Fraser Heights and three-bedroom-or-smaller units are where the action is.

The Broader Fraser Valley Context

Zooming out to the full Fraser Valley picture for March 2026:

• Composite benchmark price: $898,300 (up 0.3% from February — first month-over-month gain in 11 months)

• Single-family detached benchmark: $1,375,600 (down 8.7% year-over-year)

• Townhome benchmark: $772,700 (down 7.3% year-over-year)

• Condo benchmark: $489,200 (down 9.2% year-over-year)

• Total active listings across Fraser Valley: 9,201 (50% above 10-year average)

So prices are stabilizing, but inventory is still elevated. That combination — stable prices plus lots of choice — is actually an ideal setup for serious buyers who know what they want.

What This Means If You're Buying in Surrey

If you've been waiting for a better moment, this is as good as it's been in years.

You have real negotiating power. Homes are selling 3% below list on average. Ask for inspections. Include conditions. Negotiate price and closing terms. Sellers who've been on the market for 30+ days are often willing to move significantly.

Condos are undervalued right now. With prices down 9% year-over-year and 1,350 active listings to choose from, condo buyers have both selection and leverage. Especially in the $600K-$700K range where sales ratios are lowest.

Interest rates are the wild card. If rates move up later this year, every month you wait costs you in financing. Run the actual math with a mortgage broker before assuming "waiting" is the safer play.

What This Means If You're Selling in Surrey

Selling in a buyer's market isn't hard — it just requires doing things right the first time.

Price to the market, not to last year. The #1 reason homes sit is overpricing at launch. Buyers have 9,000+ other listings to compare against and will skip yours if it's not priced sharply.

Presentation is the separator. Professional photos, proper staging, and pre-listing inspections are what separate homes that sell in 24 days from homes that sit for 90. This matters more now than in any market since 2018.

Know your sub-market. If you're in Queen Mary Park or Royal Heights, you're in a different market than someone selling in Bear Creek. Strategy, pricing, and marketing approach should reflect that — not a generic "Surrey" approach.

If you want to talk through what's happening specifically in your Surrey neighbourhood, or figure out whether this is the right moment for you to make a move, I'm happy to run through it with you. No pressure, no pitch — just a real conversation about your options.

Contact page / Sell My House Fast 

Jared Gibbons Top 1% REALTOR®, Fraser Valley Royal LePage Little Oak Realty 📞 604-928-1361📧 info@jaredgibbons.ca

If you've ever tried to find a rental in South Surrey or White Rock with a dog or cat, you already know the drill — "no pets" is practically the default. That might be about to change.

Two major BC charities — First United and the BC SPCA — are calling on the provincial government to make good on a 2024 election promise and ban no-pet clauses in purpose-built rental buildings with five or more units.

What's Being Proposed

The two organizations want the province to amend the Residential Tenancy Act to prohibit landlords in larger rental buildings from refusing tenants based solely on pet ownership. The proposal targets buildings with five or more units — recognizing that a basement suite landlord operates very differently than a purpose-built rental tower.

During the 2024 BC provincial election, the NDP included a specific pledge: "ending the bias against pet owners by getting rid of no pet clauses in purpose-built rental apartment buildings." As of April 2026, that promise hasn't been acted on — but advocacy is ramping up.

The Data Behind the Push

The argument for keeping pets out has always been about damage. First United reviewed actual Residential Tenancy Branch decisions on pet-related disputes going back eight years.

The result: in over 82% of cases, the pet damage was fully covered by the pet deposit already permitted under the RTA. The average portion retained by landlords for repairs was just over 71%.

Since 2014, the BC SPCA has taken in more than 12,400 pets whose owners were struggling with housing — and that's only what was reported to the SPCA.

Who It Affects Most

Pet bans hit some groups harder than others. First United has documented cases where the inability to find pet-friendly housing contributed to displacement and homelessness — particularly for women escaping violence, seniors, and people in the 2SLGBTQAI+ community. Service dog owners have also reported being turned away despite legal protections.

For landlords, there's also a financial argument. As First United put it: "For a landlord that owns a large building, or even a few units, it's illogical to forego hundreds of thousands of dollars in rental revenue based on speculations about pet damage."

Where Things Stand in BC (vs. Other Provinces)

Ontario banned no-pet clauses in rental agreements almost 30 years ago. BC hasn't gone that far yet. Under BC's Residential Tenancy Act, landlords and tenants can negotiate the pet question — but landlords can still refuse entirely.

A spokesperson for BC's Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs said the province is "exploring options for pet policies in purpose-built rental buildings." No timeline given. In 2020, Vancouver City Council passed a motion calling for an end to no-pet restrictions. The Union of BC Municipalities and the provincial Select Standing Committee on Finance and Government Services made similar calls in 2023.

What This Means for the South Surrey & White Rock Market

If pet-friendly rental restrictions are loosened, you'd likely see stronger rental demand in buildings that currently ban pets. That could put upward pressure on rents and may push some renters who've been forced to buy just to house their pet back into the rental market.

For buyers and sellers of condos and strata properties — keep in mind this proposal targets purpose-built rentals, not stratas. Strata pet bylaws are governed separately under the Strata Property Act. If you're buying into a strata that restricts pets, that bylaw doesn't go away under this proposal.

Thinking about buying instead of renting? I work with buyers across South Surrey, White Rock, and Langley. If housing your pet has been part of the decision, let's talk.

BC SPCA's Pet-Friendly Housing Toolkit

The BC SPCA recently published a Pet-Friendly Housing Toolkit for non-profit housing providers — but they're encouraging market rental owners and strata councils to use it too. It covers pet agreements, damage risk management, and tenant resources.

Have questions about buying in South Surrey, White Rock, or Langley? Call or text Jared at 604-928-1361 or visit jaredgibbons.ca.

Suggested MRP Title Tag: Ocean Park Townhomes — 89 New Units at 128 Street & 24 Avenue, Surrey

Suggested Meta Description: 89 new townhomes are proposed for 128 Street and 24 Avenue in Ocean Park, South Surrey. Here's what buyers and homeowners need to know about the Qualico and Foxridge Homes development.

A major townhouse development is working its way through City of Surrey approvals at the corner of 128 Street and 24 Avenue in Ocean Park — and if you live in the area or you're watching the South Surrey real estate market, this one's worth paying attention to.

The project is called Ocean Park Townhomes, and it's being developed by Qualico and Foxridge Homes with architecture by Ekistics Architecture. The City's Planning & Development Department released its staff report (Application No. 7925-0099-00) in February 2026, and staff are recommending approval. The applicant has also launched a project website at oceanparksurrey.ca with drawings and updates.

Here's a full breakdown of what's being proposed and what it means for the neighbourhood.

The Site

The development covers three properties at 2388 128 Street, 2308 128 Street, and 12862 24 Avenue — a combined 2.7-hectare (6.55-acre) site on the east side of 128 Street, just south of 24 Avenue. Right now, the land holds single-family homes and trees. Directly across 24 Avenue to the north is Crescent Park Elementary School.

The site is currently designated Suburban in Surrey's Official Community Plan and zoned Acreage Residential (RA) and Suburban Residential (R1). To make this project happen, the City needs to amend the OCP to redesignate the land from Suburban to Urban and rezone it to RM-15 (Multiple Residential 15).

If you're exploring homes in the Crescent Beach and Ocean Park area, this is a significant shift in what's been a predominantly single-family neighbourhood.

What's Being Built

The proposal includes 89 townhome units across 22 buildings, organized around a looped internal drive aisle with access points from both 128 Street and 24 Avenue. The unit breakdown:

• 59 three-bedroom units

• 10 three-bedroom plus den units

• 20 four-bedroom units

Building heights range from about 8.4 to 11.2 metres — generally 2 to 2.5 storeys. The buildings along 128 Street are intentionally kept lower to transition into the existing single-family streetscape. Compared to newer townhome projects in areas like Grandview Heights or Willoughby, the density here is moderate — this feels more like a residential neighbourhood than a packed urban development.

The development is proposed in two phases — Phase 1 accessed from 128 Street and Phase 2 extending east toward the 24 Avenue frontage.

Design & Character

The architecture draws on a contemporary coastal vernacular that reflects the Ocean Park context — clean horizontal lines, gabled roofs, fiber-cement siding, brick accents, and natural wood tones. The renderings show a West Coast look that's intentionally scaled to feel like houses rather than a dense townhome complex.

Along 128 Street, the buildings are limited to 2 and 2.5 storeys. Along the eastern property line (backing onto existing single-family homes), building heights have been reduced and a 10-metre landscaped buffer is included to provide separation and privacy.

The landscape plan by VDZ+A includes layered planting, street trees, pedestrian connections, and a central amenity node with materials like concrete paving, brick pavers, and wood fibar for pathway surfaces.

Amenities

The development includes a single-storey indoor amenity building centrally located within the site, featuring a party room with kitchen and dining area, a fitness room, accessible washroom, storage, and a mailroom/lobby. The outdoor amenity area (369 square metres) sits directly adjacent and includes landscaped open space, a children's natural play area, and seating areas. The applicant will also pay cash-in-lieu for the portion of indoor amenity space that falls short of the Zoning Bylaw requirement.

Parking

Parking was one of the biggest concerns raised by the community, and the revised plan addresses it head-on:

• 178 residential stalls (2 per unit, side-by-side garage)

• 21 visitor stalls (3 more than the minimum 18 required)

• 58 additional driveway apron spaces from extended 16'–18' aprons

• 6 residential bicycle spaces

That's a total of 257 parking spaces across the site — a meaningful improvement over the original submission and a direct response to community feedback.

Transit & Traffic

The site sits on a frequent transit corridor served by TransLink Bus Route 360 (Ocean Park / South Surrey / White Rock Centre). Bus stops are within about 100 metres of the site at the 24 Avenue and 128 Street intersection.

A voluntary Transportation Impact Assessment was submitted. It estimated the development would generate 45 vehicle trips during AM peak and 53 during PM peak — well below the threshold that would trigger major concerns. The study found nearby intersections would continue to operate acceptably, with only a 1–3% increase in traffic volumes.

The north access off 24 Avenue will be restricted to right-in/right-out movements due to proximity to a bus stop and sightline considerations.

Trees

This is a sensitive one. The site currently has 319 trees, and 275 are proposed for removal. The applicant is required to plant 159 replacement trees on site, with the remaining deficit addressed through cash-in-lieu payments to the City's Green City Program under the Tree Protection Bylaw. Along the south property line and east boundary, significant trees are being retained where feasible. All 13 offsite trees are proposed to be kept.

Schools

The development is projected to generate approximately 79 school-age children, with an estimated 43 elementary students attending Crescent Park Elementary and 23 secondary students at Elgin Park Secondary.

As of September 2025, Crescent Park Elementary is at 67% capacity — well within its ability to absorb new students. Elgin Park Secondary is at 119% capacity with 4 portables already in use. The School District has requested an 800-seat addition in its 2026/2027 Capital Plan, though no funding has been approved yet.

Community Feedback

The public engagement process drew significant attention. Pre-notification letters went out in April 2025, and a Public Information Meeting on October 2, 2025 at Crescent Park Elementary drew about 85 residents. In total, 52 comments were submitted — 40 opposed, 6 in support, and the remainder neutral or undecided.

The key concerns were density, traffic near the school, tree loss, and the change from single-family character. In response, the applicant made several revisions:

• Reduced the unit count from 93 to 89

• Added 3 extra visitor parking stalls and 58 driveway apron spaces

• Reduced building heights along the eastern property line

• Increased landscaping and private yard sizes

• Removed the originally proposed pedestrian connection to 129 Street (a safety concern raised by residents)

Community Amenity Contributions

Across all 89 units, the development will generate roughly $2.48 million in Community Amenity Contributions — covering capital projects, community-specific infrastructure, and affordable housing. These payments flow directly back into the local area.

What Could These Sell For?

Pricing hasn't been announced yet. But looking at comparable new-build townhome projects across South Surrey, similar 3- and 4-bedroom units have been launching in the high $900Ks to low $1.2Ms depending on size, floor plan, and finish level. Given the unit sizes in this project (the floor plans show generous layouts with double garages, patios, and upper-floor family rooms), I'd expect Ocean Park Townhomes to land in a similar range — though the Ocean Park location and coastal design could push pricing a bit higher than what you'd see in Grandview or Clayton.

I'll update this post once presale details and pricing are released.

What This Means for the Area

Ocean Park has been one of the last pockets of South Surrey to see this type of medium-density development. With BC's Bill 44 (SSMUH) policy already allowing up to 6 units per lot on properties along frequent transit corridors, the City's planning staff noted that a townhouse proposal like this is actually a more efficient and cohesive outcome than what could happen lot-by-lot under the existing suburban zoning.

For existing homeowners in the area, this signals a transition — property values on surrounding acreage and suburban lots may start to reflect redevelopment potential. For buyers, it means new family-sized townhomes in South Surrey in a neighbourhood that hasn't had much new inventory in years.

Stay Updated

If you're interested in the Ocean Park area or looking at new construction in South Surrey, I'm tracking this project closely. When presale details, pricing, and timelines are released, I'll have them.

Have questions about how this development might affect your property's value, or want to explore what's currently available nearby? Get in touch — happy to chat.

Jared Gibbons Top 1% REALTOR® | Royal LePage South Surrey · White Rock · Langley · Fraser Valley jaredgibbons.ca · 604-928-1361

Frequently Asked Questions

How many units are in the Ocean Park Townhomes development? The project proposes 89 townhome units across 22 buildings, with a mix of 3-bedroom, 3-bedroom plus den, and 4-bedroom floor plans.

Who is building the Ocean Park Townhomes? The development is by Qualico and Foxridge Homes, with architecture by Ekistics Architecture and landscape design by VDZ+A.

Where is the Ocean Park Townhomes development located? The site is at 2388 and 2308 128 Street and 12862 24 Avenue in Ocean Park, South Surrey — at the southeast corner of 128 Street and 24 Avenue, across from Crescent Park Elementary School.

When will Ocean Park Townhomes be available for sale? Presale details and pricing haven't been released yet. The project still needs to go through public hearing and receive final Council approval before construction can begin. I'll update this page when more information is available.

How much will Ocean Park Townhomes cost? Pricing hasn't been announced, but comparable new-build townhomes in South Surrey have been launching in the high $900Ks to low $1.2Ms. The generous unit sizes and Ocean Park location may push this project toward the higher end of that range.

How many parking spaces does the Ocean Park Townhomes development have? The revised plan includes 257 total parking spaces — 178 enclosed residential stalls (2 per unit), 21 visitor stalls, and 58 additional driveway apron spaces.

What schools serve the Ocean Park Townhomes area? Crescent Park Elementary (currently at 67% capacity) and Elgin Park Secondary (currently at 119% capacity) serve this location.

How many trees will be removed for the Ocean Park Townhomes? Of the 319 existing trees on site, 275 are proposed for removal. The applicant is required to plant 159 replacement trees on site and pay cash-in-lieu for the remaining deficit.

Buying a new build or pre-sale in BC? You're probably going to pay GST. It's one of the biggest costs that catches buyers off guard — especially on top of the purchase price, Property Transfer Tax, and closing costs.

Here's what you need to know before you buy.

Do I Have to Pay GST?

The short answer: if the home is new, yes. If it's resale, no.

GST applies to brand new homes and substantially renovated homes. "Substantially renovated" means most of the interior construction has been replaced — not just a kitchen reno.

GST does not apply to used residential homes that have been lived in as a principal residence or rented long-term. If you're buying a resale home through the MLS, you won't pay GST.

There are some grey areas — strata hotels, short-term rental properties, and mixed-use buildings can trigger GST even on resale. When in doubt, check with your lawyer.

How Much Is the GST?

The GST rate is 5% on the purchase price.

On a $500,000 new home, that's $25,000 in GST. On an $800,000 new home, that's $40,000. On a $1,200,000 new home, that's $60,000.

That's a significant amount of cash you need to have ready — on top of your down payment and closing costs. Use the mortgage calculator to see how this affects your budget.

The New Housing Rebate (For Owner-Occupiers)

If you're buying a new home to live in as your principal residence, you may qualify for a rebate of 36% of the GST paid. But there are limits.

Full rebate: homes priced under $350,000. Partial rebate: homes priced between $350,000 and $450,000. No rebate: homes priced over $450,000.

For example, on a $350,000 new home, the GST is $17,500. The rebate is 36% of that — $6,300 back. So your actual GST is $11,200.

Over $450,000? You pay the full 5% with no rebate.

Important: some developers will credit you the rebate on closing. Others won't — meaning you pay the full GST upfront and apply to CRA for the rebate afterward. Check your contract carefully. This can mean needing thousands more at closing.

NEW: First Time Home Buyer GST Rebate (2025)

This is brand new as of March 2025 and a big deal for first-time buyers.

If you're a first-time home buyer purchasing a new property, you may qualify for an additional GST rebate. Here's how it works:

Homes at or below $1,000,000: full rebate applies. Homes between $1,000,000 and $1,500,000: partial rebate. Homes over $1,500,000: no rebate.

To qualify you need to be at least 18, a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, and you (or your spouse) cannot have owned a home used as a principal residence in the current year or previous four years.

This rebate is available for contracts signed between March 20, 2025 and January 1, 2031. If you're looking at new construction or presales, this could save you a significant amount.

The Rental/Investor Rebate

Buying a new home as an investment to rent out? There's a separate rebate for that — also 36% of the GST paid. Same price thresholds as the owner-occupier rebate ($350K full, $350K–$450K partial, $450K+ nothing).

The key differences:

The tenant must use it as their primary residence for at least one year. You'll need a signed tenancy agreement showing a minimum one-year term. The developer cannot credit you this rebate on closing — you always pay the full 5% upfront and claim it back from CRA afterward. Plan your cash flow accordingly.

This rebate is not available to corporations or partnerships.

Does GST Apply to Vacant Land?

Sometimes. If you're buying land that was used for personal use by an individual seller, no GST. But GST applies if the land was used in a business, sold as part of a business, or if it was subdivided into more than two lots.

If you're looking at land for sale or acreages in the Fraser Valley, make sure your lawyer confirms the GST status before you finalize.

Does GST Apply to New Mobile Homes?

Yes. A newly constructed or substantially renovated mobile home is subject to 5% GST. The same rebates (New Housing, First Time Buyer, Rental) apply if you meet the criteria.

Browse Langley mobile homes or Surrey mobile homes for current listings.

Quick Checklist Before You Buy New

Before signing a contract on a new build or pre-sale, make sure you know:

Will the developer credit the GST rebate on closing, or do you need the full 5% in cash? Do you qualify for the New Housing Rebate, the First Time Buyer Rebate, or the Rental Rebate? Have you budgeted for GST on top of your down payment, PTT, and legal fees? Does your lender factor GST into your mortgage, or is it a separate cash requirement?

These details can mean the difference between being ready to close and scrambling for funds at the last minute.

This Is Not Legal or Tax Advice

Every transaction is different. GST rules have nuances depending on the property type, the buyer's situation, and how the contract is structured. Always confirm GST details with your real estate lawyer before committing.

For more information, visit the CRA website or call 1-800-959-8287 for GST rebate questions.

Have Questions About Buying a New Home in BC?

Whether you're looking at pre-sales, new builds, or resale, I can help you understand the full cost picture — including GST, PTT, and closing costs — before you make an offer.

Contact Jared Gibbons at (604) 928-1361.

Browse South Surrey new construction & presales or search all homes for sale.