- Private sales are legal in British Columbia.
- The buyer pays BC's Property Transfer Tax.
- A real estate lawyer closes the sale and transfers title.
- Typical commission saved on a $800,000 home: $24,500.
Is it legal to sell your own home in British Columbia?
Yes. Nothing in British Columbia requires you to use a real estate agent. You can price, advertise and show your own home, negotiate directly with buyers and close through a lawyer. Agents are optional; the legal transfer of title is not, so line up a real estate lawyer before you list.
Who pays BC's Property Transfer Tax?
The buyer. BC's Property Transfer Tax is 1% on the first $200,000, 2% from $200,000 to $2,000,000 and 3% from $2,000,000 to $3,000,000, plus an extra 2% on residential value above $3,000,000. A $500,000 home pays about $8,000. Eligible first-time buyers can be exempt on the first $500,000 for homes up to $835,000, which can make your home easier for them to afford.
Rules and paperwork for private sellers in BC
Lawyer or notary public
In BC, either a real estate lawyer or a BC notary public can handle the conveyance: drafting the transfer, paying out your mortgage, holding funds in trust and registering the sale at the Land Title Office.
Home Buyer Rescission Period
Most residential purchase contracts in BC give the buyer three business days after acceptance to cancel. If they rescind, they pay the seller a fee of 0.25% of the price. Plan your timeline around it and have your lawyer explain how it applies to your sale.
Property Disclosure Statement
Private sellers aren't required by law to fill out a Property Disclosure Statement, but buyers often ask for one. Whatever you do, you must not hide known latent defects.
Home flipping tax
If you owned the property for less than 730 days, BC's residential property flipping tax may apply to your profit. Exemptions exist for life events, so ask your lawyer or accountant before you list.
Strata properties
Strata sellers should order the Form B Information Certificate, bylaws, minutes and depreciation report from the strata manager early, since buyers and lenders will want them.
How much commission you save in BC
Commission is negotiable, but on a $800,000 home a typical agent fee is about $24,500 (7% on the first $100,000 + 2.5% on the balance, before GST). Selling privately with No Commission System, the seller pays $0. See realtor commission in Canada for more examples.
Step by step: selling privately in BC
- Talk to a lawyer and confirm the documents you'll need.
- Price from sold comparables in your area from the last 60 to 90 days. Pricing guide.
- Write your ad with the header "Zero Down Must Qualify / Bad Credit Money Down / Buy This House" and at least four bright photos. Ad guide.
- Screen every caller: do they need the private financing option, or are they pre-approved through a bank? Caller script.
- Show by appointment and get every offer in writing, with the deposit held in a lawyer's trust account.
- Close through lawyers, exactly like a bank-financed sale. How closing works.
How No Commission System helps BC sellers
We help for-sale-by-owner sellers in British Columbia get more buyers by partnering with a private lender. You keep selling your home yourself and add a financing header to your ad. Buyers who can't get a bank mortgage call, our private lender qualifies them, and lawyers close the sale. No commission, no contract, no obligation.
Sell it yourself, with more buyers calling
Add the private-financing header to your ad and let our private lender qualify the buyers the banks turn away. No commission, no contract, no obligation. Listing takes about 5 minutes.
Frequently asked questions
Can a notary handle my private house sale in BC?
Yes. In British Columbia a notary public can complete residential conveyancing, as can a real estate lawyer.
Does the Home Buyer Rescission Period apply to private sales in BC?
In most cases, yes. It applies to most residential real property purchase contracts, not only agent sales. The buyer can cancel within three business days by paying 0.25% of the price. Your lawyer can confirm how it applies to your property.
Who pays the Property Transfer Tax in BC?
The buyer pays it at closing, through their lawyer or notary.
How much commission do BC realtors charge?
Commission is negotiable. A common structure is 7% on the first $100,000 and 2.5% on the balance, plus GST. On an $800,000 home that is about $24,500 before GST.
How much does No Commission System cost the seller?
Nothing. There are no fees, no commission and no contract. We're paid on the buyer's side, through the private financing for buyers who can't get a bank mortgage.
Is this a scam? Can my house be stolen?
No. Nothing is signed with us. Once the lender approves a buyer and they write an offer, the buyer, the lender and you each choose your own lawyer. The lender sends the funds to their lawyer, who closes with your lawyer, exactly like a bank-financed sale.
Related guides
General information for Canadian home sellers, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm the details with a real estate lawyer in your province before you sell.