Real estate listings exempt from the Foreign Buyers Ban across Canada

The Canadian Federal Government has extended the ban on non-residents purchasing homes in high density areas, there are plenty of properties on Vancouver Island and around Victoria that are exempt.

Foreign Buyers & Vancouver Island Real Estate — What You Need to Know

Victoria and Vancouver Island offer significant opportunities for international buyers and non-residents of Canada looking to invest in or relocate to one of North America’s finest lifestyle destinations. While Canada’s Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act (the “Foreign Buyer Ban”) introduced restrictions in January 2023, many of the region’s most desirable properties remain fully eligible for foreign purchase.

Greater Victoria’s Census Metropolitan Area (CMA) designation creates important exemptions, and large portions of Vancouver Island — including the Gulf Islands, the Saanich Peninsula, and rural areas — fall entirely outside the ban’s geographic scope. Victoria Luxury Group specializes in identifying and securing eligible properties for international clients, with a team experienced in multinational transactions across multiple legal jurisdictions.

Key Exemptions — Where Can Foreign Buyers Purchase?

The following types of properties and locations in the Victoria and Vancouver Island area are generally exempt or available to foreign buyers:

Recreational and resort properties — Properties not located within a Census Metropolitan Area or Census Agglomeration are fully available to foreign buyers. This includes many Gulf Islands properties, rural acreages, and resort communities.
Vacant land — Vacant land not zoned for residential use is exempt from the ban.
Properties in non-restricted areas — Significant portions of Vancouver Island including Campbell River, Comox Valley, Port Alberni, and many Gulf Islands communities are outside the restricted zones.
Properties over certain lot sizes — Agricultural and large rural parcels are often exempt regardless of location.
Work permit holders — Non-Canadians with valid work permits meeting certain criteria can purchase within restricted areas.
International students — Students meeting residency and enrolment criteria may also be eligible.

Frequently Asked Questions — Foreign Buyers & BC Real Estate

Can foreigners buy property in Victoria BC in 2026?

Yes, with conditions. Many property types and locations in Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island are fully available to foreign buyers. The Foreign Buyer Ban applies primarily to residential properties in designated Census Metropolitan Areas, but numerous exemptions exist including for recreational properties, vacant land, and properties in areas outside the CMA boundary. Victoria Luxury Group’s team will assess your specific situation and identify eligible properties — contact us for a confidential consultation.

Which areas of Vancouver Island are exempt from the Foreign Buyer Ban?

Significant portions of Vancouver Island fall outside the restricted zones entirely, including: the Gulf Islands (Salt Spring, Galiano, Pender, Saturna, Mayne), most of the Cowichan Valley, Port Alberni, Comox Valley, Campbell River, and North Island communities. Within Greater Victoria, certain property types remain eligible. Our team maintains current knowledge of exempt designations as regulations evolve.

What is the Foreign Buyer Ban (FIRTPA) and how does it affect Vancouver Island?

The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act (often called FIRTPA or the Foreign Buyer Ban) prevents non-Canadian entities from purchasing certain residential properties in Canada’s largest urban centres. The ban applies in areas designated as Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) and Census Agglomerations (CAs). On Vancouver Island, Victoria is a CMA and Nanaimo and Comox Valley are CAs — but most of the Island’s territory falls outside these designations and is fully available to foreign purchasers.

Do I need to pay the BC Foreign Buyer Tax as an international buyer?

BC’s Additional Property Transfer Tax (the “foreign buyer tax”) of 20% applies to foreign nationals purchasing residential property in designated taxable regions of BC. The taxable regions do not include all of Vancouver Island — notably, the Capital Regional District (which includes Victoria) IS included, but many other Island areas are not. This tax is separate from FIRTPA eligibility. Our team works with experienced BC real estate lawyers who can advise on both your FIRTPA eligibility and your tax obligations before you purchase.

How can Victoria Luxury Group help international buyers?

Our team has extensive experience guiding buyers from Asia, Europe, the United States, and the Middle East through the purchase of luxury real estate on Vancouver Island. We assist with property identification (including exempt properties specifically), coordination with immigration and real estate lawyers, currency and financing considerations, and the full transaction management process from offer to completion. We are fluent in the complexities of international transactions and maintain a professional network that extends well beyond the typical local brokerage.

Contact our team for a confidential consultation about buying property in Victoria BC as an international or non-resident buyer.