Canada Property Market for Overseas Buyers

Mostly not for now. A federal ban in force until 1 January 2027 stops non-Canadians buying homes of three units or fewer in cities and towns. Fines reach C$10,000 and a court can order a sale. Permanent residents and citizens are exempt. Check whether the ban is renewed after that date.

Buildings with four or more dwelling units, vacant land and property bought for development fall outside the ban. Homes of three units or fewer, including condos, in a city or town do not, unless you are exempt. Alberta and Quebec have no provincial foreign buyer tax; Ontario and British Columbia do.

Land transfer tax of 0.5% to 2.5% in Ontario (Toronto adds a similar city tax) and 1% to 3% in British Columbia. Ontario adds a 25% non-resident speculation tax (35% in Toronto), and BC a 20% foreign buyer tax in main regions plus a 3% annual vacancy tax in 2026. Non-resident landlords have 25% withheld on gross rent.

Yes, on conservative terms: about 65% loan-to-value (a 35% deposit), funds verified in a Canadian account and full proof of foreign income. US residents sometimes borrow up to 80%. CMHC insurance is not available to non-residents. Five-year fixed rates were about 4.1% in early 2026.

Prices fell through 2025 and 2026: the national benchmark is about C$664,000, down 4% to 5% in a year, with Toronto and Vancouver down about 6% to 7% and Montreal up about 5%. Gross yields run from 4.4% in Montreal to 6.9% in Calgary. Forecasts are for a modest rebound. Capital at risk.

No. There is no golden visa. The federal Start-up Visa has been paused to new applicants since 1 January 2026, and provincial entrepreneur streams need an active business, typically C$100,000 to C$200,000 or more. Becoming a permanent resident lifts the ban and most provincial surcharges.