An empty house feels like it should be easy to sell. In British Columbia, a vacant home is often the opposite, and here it carries a cost most provinces don’t have: vacancy taxes. Every month it sits, an empty BC home quietly drains money and risk. Here’s what it really costs and the fastest way to turn it back into cash.
The BC twist: vacancy taxes
British Columbia taxes empty homes, and it adds up fast. The provincial Speculation and Vacancy Tax applies in designated regions, including Metro Vancouver, the Capital (Victoria) region, Kelowna, and Nanaimo, at 1% of assessed value for Canadian citizens and permanent residents (and 3% for foreign owners) as of 2026. On top of that, the City of Vancouver’s Empty Homes Tax adds about 3% of a home’s assessed value for a vacant property. On a $1.2 million Vancouver home, that Empty Homes Tax alone is roughly $36,000 for a single year of vacancy.
What else a vacant house costs every month
| Monthly cost while vacant | Typical BC range |
|---|---|
| Property taxes (spread monthly) | $300 – $800 |
| Heat, hydro & basic utilities | $150 – $350 |
| Vacant-home insurance / permit premium | $100 – $300+ |
| Yard care and upkeep | $80 – $200 |
| Rough monthly total (before vacancy tax) | $630 – $1,650+ |
Add a vacancy tax bill on top and an empty BC home becomes one of the most expensive things you can own.
The other risks of an empty home
- Coverage gaps, since most policies limit protection after about 30 days of vacancy
- Break-ins, vandalism, and squatters
- Moisture and mould that go unnoticed in BC’s damp climate
- Neglect that compounds over time
The fastest way to stop the bleeding
The cleanest fix is to sell and end the drain, including the vacancy-tax exposure. A vacant home is a strong fit for a direct cash sale: no staging or repairs to arrange from a distance, no showings, and a close on your timeline, often in one to two weeks. A local buyer takes it as-is, empty or full, which matters if you live in another city or province.
The bottom line
An empty house isn’t a neutral asset in BC. Between carrying costs and vacancy taxes, it’s a serious monthly drain. If you’re tired of paying to keep a home nobody lives in, selling it as-is is usually the smartest move.
To see what your vacant BC home is worth today, you can request a no-obligation cash offer. No cost, no pressure.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Does BC tax vacant homes?
Yes. The provincial Speculation and Vacancy Tax applies in designated regions including Metro Vancouver, Victoria, Kelowna, and Nanaimo, and the City of Vancouver adds a separate Empty Homes Tax. Together they can cost thousands per year of vacancy.
How much is the Vancouver Empty Homes Tax?
It’s about 3% of a property’s assessed value for a home left vacant, which is roughly $36,000 a year on a $1.2 million home. Selling removes that exposure.
Can I sell a vacant house in BC quickly?
Yes. Vacant homes suit a cash sale, which can close in one to two weeks with no repairs, no staging, and no showings, even if you live elsewhere.
Does home insurance cover a vacant house?
Usually not fully. Most standard policies limit or cancel coverage after roughly 30 days of vacancy, so you often need a vacancy permit or separate policy. Selling removes that risk.
Do I need to clean out the house before selling?
No. A cash buyer takes what you leave behind, so there’s no need to empty or clean a vacant home before a direct as-is sale.
What are the risks of leaving a house vacant in BC?
Vacancy taxes, insurance gaps, break-ins and squatters, and moisture or mould in the damp coastal climate, all while taxes and utilities keep costing you money.