How do I calculate BC Property Transfer Tax?

Direct answer

BC Property Transfer Tax is calculated as a marginal-rate tax on the fair market value (FMV) at title registration. The brackets (Section 3 of the Property Transfer Tax Act): 1% on the first $200,000; 2% on the portion from $200,000 to $2,000,000; 3% on the portion from $2,000,000 to $3,000,000; and a 5% top rate on the residential portion above $3,000,000 (the 5% rate applies to residential property only — commercial property stays at 3% above $3M). Non-residential and mixed-use properties pay only the 1%/2%/3% rates. Worked example on a $1.5M Fort Langley townhouse (residential): 1% × $200K + 2% × $1.3M = $2,000 + $26,000 = $28,000 PTT. Worked example on a $3.5M White Rock detached (residential): 1% × $200K + 2% × $1.8M + 3% × $1.0M + 5% × $500K = $2,000 + $36,000 + $30,000 + $25,000 = $93,000 PTT. First-time buyers and newly built home buyers may qualify for exemptions (separate Q&As); foreign buyers in five Specified Areas pay an additional 20% APTT on top. PTT is paid at land-title registration by the buyer's lawyer or notary on completion day.