MacDonald Realty Ltd

Introduced in 1994, the First Time Home Buyers' Program is designed to help British Columbians purchase their first home. Under the program, eligible purchasers can claim an exemption from Property Transfer Tax if the fair market value of the home is less than the threshold amount.

Thresholds

For registrations on, or after, February 20 2008, the fair market value threshold for eligible residential property is $425,000.

A proportional exemption is provided for eligible residences with a fair market value of up to $25,000 above the threshold (i.e. up to $450,000).

The tax rate is 1% on the first $200,000 of the fair market value of the property, plus 2% on the fair market value over $200,000.

For example, if the fair market value of the property is $150,000 the tax is 1% of $150,000 or $1,500.

If the property's fair market value is $250,000 the tax is 1% of $200,000 ($2,000) plus 2% of the remaining $50,000 ($1,000) for a total tax of $3,000.

http://www.bcrealestatelawyers.com/gst/calculator.php