Written by: Buffini & Co Overwhelmed by too much stuff? You're not alone - most Canadians feel the same.

• 75% feel more stressed with a cluttered home.
• A third of us feel overwhelmed by the need to clean.
• 16 minutes per day looking for lost stuff.

Clear Space, Clear Mind

Reduce stress and chaos with these tips to bring more calm into your life.

• Commit to weekly decluttering, even if it's just a single drawer or closet.
• Start by tossing easy, obvious items (e.g., mystery cords, old takeout menus, expired products, orphan storage lids).
• Take photos of sentimental items you don't have room for, then sell, donate or toss.
• Call a local nonprofit (such as The Salvation Army or Furniture Bank) to come pick up items for donation.
• Be honest with yourself. Does an item still fit into your lifestyle? Or do you feel "obligated" to keep it?

Don't Forget to Do a Digital Detox Put on a favourite show or music and then...

• Clean out your inbox: set a timer for 15 minutes.
• Unsubscribe from newsletters, promotions, etc.
• Delete apps you don't use.

Written by: Zak Khan of REW The policy has implications for agents, Homeseekers and the market as a whole. With the Canadian Federal Election set for 28 April 2025, we’re examining the major parties’ housing announcements. Each party has their own plans for what they would do in the housing realm if elected, so keep an eye out for our articles breaking down their announcements on The Guide. Prime Minister Mark Carney announced on 20 March 2025 that the Government of Canada will no longer charge the goods and services tax (GST) on purchases of newly built homes less than $1 million for first-time buyers. This promise can only be put into practice after the next federal election if the Liberal party is elected to govern. The elimination of the GST will potentially lead to savings of up to $50,000 on the purchase of a new home. In BC, the current median home price currently hovers near $1 million, and in Greater Vancouver it is over $1 million. It is possible to find newly built condos for less than $1 million in Greater Vancouver, but far more difficult to find new townhomes below this threshold, while there are likely no new detached homes available below $1 million in the Metro Vancouver area. Real estate advisor Manraj Dosanjh at Dexter Realty, who specializes in new construction homes, thinks that, “This is a great step toward making ownership more affordable for those looking to get their foot in the market, as the 5% GST is seen as a financial barrier for would-be buyers of new construction homes.” This move would make it more affordable for first-time buyers to enter the housing market, but it may also drive up demand and therefore prices. Similarly, it may spur construction if demand increases, but it may also lead to a loss of tax revenue, causing a cutback in services or infrastructure spending. But Dosanjh also says that the policy could go further: “However, I believe that in order for the government to spark real activity in the new home market and increase the supply of much-needed housing, the elimination of the GST should be extended to all purchasers, including investors.” According to Dosanjh, pre-sale condos require buyers to make a purchase on a home that is set to complete two to five years later. Because of this dynamic, Dosanjh says, “it's mom-and-pop investors who are most likely to initially purchase pre-sales, making them an integral part of the puzzle in helping the developer meet their financing requirements to begin construction. This is especially crucial in the country's fastest-growing metros, where new housing starts are plummeting.”

Carney says the Federal Government will get back into building homes.

Carney further clarified his housing policies 31 March 2025. This included pledging to have the Federal Government directly involved in building homes via the Build Canada Homes (BCH) Federal entity. This entity would build affordable homes, including on public land, stimulate the new homes industry and provide financing to home builders of affordable housing, according to the plan. Canada’s Federal Government once had a similar program that was cut in 1993. It began after World War II in response to a housing shortage and was called the Wartime Housing Corporation, which became the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC). BCH would act as a developer doing the land acquisition, management and planning of affordable homes, but private builders would do the actual construction as part of partnerships. All Federal affordable housing initiatives would fall under the BCH, transferring the Affordable Housing Fund and Federal Lands Initiative to its control. Carney says that using this approach would prompt demand for Canada’s building materials and construction industries. The Liberal housing plan also pledges to reintroduce a rental building tax incentive originally enacted in the 1970s. That was called the Multiple Unit Rental Building incentive, and lasted for seven years. It prompted the building of almost 200,000 rental units, but saw criticism because it did not require a minimum number of affordable units and claims that it acted as a tax shelter for investors. The Liberal Leader also says he aims to speed up construction by making public municipalities' progress in meeting their Housing Accelerator Fund commitments. He plans to streamline inspections and regulations and simplify the building code. As a result of these pledges, Carney claims that he will cut red tape and development hurdles to enable the construction of nearly 500,000 homes per year. If you’re considering purchasing a newly built home after this announcement, remember that the policy still has yet to be implemented. In the meantime, you can speak to a real estate agent and mortgage advisor for more guidance.

Written by: Erin Best of REW More US residents are considering moving north, but what does that mean for BC real estate? Effective January 2023, the federal government introduced the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act. The Act was meant to ban foreign investors from buying non-recreational residential property in Canada, in an attempt to keep Canadian housing affordable for Canadians until January 2025. The Act was later extended for an additional two years to 2027.

What does "non-Canadian" really mean under Canada's foreign buyer ban?

Let’s break it down: when the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act was passed on June 23rd, 2022, as part of Bill C-19, it put restrictions on who can buy residential real estate in Canada. But what exactly does "non-Canadian" mean under this law? In real estate terms, a non-Canadian is anyone who isn’t a Canadian citizen, a permanent resident or registered under the Indian Act. That means:

• Individuals: If you’re a citizen of another country and don’t have permanent resident status in Canada, you’re considered a non-Canadian.
• Businesses: If a company is incorporated outside of Canada and doesn’t have a permanent establishment here, it’s also considered non-Canadian.

While this law was designed to curb foreign investment in Canadian housing, exemptions exist, including for American buyers, which is why we’re seeing an influx of US buyers purchasing in areas where the ban doesn’t apply. Exemptions outlined in the Act do, in specific circumstances, allow non-Canadians purchase residential property, such as:

• Temporary residents studying in Canada: Must be enrolled in a designated institution, have filed taxes for five years, been in Canada for 244 days each year for five years, and purchase a property under $500,000.
• Temporary residents working in Canada: Must have a valid work permit with at least 183 days remaining, and not have purchased property while the ban was in effect.
• Refugees and protected persons: Can buy property. Accredited foreign diplomats: With the appropriate diplomatic status.
• Spouses/common-law partners of Canadians: Can buy property together. Indigenous rights: The ban does not apply if it conflicts with Indigenous rights under Section 35 of the Constitution.
• Properties outside major urban areas: Properties located outside Census Metropolitan Areas (CMA) or Census Agglomerations (CA) are exempt.

The Act also has some additional clarifications:

• The Act defines residential property as buildings with up to three dwelling units, including semi-detached houses and condominium units.
• The prohibition does not apply to properties located outside CMAs and CAs. As of March 27th, 2023, the prohibition does not apply to vacant land.

Because non-Canadian’s can buy properties outside of major urban areas (or CMA/CA’s) BC real estate agents report helping multiple American buyers purchase property in the first quarter of 2025. The political climate and rising living costs from tariffs are prompting many to leave the US. They’re attracted to Canada's seemingly stable government, favourable exchange rate, lifestyle opportunities and more predictable economy. Sotheby’s International Canada real estate agent, Rachel Manley, says that she and her partner Janai York have, “had four sets of US buyers come to view property on the Sunshine Coast already this year.” And that, “many agents have observed a rise in inquiries and transactions involving US buyers as their dollar seems to go much further here and also their political stance seems to be a factor.” Rachel goes on to explain: “The Sunshine Coast is exempt from the foreign buyers ban making it a fantastic option for those getting away from the US. We help to ensure they understand the legal, tax and financial implications of cross-border transactions.” Because the process can get complex, Rachel makes sure to walk through the process with her clients. She says, “This includes: connecting them with trusted professionals – lawyers, accountants and mortgage brokers – familiar with international purchases, providing insight into areas that match their needs, whether they are looking for a vacation home or permanent relocation and educating them on BC property regulations, including foreign buyer restrictions, financing options and residency considerations and offering zoom calls and virtual property tours to accommodate out-of-country buyers navigating the process remotely.” With increasing numbers of American buyers purchasing property in British Columbia – particularly in areas outside of Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) exempt from the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act – there are several key real estate implications for local markets, affordability, development and policy considerations.

Rising demand in secondary markets.

This shift could potentially lead to increased competition for properties in regions like Whistler, Tofino, Revelstoke, the Osoyoos and key areas on Vancouver Island, because many of these areas fall outside the CMA definition. Basic supply and demand principles means more demand on properties leads to higher property values and increased competition in smaller, previously affordable markets. Real estate agents and developers will need to shift focus to these areas to meet demand, otherwise, we may see an inventory shortage for local buyers – something we are all too well familiar with in metro Vancouver.

Pressure on infrastructure and local development.

As smaller markets see increased population growth and investment, there’s likely to be more strain on local infrastructure, services and zoning regulations. These areas may not have the same development capacity as larger CMAs to handle population surges. Local governments may need to adjust zoning, expand utilities and enhance transportation networks, if we assume a large wave of US immigrants ends up moving to Canada.

Potential policy adjustments and expansion of the ban.

With American buyers finding ways around the foreign buyers ban, policymakers may re-evaluate the Act’s effectiveness. The government could consider expanding the ban’s geographical coverage or introducing new taxes on non-resident purchases. Possible policy changes or tax measures targeting non-Canadian buyers outside CMAs risk increasing scrutiny on real estate transactions in rural areas and creating more public debate on foreign ownership and housing accessibility generally. While some may worry about Americans purchasing property in BC, frankly, it’s too soon to tell. But this trend isn't necessarily a totally bad thing. For real estate agents in non-CMA markets, it opens up new opportunities to work with motivated buyers looking for stability or lifestyle upgrades. Increased demand can bring economic benefits to smaller communities, supporting local businesses and driving real estate activity in areas that may have previously seen slower growth. BC real estate agents are well-positioned to help these buyers navigate the market, ensuring fair transactions and fostering long-term client relationships. As cross-border interest in BC real estate grows, agents who adapt to these trends will find new ways to thrive in uncertainty.