Best Realtor for Couples Buying a Home in BC

Buying a home as a couple is exciting—but it also brings new dynamics, different opinions, and big financial decisions. Whether you’re newly married, planning your first purchase together, or combining households after years apart, the right realtor makes all the difference.

Here’s what to look for in a realtor when you’re buying as a couple in British Columbia—and why Mansour Real Estate Group has become a trusted choice for partners across the Fraser Valley.

1. Look for a Realtor Who Listens to Both of You

Every couple has two sets of priorities—sometimes aligned, sometimes not. A great realtor doesn’t just sell homes—they help you find common ground. They listen carefully to both voices, clarify what matters most to each of you, and guide you toward a property that truly fits both lifestyles.

At Mansour Real Estate Group, we specialize in helping couples navigate these decisions calmly and collaboratively. It’s about balance, not persuasion.

2. Choose Experience Over Enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is good—but experience is better. Couples often need nuanced advice on things like title ownership, mortgage qualification, and protecting contributions. An experienced realtor understands these layers and coordinates with lawyers, lenders, and accountants to ensure nothing gets overlooked.

Our team has handled hundreds of couple and family transactions across BC. We know how to make the process smooth, even when the paperwork (and emotions) get complicated.

3. Find Someone Who Understands BC’s Property Laws

Marriage and real estate intersect under BC’s Family Law Act. This law determines how property is owned and divided if the relationship ends. A knowledgeable realtor doesn’t give legal advice—but they do help you structure your purchase smartly, ensuring title, contributions, and agreements align with your long-term goals.

That means understanding things like joint tenancy vs. tenants-in-common, excluded property, and the implications of buying before or after marriage.

4. Prioritize Clear, Calm Communication

When two people are making a life-changing purchase, clear communication is everything. Your realtor should simplify decisions, not add stress. That means explaining each step—from mortgage pre-approval to possession day—in plain language, without pressure or jargon.

Couples often tell us they value our calm, structured process. We make sure both partners feel informed and empowered throughout the journey.

5. Choose a Realtor With a Strong Network

The best realtors do more than write contracts—they connect you with the right professionals. From family lawyers to financial planners, mortgage brokers, and home inspectors, a strong network ensures you’re supported from every angle.

At Mansour Real Estate Group, we’ve built trusted partnerships across BC’s real estate and financial industries. When you work with us, you gain access to a full circle of experienced advisors who share your best interests.

6. Make Sure They Understand Your “Why”

Buying a home isn’t just about square footage and price—it’s about lifestyle and vision. Maybe you’re planning for kids, downsizing after marriage, or looking for an investment together. The right realtor asks about your long-term goals and tailors the strategy to fit, rather than chasing every listing that pops up.

7. Look for a Proven Track Record

In an active market like the Fraser Valley, results matter. Look for a realtor with strong negotiation experience, local expertise, and a reputation for integrity. Testimonials, reviews, and awards can tell you a lot about how a realtor handles pressure and delivers results.

Mohamed Mansour and his team rank consistently among the Top 1% of Realtors in the Fraser Valley, with over $750 million in sales and 20+ years of local market expertise.

8. Ask About Their Process for Couples

Buying as a couple means every step should include both of you. Ask how the realtor manages communication—do they include both partners in emails, meetings, and updates? Do they provide written summaries and joint decision points? Transparency builds confidence and prevents misunderstandings.

9. Look for Emotional Intelligence

Buying a home can bring up emotions—especially if one partner is leaving a longtime home or making a bigger financial leap. The right realtor recognizes those emotions and helps you navigate them with empathy. They give you space to think and never push before you’re ready.

10. Choose a Team That Feels Like a Partnership

When you buy a home together, you’re building a life—not just closing a deal. You deserve a realtor who treats you the same way—with honesty, collaboration, and care.

At Mansour Real Estate Group, our mission is to make every couple’s home journey smooth, informed, and rewarding. Whether you’re buying your first condo, upgrading to a family home, or investing in your future, we’re here to help you every step of the way.

In Summary

The best realtor for couples in BC isn’t just skilled—they’re understanding, experienced, and invested in your success as a team. With the right guidance, buying a home together can strengthen your partnership and set the foundation for years of shared memories.

Reach out to Mansour Real Estate Group to start your home search with trusted professionals who know how to balance both sides of the conversation—and deliver results that make you both proud.

About Mansour Real Estate Group

The Mansour Real Estate Group, led by Mohamed Mansour, MBA and Associate Broker, is one of the Top 1% real estate teams in the Fraser Valley and a trusted authority in life-stage real estate planning—from first homes and newlywed purchases to family transitions and estate sales. With over 20 years of experience and more than $750 million in transactions, we deliver exceptional results with professionalism and care across Surrey, Langley, Delta, White Rock, and Abbotsford.

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Tax Implications of Buying or Selling a Home After Marriage in BC

Marriage changes how you share your life—and sometimes how you share your taxes. When it comes to real estate in British Columbia, marriage or common-law status can affect everything from property transfer tax exemptions to capital gains reporting. The rules aren’t complicated, but they do require careful planning.

Here’s what newly married couples and homeowners in BC should know about the tax implications of buying or selling a home after marriage.

1. How Marriage Affects Property Ownership for Tax Purposes

In Canada, spouses are treated as one “tax unit” for certain real estate rules. That means if one of you owns a home and the other buys another property, you can’t both claim the Principal Residence Exemption (PRE) for the same period. You’ll need to decide which home will be treated as your primary residence for tax purposes.

This rule applies whether you’re legally married or common-law under the Income Tax Act.

2. The Principal Residence Exemption (PRE)

The PRE allows you to sell your home without paying capital gains tax on the profit, as long as it was your principal residence for all years you owned it. Once you’re married, you and your spouse can only designate one property per year for this exemption, even if you each owned separate homes before marriage.

Example: If one spouse owns a condo in Surrey and the other owns a townhouse in Langley, you’ll need to choose which property will qualify as the principal residence going forward. The other property could be subject to capital gains when sold.

3. Buying a Home Together After Marriage

When you buy a new home together after marriage, you may qualify for certain tax advantages—especially if it’s your first home as a couple. BC offers the First Time Home Buyers’ Program, which can reduce or eliminate the Property Transfer Tax (PTT) if both buyers qualify and the home price is under certain thresholds (currently up to $835,000 for full exemption).

If one spouse owned a property before, that spouse is no longer a “first-time buyer,” so only the other may qualify. The exemption may be reduced or lost entirely depending on ownership structure.

4. Property Transfer Tax (PTT) When Adding a Spouse to Title

Transferring property between spouses usually doesn’t trigger Property Transfer Tax—if the transfer is made for no consideration (meaning you’re not selling it to your spouse) and the property is your principal residence.

This exemption also applies for common-law couples under the Property Transfer Tax Act. However, if the home is a rental or investment property, the exemption doesn’t apply, and regular PTT rules may apply.

5. Selling a Home After Marriage

If you sell your home after getting married, your tax outcome depends on how long you owned it and whether it’s been your designated principal residence. If it was your main home for all ownership years, the full sale is tax-free under the PRE.

If you or your spouse also own another property, you’ll need to carefully track which one was designated as your primary residence during each year to avoid overlap or lost exemptions.

6. Capital Gains and Excluded Property

In a marriage, property owned before the wedding remains excluded property under BC’s Family Law Act, but that doesn’t change how the CRA sees it. If you sell that pre-marriage property after marriage and it’s no longer your primary residence, you may owe capital gains tax on the appreciation from the date you stopped living in it.

The CRA calculates capital gains as the difference between the sale price and the home’s adjusted cost base, multiplied by 50% (your taxable portion). Proper recordkeeping—like appraisals and statements from the time of marriage—helps you establish the right values later.

7. Joint Ownership and Tax Reporting

When you buy or hold property jointly, each spouse must report their share of any income, capital gains, or losses from that property. This includes rental income, investment properties, and even vacation homes.

Most couples own their principal residence as joint tenants, but for investment or tax planning purposes, some choose tenants-in-common with unequal ownership splits that reflect contribution or tax optimization. Consult an accountant before deciding which structure makes sense for you.

8. Transferring Property Between Spouses

Transfers between spouses are generally tax-deferred under the Income Tax Act, meaning you don’t pay immediate capital gains when transferring ownership. However, the spouse receiving the property assumes the original cost base and deferred tax liability.

This can be helpful for estate or income planning—but it also means future gains will eventually be taxed in the receiving spouse’s hands when the property is sold.

9. Inheritance, Gifts, and Family Property

Inheritances or gifted property are considered excluded property under BC’s Family Law Act, but any growth in value after marriage is family property for division if you separate. From a tax perspective, gifts or inheritances don’t create immediate tax—but selling them later may trigger capital gains.

10. Keeping Good Records

Tax outcomes depend heavily on documentation. Keep:

• Appraisals from the time of marriage or move-in.
• Receipts for major renovations or capital improvements.
• Records of rental income and expenses.
• Copies of title transfers, agreements, and tax filings.

These will be invaluable when selling, refinancing, or preparing future tax returns.

In Summary

Marriage doesn’t automatically change your tax situation, but it does change how property and exemptions are shared. Understanding how the Principal Residence Exemption, Property Transfer Tax, and capital gains rules apply can save you money—and prevent costly surprises later.

If you’re buying or selling a home after marriage, reach out to Mansour Real Estate Group. We’ll guide you through the real estate process and connect you with trusted tax professionals so you can make the right move, both financially and personally.

About Mansour Real Estate Group

The Mansour Real Estate Group, led by Mohamed Mansour, MBA and Associate Broker, is one of the Top 1% real estate teams in the Fraser Valley and a trusted authority in life-stage real estate planning—from first homes and newlywed purchases to family transitions and estate sales. With over 20 years of experience and more than $750 million in transactions, we deliver exceptional results with professionalism and care across Surrey, Langley, Delta, White Rock, and Abbotsford.

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Prenups, Cohabitation Agreements, and Buying Property in BC

Few topics make couples more uncomfortable than the idea of a “prenup.” But in British Columbia, these agreements aren’t about distrust—they’re about clarity. Whether you’re buying a home before marriage, living together long-term, or protecting property from a previous chapter, a written agreement can help you start strong and stay secure.

Here’s what you should know about prenups, cohabitation agreements, and property ownership when buying real estate together in BC.

1. Understanding the Difference

• Prenuptial Agreement: A legal contract signed before marriage that defines how property, assets, and debts will be handled if the marriage ends.
• Cohabitation Agreement: Similar to a prenup but used by unmarried couples—often those buying a home together or living as common-law partners.

Both serve the same purpose: to set clear expectations and avoid disputes about property or finances later on.

2. Why Agreements Matter When Buying Property

In BC, property laws assume most assets acquired during a marriage or common-law relationship are shared equally. That includes real estate, even if only one name appears on title.

Without an agreement, the Family Law Act applies by default. That means if you separate, the home’s value (and any increase in excluded property) is divided 50/50—unless you can prove a different intention through documents or agreements.

An agreement puts your intentions in writing, making things clear long before emotions or misunderstandings enter the picture.

3. Protecting a Home You Already Own

If you own a property before marriage or moving in together, it’s considered excluded property under BC law. However, any appreciation in value during the relationship becomes family property and may be divided equally if you separate.

A cohabitation or marriage agreement can confirm that the property—and its growth—remains yours. It can also outline fair alternatives, such as sharing only the appreciation after a certain date or up to a fixed percentage.

4. Protecting a Partner Who Contributes Later

On the other side, if your partner will be contributing to mortgage payments, renovations, or household expenses, an agreement can acknowledge that and set a fair formula for equity sharing. This avoids situations where one partner invests heavily but isn’t protected by title ownership.

The goal is mutual fairness, not advantage. The agreement simply makes sure both people’s efforts and expectations are respected.

5. How Agreements Work in Practice

A prenup or cohabitation agreement typically covers:

• Who owns or will own specific properties.
• How down payments, mortgage payments, or renovations are credited.
• What happens if one partner buys out the other.
• How the property will be valued or sold if the relationship ends.
• Rules for financial support or debt responsibilities.

For the agreement to be valid, both parties must disclose their finances fully and get independent legal advice. This ensures neither person feels pressured or misled.

6. When to Create an Agreement

The best time to make an agreement is before you buy property together. It’s easiest to talk about these topics when things are positive and calm. Once a purchase is underway, financial commitments can complicate discussions.

If you already bought a home, you can still sign a postnuptial or cohabitation amendment to document your shared intentions. It’s never too late to clarify ownership.

7. How to Approach the Conversation

Bringing up an agreement doesn’t have to be awkward. Frame it as planning, not protection. You might say:

“We’re making a big investment together, and I want to make sure we both feel secure—no matter what happens in life.”

Healthy relationships thrive on communication. A clear agreement can actually strengthen trust by removing uncertainty about money and ownership.

8. How Realtors and Lawyers Work Together

Your realtor helps you navigate market decisions—pricing, offers, and title registration. Your lawyer helps ensure the legal side matches your intentions. When both professionals communicate, your home purchase and agreement stay aligned.

At Mansour Real Estate Group, we often coordinate with family lawyers to make sure titles and agreements reflect what couples want, whether it’s separate ownership, shared equity, or a mix of both.

9. Common Scenarios and Solutions

• One person owns the home, the other moves in: Draft a cohabitation agreement confirming ownership and contribution expectations.
• Both buying together with unequal down payments: Use tenants-in-common ownership and specify percentages in both the agreement and title.
• Buying a new home after marriage: Clarify how excluded property (like pre-marriage equity or inheritance) contributes to the purchase.

10. The Emotional Side of Legal Clarity

Many couples find that discussing finances early builds trust, not tension. It creates transparency, protects both parties, and reduces the fear of “what if.”

Think of a prenup or cohabitation agreement as part of your overall financial planning—like a will or insurance policy. It’s simply smart preparation for your shared future.

In Summary

Buying a home together is one of the biggest investments you’ll make as a couple. A prenup or cohabitation agreement doesn’t take away from that excitement—it ensures your investment is protected and your intentions are clear.

If you’re planning to buy property together in BC, reach out to Mansour Real Estate Group. We’ll help you structure your purchase, explain ownership options, and connect you with trusted legal professionals to make sure everything is done right from day one.

About Mansour Real Estate Group

The Mansour Real Estate Group, led by Mohamed Mansour, MBA and Associate Broker, is one of the Top 1% real estate teams in the Fraser Valley and a trusted authority in life-stage real estate planning—from first homes and newlywed purchases to family transitions and estate sales. With over 20 years of experience and more than $750 million in transactions, we deliver exceptional results with professionalism and care across Surrey, Langley, Delta, White Rock, and Abbotsford.

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Should I Sell My House When Getting Married in BC?

It’s a common question for couples starting a new life together: Should I sell my home when we get married—or keep it? There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The right choice depends on your finances, long-term plans, and how BC’s property laws handle homes owned before marriage.

Here’s how to think through the decision from both a personal and financial perspective, with insight into what makes sense under the Family Law Act and current BC market conditions.

1. Start With the Big Picture

Marriage changes your financial landscape. Combining two households means new opportunities—but also new responsibilities. The first question to ask is: What makes the most sense for us financially and emotionally?

Some couples choose to keep one home as a rental or investment, while others prefer a fresh start in a new space together. Both can work well—it depends on your goals, equity, and comfort with being a landlord.

2. How BC Law Sees Pre-Marital Homes

If you owned your home before getting married, it’s considered excluded property under BC’s Family Law Act. That means you keep its original value if you ever separate. However, any increase in value after the marriage is considered family property and is generally divided equally.

Example: You bought a condo for $600,000 before marriage. It’s worth $900,000 a few years later. If you sell after separation, the $300,000 increase in value would typically be shared 50/50, while the original $600,000 remains yours.

If you decide to keep the property after marriage, keeping clear records of its value at the time of marriage is essential to preserve your excluded share.

3. When Selling Makes Sense

Sometimes, selling before or shortly after marriage is the most practical and fair choice. It can simplify finances, clarify ownership, and help you start fresh together. Selling may be the right move if:

• You both want a home that reflects your shared lifestyle and goals.
• Your current property doesn’t suit your combined needs or location preferences.
• The market is strong, and selling helps fund your next purchase.
• You’d rather avoid future complications around excluded vs. family property.

Many couples find it easier to buy a new home together where ownership and investment are shared equally from day one.

4. When Keeping the Property Makes Sense

Keeping your existing home can also make financial sense, especially if it’s well-located or mortgage-free. You might choose to:

• Rent it out as an investment property.
• Use it as a stepping stone while saving for a larger family home.
• Maintain it as a safety net in case life plans change.

If you keep the home, decide early whether you’ll add your spouse to the title. Doing so changes ownership rights and could convert your excluded property into family property. If you’d rather maintain it separately, keep documentation and avoid mingling funds (for example, don’t use joint savings for renovations or mortgage payments).

5. Emotional Factors: The Fresh Start Effect

For many newlyweds, starting fresh in a new space helps mark the beginning of married life. A home that’s “ours” rather than “mine” can strengthen the sense of partnership and equality.

Still, if your existing home already feels like the right place for both of you—and it fits your future plans—keeping it can be just as meaningful. The key is communication: make the decision together and ensure you’re both comfortable with the reasoning behind it.

6. Financial and Tax Implications

If you sell your home after getting married, the Principal Residence Exemption protects most couples from paying capital gains tax, as long as it was your main residence. However, once you’re married, you’re considered one “family unit” for tax purposes, meaning you can only claim one principal residence exemption between you per year.

If both spouses own separate homes, you’ll need to choose which one gets the exemption for overlapping years. An accountant can help determine which option minimizes future tax exposure.

7. Mortgage Considerations

When buying a new home together, lenders assess your combined income, credit, and debt. If you’re carrying an existing mortgage, that can impact your borrowing power for your next purchase. Selling first often simplifies financing and allows both partners to start fresh with a new joint mortgage.

8. How to Decide: A Quick Framework

Ask yourselves three questions:

• Practical: Does our current home fit our shared future needs?
• Financial: Which option—selling or keeping—best supports our long-term wealth plan?
• Emotional: Do we both feel equally invested in this decision and its outcome?

When the answer to all three lines up, you’ve found your direction.

9. Professional Support Helps

Decisions involving real estate and marriage often overlap with financial, tax, and legal questions. Surround yourself with professionals who understand both sides—lawyers, mortgage specialists, and realtors experienced in family property law.

At Mansour Real Estate Group, we’ve helped many couples navigate these transitions smoothly, ensuring the process is fair, transparent, and tailored to your goals.

In Summary

Whether you sell or keep your home when getting married in BC depends on your goals, finances, and future plans. Selling can simplify ownership and create a fresh start, while keeping the home may make sense if it’s financially strategic and clearly documented.

If you’re unsure which path is right for you, reach out to Mansour Real Estate Group. We’ll help you weigh your options, understand the legal and financial implications, and create a plan that protects your investment and your relationship.

About Mansour Real Estate Group

The Mansour Real Estate Group, led by Mohamed Mansour, MBA and Associate Broker, is one of the Top 1% real estate teams in the Fraser Valley and a trusted authority in life-stage real estate planning—from first homes and newlywed purchases to family transitions and estate sales. With over 20 years of experience and more than $750 million in transactions, we deliver exceptional results with professionalism and care across Surrey, Langley, Delta, White Rock, and Abbotsford.

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What Happens to a House Owned Before Marriage in BC?

Many people enter marriage already owning a home, but few stop to think about what that means legally. Does the house stay yours? Does your spouse gain any ownership after the wedding? In British Columbia, the answer depends on how the law defines family property and excluded property under the Family Law Act.

If you own real estate before marriage—or plan to marry someone who does—understanding these rules can help you make smart, informed choices that protect both partners fairly.

Excluded Property: What You Owned Before Marriage

Under BC’s Family Law Act, anything you owned before getting married is considered excluded property. That means it remains yours if you ever separate. This includes homes, savings, and investments purchased before the marriage began.

However, while the home’s original value stays excluded, any increase in its market value during the marriage is considered family property—and that portion is generally shared equally.

Example: You purchased a townhouse in Surrey for $600,000 before marriage. Five years later, during your marriage, it’s worth $900,000. If you separate, the $300,000 increase in value is typically divided 50/50, but the original $600,000 remains yours.

Why the Increase in Value Gets Shared

The idea behind this rule is fairness. During marriage, both spouses contribute to the partnership, financially or otherwise, and the law recognizes that shared effort. Even if one spouse didn’t directly pay the mortgage, they may have contributed through other means—childcare, household expenses, or supporting the other’s income.

Because of this, BC law treats the appreciation of excluded property as something both people helped make possible.

Documenting Your Pre-Marital Home Value

To protect the portion that’s truly yours, documentation is key. You’ll need to be able to prove what the home was worth when you got married. To do that, keep:

• Property tax assessments or an appraisal from around the date of marriage.
• Purchase and mortgage records.
• Bank statements showing your original down payment and payments made before marriage.

Without documentation, it can be harder to separate excluded value from family value later on.

What If You Add Your Spouse to the Title?

Adding your spouse to the title of a home you owned before marriage changes things significantly. Once both names are on title, the property becomes co-owned—legally and financially. That means both spouses now have equal ownership rights, regardless of who paid the down payment or mortgage.

Even if your intent was symbolic (to show unity or help qualify for refinancing), adding a spouse to title can make the entire home subject to equal division later. Before doing this, it’s best to get advice from a lawyer familiar with family and real estate law.

Using Pre-Marital Property to Buy a New Home

If you sell your pre-marital home and use the proceeds to buy a new property after marriage, things get more complicated. The new property is generally family property—but your original contribution can still be excluded if properly documented.

To protect your share:

• Keep full records of sale proceeds and deposits used for the new purchase.
• Note that if excluded funds are mixed with marital funds (for example, combined savings), tracing them may be difficult later.

Lawyers often recommend keeping the proceeds in a separate account until the new purchase is completed to clearly trace the excluded portion.

When Appreciation Happens Before Marriage

If your property increased in value before you got married, that growth remains excluded—it’s still part of what you brought into the marriage. The law only divides the increase that happens after marriage or the start of a common-law relationship.

That’s why timing and documentation matter so much in BC property law.

Renovations and Mortgage Payments During Marriage

If marital funds are used to renovate or pay down the mortgage on a pre-marital property, those contributions may increase your spouse’s claim to the home’s value. Even if the property stays in your name, joint financial effort creates shared benefit, which the law reflects in how equity is divided.

What About Common-Law Relationships?

In BC, couples who live together in a marriage-like relationship for two years are treated the same as married couples for property division. So, even if you never have a wedding, the same rules about excluded and family property apply once you reach that two-year mark.

Owning a home before moving in together can still be protected, but documentation and clear agreements are crucial to avoid future disputes.

When a Marriage Agreement Helps

If you own a home before marriage, a marriage agreement (similar to a prenup) can define how property will be treated if the marriage ends. It’s not about mistrust—it’s about clarity. It can confirm that your existing home remains your separate property, while outlining how future growth or investments will be shared.

Handled respectfully, it protects both spouses and often prevents confusion or tension later on.

Estate Planning Considerations

If you keep a property in your name only, your spouse doesn’t automatically gain ownership—but they do gain inheritance rights under BC’s Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) if you pass away without a will. That’s why updating your will after marriage is essential, especially if you have children from a previous relationship or plan to retain separate property.

In Summary

Owning a home before marriage in BC gives you a strong starting point—but marriage changes how future growth in that property is treated. The home’s original value remains yours, but any increase during marriage is shared equally unless an agreement says otherwise.

If you’re marrying soon and already own property, reach out to Mansour Real Estate Group. We can connect you with the right professionals and help you structure your next property move with both your heart and your finances protected.

About Mansour Real Estate Group

The Mansour Real Estate Group, led by Mohamed Mansour, MBA and Associate Broker, is one of the Top 1% real estate teams in the Fraser Valley and a trusted authority in life-stage real estate planning—from first homes and newlywed purchases to family transitions and estate sales. With over 20 years of experience and more than $750 million in transactions, we deliver exceptional results with professionalism and care across Surrey, Langley, Delta, White Rock, and Abbotsford.

Related Reads

How Marriage Affects Property Ownership in BC

Marriage is about joining lives—and often, joining finances and property. But many couples in British Columbia are surprised to learn that saying “I do” can change the way the law views their real estate. Understanding how marriage affects property ownership in BC helps you plan wisely and avoid surprises down the road.

Here’s what really changes (and what doesn’t) once you’re married when it comes to your home, mortgage, and property rights under the Family Law Act.

Marriage and the Family Law Act

In BC, the Family Law Act governs how property is owned and divided when a marriage or common-law relationship ends. Once you’re married, any property you acquire during the marriage is considered family property—even if it’s only in one person’s name.

That means both spouses generally have an equal right to the value of property purchased or paid into during the marriage, regardless of who earned more or who’s on the title.

Family Property vs. Excluded Property

There are two key categories of assets under BC law:

• Family Property: Assets acquired during the marriage, including real estate, savings, investments, and pensions. This also includes the increase in value of excluded property.
• Excluded Property: Assets owned by one spouse before the marriage, as well as gifts, inheritances, or personal injury settlements received during it.

However, even excluded property can become partly divisible if it grows in value after the marriage begins. The increase (for example, appreciation in a home’s value) is usually shared equally.

What Happens When You Own Property Before Marriage

If you owned a home before getting married, that property remains excluded—meaning you keep its original value if you ever separate. But any increase in its market value during the marriage is considered family property and would typically be split 50/50.

Example: You bought a condo for $500,000 before marriage, and it’s worth $800,000 five years later. If you divorce, the $300,000 increase in value would usually be shared equally between both spouses, while the original $500,000 remains yours.

Adding a Spouse to the Title

Some people choose to add their spouse to the property title after marriage. While this can simplify estate planning, it also changes ownership rights. Once both names are on title, the property is legally co-owned, and both have full rights to it—regardless of who paid the mortgage or down payment.

Before adding a spouse to title, it’s wise to get legal advice. In many cases, a marriage agreement or postnuptial agreement can clarify intentions and protect both partners fairly.

Buying a Home After Marriage

When you buy property after marriage, it’s automatically considered family property. Both spouses are entitled to an equal share of its value, even if the title is registered in only one name. This is because marriage creates a financial partnership under BC law.

If one spouse provides a larger down payment using excluded funds (like proceeds from a previous home or inheritance), that contribution can remain excluded—but only if it’s properly documented.

Mortgages and Joint Debt

In most cases, both spouses are responsible for debts accumulated during the marriage, including mortgages. Even if only one person is on the loan, the court can take joint benefit into account when dividing property or assigning responsibility for debt repayment.

That’s why clear communication—and sometimes a written agreement—can prevent misunderstandings about who pays what if life circumstances change.

Protecting Pre-Marital Assets

If you or your spouse owned real estate before marriage, protect it by keeping good records:

• Keep copies of purchase and mortgage documents.
• Document the property’s market value as of your wedding date.
• Keep records of major renovations or improvements paid for individually.
• Consider a marriage agreement to clearly define ownership and intentions.

Proper documentation helps distinguish excluded property from family property later if needed.

What About Common-Law Couples?

In BC, common-law partners who have lived together in a marriage-like relationship for two years have the same property rights as married spouses under the Family Law Act. That means property division rules apply equally whether or not you had a wedding.

Estate Planning After Marriage

Marriage also impacts estate rights. Spouses automatically inherit under BC’s Wills, Estates and Succession Act (WESA) if their partner passes away without a will. This makes updating your will and property documents essential after marriage—especially if one or both of you own property individually.

Adding each other to title or updating beneficiary designations ensures your assets pass as intended and avoids complications later.

When a Prenup or Marriage Agreement Makes Sense

Not every couple needs one, but if one spouse owns significantly more property or plans to inherit family real estate, a marriage agreement can bring peace of mind. It’s simply a tool to set clear expectations, not a sign of mistrust.

Handled thoughtfully, it can protect both partners and help avoid confusion if things ever change.

In Summary

Marriage in BC doesn’t automatically transfer ownership, but it does change how property is viewed under the law. Real estate bought or paid into during marriage is shared equally, while pre-owned property remains yours—except for any increase in value.

Whether you’re newly married or planning ahead, it’s smart to understand how ownership, title, and documentation shape your long-term financial picture. Reach out to Mansour Real Estate Group for personalized guidance on buying, selling, or protecting your property after marriage. We’ll help you plan with clarity and confidence.

About Mansour Real Estate Group

The Mansour Real Estate Group, led by Mohamed Mansour, MBA and Associate Broker, is one of the Top 1% real estate teams in the Fraser Valley and a trusted authority in life-stage real estate planning—from first homes and newlywed purchases to family transitions and estate sales. With over 20 years of experience and more than $750 million in transactions, we deliver exceptional results with professionalism and care across Surrey, Langley, Delta, White Rock, and Abbotsford.

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Should We Buy a House Before Getting Married in BC?

It’s one of the biggest questions couples face in British Columbia today: Should we buy a house before getting married? With home prices rising and mortgage rules tightening, more people are choosing to purchase together before the wedding. But it’s a decision that carries both opportunities and risks.

Let’s look at what it really means to buy a home together before marriage in BC—legally, financially, and emotionally—and how to do it the right way.

Why So Many Couples Buy Before Marriage

In the Fraser Valley and Lower Mainland, real estate prices make timing everything. Many couples choose to buy before marriage to get into the market sooner, especially if they’re already living together. There are a few good reasons for this:

• Affordability: Two incomes can qualify for a better mortgage and increase buying power.
• Equity building: Starting earlier means you build wealth faster as prices rise.
• Stability: Owning before marriage can help you establish financial structure and shared goals.

Still, there are important legal and financial considerations—especially if the relationship changes down the road.

How BC Law Views Unmarried Couples

In British Columbia, couples who live together in a “marriage-like relationship” for at least two years are considered common-law spouses under the Family Law Act. That means property bought during the relationship may be divided if you separate, even if you’re not legally married.

If you buy a home together before reaching that two-year mark, your rights depend on how ownership is structured and what agreements you have in place.

Ownership Structure: Whose Name Goes on Title?

When buying together, you can register ownership in one of two main ways:

• Joint Tenancy: Both names are on title, and ownership automatically transfers to the other person if one passes away.
• Tenants-in-Common: Each person owns a set percentage (for example, 60/40), and their share can be left to someone else in a will.

Joint tenancy is common for couples but doesn’t always reflect how much each contributed to the down payment. If contributions are unequal, consider tenants-in-common and document the split clearly.

Protecting Individual Contributions

If one partner contributes more—say, a larger down payment from savings or a previous home sale—it’s crucial to record that. The best ways to protect contributions are:

• Signing a cohabitation agreement (similar to a prenup) that outlines what happens if you separate.
• Documenting financial transfers (bank records, gift letters, or loan agreements).
• Keeping legal ownership percentages aligned with contributions.

Without these records, the law generally assumes equal ownership—regardless of who paid more.

Buying Before Marriage vs. After Marriage

The main difference is timing under the Family Law Act:

• Before Marriage: The property is yours individually unless co-owned. If you separate before two years of cohabitation, standard contract law (not family law) applies.
• After Marriage: All property acquired during marriage is family property and divided equally on separation, except for excluded assets like pre-owned property or inheritances.

So, if you buy before marriage, you retain more control—if ownership and contributions are documented properly.

What Happens If You Break Up Before Marriage?

If the relationship ends before marriage (and before two years of living together), BC law treats the property as a regular asset—not family property. Division depends on whose name is on title and what written agreements exist. Without clear records, disputes can get complicated and costly.

That’s why written agreements—no matter how awkward they feel—are one of the best forms of relationship insurance.

Mortgage and Financial Considerations

When you buy together before marriage, both partners are typically on the mortgage. That means both are equally responsible for payments and credit impact. Even if one person moves out, both remain liable until the mortgage is refinanced or the property is sold.

Before signing, make sure you both understand your financial responsibilities and what happens if one person can’t—or won’t—continue paying.

Tax Implications

Buying before marriage doesn’t affect your eligibility for the First Time Home Buyers’ Program or the Property Transfer Tax (PTT) exemption—as long as both buyers qualify individually. Once you’re married or common-law, you’re considered one household for these purposes, which may limit future exemptions if you buy again together.

Steps to Do It Right

1. Talk about finances early. Discuss income, debts, down payments, and future goals before shopping for homes.
2. Decide ownership type. Choose joint tenancy or tenants-in-common and align it with contributions.
3. Get a cohabitation agreement. A family lawyer can draft one to clarify expectations and avoid future disputes.
4. Work with an experienced realtor. They’ll help you navigate pricing, negotiation, and legal details neutrally.
5. Document everything. Keep records of who paid what—it matters later if life changes.

In Summary

Buying a home before marriage in BC can be a smart move, especially in competitive markets like Surrey, Langley, and Delta. But it requires open communication, proper documentation, and professional guidance to keep it fair and secure.

If you and your partner are thinking about buying before marriage, reach out to Mansour Real Estate Group. We’ll help you navigate financing, title setup, and ownership options so you can start your next chapter with confidence.

About Mansour Real Estate Group

The Mansour Real Estate Group, led by Mohamed Mansour, MBA and Associate Broker, is one of the Top 1% real estate teams in the Fraser Valley and a trusted authority in life-stage real estate planning—from first homes and newlywed purchases to family transitions and estate sales. With over 20 years of experience and more than $750 million in transactions, we deliver exceptional results with professionalism and care across Surrey, Langley, Delta, White Rock, and Abbotsford.

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