Do I Have to Move Out Immediately After a Foreclosure Judgment in BC?
Do I Have to Move Out Immediately After a Foreclosure Judgment in BC?
Dec
10, 2025
Do I Have to Move Out Immediately After a Foreclosure Judgment in BC?
A foreclosure judgment can feel final and overwhelming, but in British Columbia you usually do not have to move out immediately. Many homeowners in Surrey, Langley, Delta, White Rock, and Abbotsford still have time to prepare, organize a move, or even take steps to protect their equity before the process ends.
Here is what actually happens after a foreclosure judgment and what to expect in terms of timing and next steps.
Understanding What a Foreclosure Judgment Means
A foreclosure judgment happens after the lender has taken the mortgage to the BC Supreme Court. The judgment may include:
The amount owed.
Legal costs.
Interest and arrears.
Next steps the lender can take.
It does not always mean you must leave the home right away. Your move-out date depends on what happens next in the foreclosure timeline.
You Usually Stay Until the Property Is Sold
In most BC foreclosures, you remain in the home until:
The court approves an offer to purchase the property.
The sale completes.
Possession transfers to the new buyer.
This process often takes weeks or even months after the foreclosure judgment.
What Happens When the Court Approves a Sale?
Once the court approves an offer through an Order Approving Sale, the sale contract sets:
The completion date.
The possession date.
The move-out deadline.
You do not normally have to move out until the possession date, which gives you time to plan the transition.
Will Someone Show Up to Remove You?
Not immediately. Lockouts and bailiff enforcement only happen when:
The sale has completed.
The possession date has passed.
You have not moved out.
The court and the lender’s lawyer give multiple opportunities to vacate before a bailiff becomes involved.
How Much Time Do You Usually Have?
While every case is different, most homeowners see timelines like:
2 to 6 weeks between court approval and completion.
1 to 4 weeks between completion and possession.
This means many homeowners have at least a month, sometimes more, to move after a foreclosure judgment.
Can You Still Sell After a Foreclosure Judgment?
In many cases, yes. If the lender has not yet received Conduct of Sale or the court has not approved a final offer, you may still have time to:
List the home.
Find a buyer.
Pay out the mortgage.
A voluntary sale usually protects far more equity than a court-driven sale.
What If You Need Extra Time?
Homeowners sometimes receive additional time if they:
Show they are actively selling the property.
Submit proof of refinancing efforts.
Demonstrate a genuine need tied to family circumstances.
The court prefers structured, reasonable requests backed by clear evidence.
What If You Do Not Leave on Time?
If you stay past the possession date:
The new owner can apply to enforce possession.
A court order may authorize a bailiff.
Your belongings may need to be removed under pressure.
This creates stress and costs you can avoid by preparing early.
How Mansour Real Estate Group Helps
If your home is approaching or has reached a foreclosure judgment, you still have options. Our team helps you:
