Key Factors:
- The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, effective from January 1, 2023, bars non-Canadians from buying small residential properties in Canada for a period of two years.
- According to the Act, small residential properties, such as buildings with up to three units or individual units in larger buildings, are off-limits to non-Canadian buyers, while larger buildings with multiple units remain open to purchase.
- Those who violate the Act by purchasing or assisting in the purchase of a small residential property may face a fine of up to $10,000, and the property may be ordered to be sold by a court.
- Please be aware that the Act does not restrict non-Canadians from renting residential properties in Canada.
Real estate agents must now verify the residency of all buyers by requesting proof of residency through either a passport or residency card. If these forms of identification are not available, a driver's license and additional documentation may be requested.
There are exception for the Ban: Learn more on the Canada Mortgage and Housing (CMHC) site.