BC Property Assessment by Region [Video]

Katherine Martin • January 11, 2016

 

This is the 2016 British Columbia property assessment overview. Prepared for you by us, BC Assessment, your trusted go-to source for property information.

 

2016 property assessments are based on property values as of July 1st, 2015. So if you own property in BC, your property assessment will be mailed to you in January, so look for your assessment in the mail. There are some interesting facts to consider for 2016, for example, the total number of properties within BC has increased to about 2 million or 1.06% increase from 2015. The total value of all real estate has increased over 1.3 trillion dollars. That’s an 11.1% increase from 2015, and the value-added from new construction, subdivisions and rezoning alone is equal to 20.3 six billion dollars, an 8.9% increase from 2015.

Let’s take a look at some highlights in BC’s regions, starting in Greater Vancouver where 2016 increases are quite dramatic.

  • A typical urban residential single detached home is up 15-30 % and climbing compared to last year.
  • Urban residential strata units, are generally up a relatively modest 10%, and greater Vancouver’s highest assessed home, is nearly sixty four million dollars for 2016.
  • Greater Vancouver’s urban commercial properties are also up significantly, with typical increases in the 10-25% range for 2016.

Next stop, let’s head further south, here we have included southern parts of Metro Vancouver, such as Richmond and Surrey, along with the usual Fraser Valley Community.

  • Typical residential single detached homes have increased by 5-25% in urban areas, with changes of minus 5 plus 5% in rural areas.
  • Residential strata units have generally experienced an increase of 0-10% compared to last year and commercial property increases, are in the 5-15% range.

Now let’s head further east to the Thompson Okanagan region.

  • Typical residential homes increased anywhere from 0-10% in urban areas, and 0-5% in rural areas.
  • Changes to commercial property assessments are generally in the minus 5 to plus 10% range.

Next off, let’s head over to the Kootenay Columbia region.

  •  Typical residential homes are experiencing changes of 0-10%, in both rural and urban areas.
  • Commercial properties are generally changing by minus 5 to plus 5%.

Now let’s head north to the vast northern BC region.

  •  Both residential homes, as well as commercial properties have experienced changes in the range of 0-10%, in both rural and urban areas.

Finally, let’s head back south, down the coast, to the Vancouver Island region.

  •  Across the island typical residential homes have changed in the minus 5 to plus 10% range compared to last year
  • Commercial properties are generally changing minus 5 to plus 5%

Here’s how each region’s single highest assessed home stacks up for 2016. The Greater Vancouver region, Vancouver Island region, the Fraser Valley region, the Thompson Okanagan region, the Kootenay Columbia region, and the northern BC region. To find out more on the top value of residential properties in your region, visit the top 100 lists for each region and the expanded top 500 list for the entire province at bcassessment.ca.

With our comprehensive approach and innovative technologies, such as street front imagery and 3D modeling, and by using a number of information sources; like building permits, land titles office, real estate transactions, on-site inspection, aerial and street front imagery, and owner reporting through online questionnaires and forms.  We prepare fair, uniform, and equitable assessments. We want to make sure we give you the best customer service and most accurate information possible. So, look for your assessment in the mail arriving in January. We encourage you to compare it online to other property values in your area, using our evalue BC service at bcassessment.ca.

If you haven’t received your assessment, or if you have more questions about your assessment after using our services, call us at 1 866 value BC. If you want to file an appeal, you need to file by the February 1st, 2016 deadline. We value conversation, so start the conversation, by following us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube. We are BC Assessment your trusted go-to source for property information, and we value BC.

Katherine Martin


Origin Mortgages

Phone: 1-604-454-0843
Email: 
kmartin@planmymortgage.ca
Fax: 1-604-454-0842


RECENT POSTS

By Katherine Martin June 20, 2025
If you’re a first-time homebuyer eyeing a new build or major renovation, there's encouraging news that could make homeownership significantly more affordable. The federal government has proposed a new GST rebate aimed at easing the financial burden for Canadians entering the housing market. While still awaiting parliamentary approval, the proposed legislation offers the potential for thousands in savings —and could be a game-changer for buyers trying to break into today’s high-cost housing landscape. What’s Being Proposed? Under the new legislation, eligible first-time homebuyers would receive: A full GST rebate on homes priced up to $1 million A partial GST rebate on homes between $1 million and $1.5 million This could mean up to $50,000 in tax savings on a qualifying home—a major boost for anyone working hard to save for a down payment or meet mortgage qualification requirements. Why This Matters With interest rates still elevated and home prices holding steady in many regions, affordability remains a challenge. This rebate could offer meaningful relief in several ways: Lower Upfront Costs: Removing GST from the purchase price reduces the total amount of money buyers need to save before closing. Smaller Monthly Payments: A lower purchase price leads to a smaller mortgage, which translates to more manageable monthly payments. Improved Mortgage Qualification: With a reduced purchase amount, buyers may find it easier to meet lender criteria. According to recent estimates, a homebuyer purchasing a $1 million new home could see monthly mortgage payments drop by around $240 —money that could go toward savings, home improvements, or simply everyday expenses. Helping Families Help Each Other This proposal also offers a win for parents who are supporting their children in buying a first home. Whether through gifted down payments or co-signing, a lower purchase price and more affordable monthly costs mean that family support can go further—and set first-time buyers up for long-term success. Is This the Right Time to Buy? If you’re thinking about buying a new or substantially renovated home, this proposed rebate could dramatically improve your financial position. Now is the perfect time to explore your options and make sure your mortgage strategy is aligned with potential policy changes. 📞 Let’s connect for a free mortgage review or pre-approval. Whether you’re buying your first home or helping someone else take that first step, I’m here to help you make informed, confident decisions.
By Katherine Martin June 18, 2025
Worried About Your Mortgage Renewal? You’re Not Alone  If your mortgage renewal is coming up soon, you're likely feeling a bit of financial pressure—and you’re not the only one. A recent survey shows that over half of Canadian homeowners believe their upcoming mortgage renewal could impact their current living situation. With interest rates still higher than what many borrowers locked in before 2022, 45% of those renewing in the next 12 months expect their monthly payments to increase. Even though the Bank of Canada has held its key overnight rate steady at 2.75%, borrowing costs remain elevated compared to the low-rate years we saw earlier in the decade. And that’s changing how Canadians think about their finances. Changing Plans and Tightening Budgets Among those worried about their renewal, 73% say they’re already cutting back on discretionary spending—things like eating out, entertainment, or travel—to brace for higher mortgage payments. For many, it goes deeper than just trimming the budget. Nearly one in four surveyed homeowners said they’re rethinking their entire financial strategy. Some are pressing pause on home renovations (43%), while others are considering downsizing or relocating to a more affordable area (29%). A smaller group (15%) is even open to major lifestyle changes, like moving in with roommates or relocating to a new neighbourhood altogether. Fixed-Rate Mortgages on the Rise In this climate, most homeowners looking to renew are leaning toward fixed-rate mortgages, with 75% preferring the stability of predictable payments. For those facing uncertainty, locking in a rate for the next few years can offer peace of mind—even if it means paying a little more in the short term. First-Time Buyers Are Feeling It Too It’s not just current homeowners feeling the pinch. A separate survey found that more than half of Canadians planning to buy a home are cutting back on non-essential spending to save for their down payment or other buying costs. About 31% are even considering tapping into savings or investment accounts like TFSAs, RRSPs, or first-time home savings accounts to make their purchase possible. What This Means for You Whether you’re preparing to renew or purchase for the first time, this environment calls for smart, strategic planning. You’re not alone in feeling uncertain—but with the right guidance, you can navigate these changes confidently. Have questions about your upcoming renewal or wondering what type of mortgage is right for today’s market? Let’s connect. We're here to help you make informed, confident decisions about your home financing.