The B.C. government is expanding its speculation and vacancy tax to a number of Vancouver Island communities.

According to a statement Wednesday (July 20), the tax will expand into the municipalities of North Cowichan, Duncan, Ladysmith, Lake Cowichan, Lions Bay and Squamish, beginning in January 2023.

鈥淎fter careful consideration and listening to people and community leaders on speculative real estate concerns in their communities, we鈥檙e expanding the tax to these additional areas that are facing intense housing pressures,鈥� said Finance Minister Selina Robinson.

Many properties are exempt from the tax, including primary residences and properties with long-term tenants. Residential property owners in the newly affected areas will be required to declare and claim an exemption in January 2024.

The changes come following a recent independent review report of the current speculation tax, which found it is helping keep housing prices and rents lower.

The report also shows that the speculation tax, along with the two-per-cent tax rate for foreign owners and satellite families, has aided in the return of approximately 20,000 condo units to the long-term rental market in Metro Vancouver.

Started in 2018, the tax aims to help eliminate speculative real estate practices and turn empty units into homes for those struggling with housing affordability.

The government expects over 99 per cent of British Columbians will continue to be exempt from paying the tax.

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