Grant for New Second and Recreational Homes 

Frequently Asked Questions - Grant for New Second and Recreational Homes

1. Will the grant for new second and recreational homes operate the same way as the BC HST new housing rebate?

   No. The grant for new second and recreational homes is administered by the BC government, while the BC HST new housing rebate is administered by the Canada Revenue Agency.

2. Generally, what secondary or recreational residences qualify?

   Individuals meeting all of the following conditions are eligible to apply:

   • HST was paid on or after April 1, 2012 and before April 1, 2013 to buy a new or substantially renovated house, or to build or substantially renovate a house,
   • you or your relation will use the house as a secondary or recreational residence,
   • the house is located in BC, but outside the Capital Regional District and the Greater Vancouver Regional District,
   • you (and any other co-owners), or your relations, are the first occupants of the house, and
   • the house will NOT be used for commercial purposes, such as vacation rentals, by an owner who is an HST registrant that can claim input tax credits for some or all of the HST paid on the home.

3. What if the secondary or recreational residence was bought by more than one person?

   If two or more individuals buy a house or a share of the capital stock of a co-op, or build or substantially renovate a house, each of them must meet all of the eligibility conditions for the grant to be available—but only one of the individuals may apply for the grant. The grant is not available if any of the owners of the house is a partnership or a corporation.

4. Are applications forms available now?

   Yes, and there are three application types (all forms can be completed online and then printed and mailed to the BC Ministry of Finance):

   • Application Type 1 – FIN 201: Houses and Land Purchased From a Builder
   • Application Type 2 – FIN 203: Owner-Built Houses
   • Application Type 3 – FIN 210: Houses Purchased Together with Leased Land or Co-op Shares

   Each category above has specific qualifications, in addition to the general qualifications. See the BC Ministry of Finance’s HST Notice #13 for more information.

    

5. Where can I learn more about the different three categories of secondary or recreational residences?

   The BC Ministry of Finance’s HST Notice #13 is a very good resource. Questions can also be directed to the BC Ministry of Finance: 1.877.388.4440 or CTBTaxQuestions@gov.bc.ca.

6. Is there a deadline to apply for the grant?

   Yes, the BC Ministry of Finance must receive your application and supporting documents within six months from the date you took ownership or possession of the house (or in the case of a co-op within six months from the date you purchased the share in the co-op) and before October 1, 2013 (whichever date is earliest).

7. Is this grant only available to BC residents?

   No.