08/07/2025
Who Can Still Buy Residential Property in Canada?
1. Temporary Residents (Work Permit Holders)
– Eligible if you hold a valid work permit with at least 183 days remaining at time of purchase.
– Must be acquiring your first residential property in Canada.
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CIC News
Zachary Soccio-Marandola
2. International Students
– Must be studying at a designated learning institution (DLI).
– Required to have filed Canadian income taxes for the past five years, and been physically present in Canada for at least 244 days each year.
– The property purchase must be your first residential property and under $500,000 in purchase price.
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kelownarealestate.com
3. Refugees, Protected Persons, and Those on Humanitarian Grounds
– Includes individuals recognized under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, refugee claimants deemed eligible, or those with temporary residence for humanitarian reasons (e.g., fleeing crises).
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pospischilrealty.com
kelownarealestate.com
4. Diplomats & Accredited Representatives
– Diplomats, consular staff, and members of international organizations residing in Canada with recognized status remain exempt.
edtse.com
Axess Law
5. Spouses or Common-Law Partners of Eligible Canadians
– A non-Canadian can purchase property jointly if their spouse or partner is a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, registered under the Indian Act, refugee, or meets the student/worker exemption criteria.
edtse.com
pospischilrealty.com
Axess Law
What Types of Properties Are Exempt?
Vacant land zoned for residential or mixed-use is exempt and available for purchase, including for development projects.
Multi‑unit residential buildings (4+ units) and recreational properties (e.g. cottages, cabins outside Census Metropolitan Areas) are not subject to the ban.
Properties located outside of Census Metropolitan Areas (CMAs) and Census Agglomerations (CAs)—generally rural or small-town locations—are also exempt.
