The British Columbia government has announced a key change to its popular homeowner grant program for the 2026 tax year, lowering the property value eligibility threshold in response to shifting real estate assessments.
New Threshold Reflects Market Changes
In an official news release issued on Friday, the province confirmed that the basic grant amounts will remain unchanged. However, the property value threshold to qualify for the full grant has been adjusted downward to $2.075 million. This marks a decrease from the 2025 threshold of $2.175 million.
The provincial government cited recent property assessments as the reason for the change, noting that most residential property values across B.C. have seen a slight decline. This annual adjustment aims to keep the grant accessible to a similar number of homeowners despite market fluctuations.
Who Qualifies and for How Much?
The grant amounts vary by region. Homeowners residing in the Capital Regional District, the Fraser Valley Regional District, and Metro Vancouver can receive a grant of $570 if their property is assessed at $2.075 million or less.
For homeowners living outside of these high-cost regions, the grant is more generous, set at $770 for properties at or below the threshold.
Enhanced grants are available for seniors, veterans, and people with disabilities (or those living with a relative who has a disability). In the capital region, Fraser Valley, and Metro Vancouver, this group is eligible for $845. Eligible homeowners in other areas can claim up to $1,045.
The province highlighted that last year, these additional grants provided crucial support to nearly 500,000 seniors and over 19,000 people with disabilities.
Applying for the Grant
It is important to note that homeowners with properties valued above the $2.075 million threshold may still be eligible for a partial grant, with the amount decreasing as the assessed value rises.
The application process will open in the spring, following the issuance of annual property tax statements. Eligible homeowners can apply for the grant conveniently through the official B.C. government website.
This announcement provides early clarity for British Columbians budgeting for the coming year, offering continued property tax relief amid evolving economic conditions.
