Houses in Vancouver

Empty Homes Tax continues to support housing availability

December 5 2024 –

The City of Vancouver’s Empty Homes Tax (EHT) continues to support the availability of rental housing in Vancouver, according to data released today in the 2023 Empty Homes Tax Annual Report (740 KB).  
 
For the seventh year in a row, the report demonstrates that the EHT is having a positive impact on housing availability for those who live and work in Vancouver, with the number of vacant properties decreasing by 58% between 2017, when the EHT launched, and 2023.  
 
Of the 1,156 residential properties that were deemed, determined or declared vacant under the EHT program in 2022, 49% were converted to occupied status in 2023.  
 
Since the tax’s inception, $169.8 million has been allocated to support affordable housing initiatives to increase the supply and affordability of social housing and to support renters in the city. For the 2023 reporting period, $27.4 million of this revenue is allocated to fund several key affordable housing initiatives, subject to Council approval: 

  • $15 million for land acquisition and Community Housing Incentive Program (CHIP) grants. The CHIP supports non-profit and co-op partners to deepen affordability in new social/co-op housing projects and deliver on the affordability targets set out in the Housing Vancouver strategy. 
  • $3.7 million toward the delivery of affordable housing projects. 
  • $8.7 million to support enhancements and creation of new initiatives and capital programs that ensure continued progress towards the City’s long-term housing goals. 

Learn more about these initiatives and take an in-depth look at the statistics behind the tax in the report (740 KB). Visit vancouver.ca/eht to learn more about the EHT program. 

2024 declarations now open 

EHT property status declarations are now open for the 2024 tax year. Residential property owners are required to complete a declaration every year, even if they live in their property or rent it out. 
 
Over the coming weeks, declaration instructions are being mailed to property owners along with their advance property tax notice. Owners who have signed up to receive e-bills will receive their notice by email. Declarations are due by February 4, 2025 and a $250 by-law fine applies to late declarations submitted after this date. The tax rate for the 2024 reference year is three percent for vacant properties. 
 
Visit our website to declare your property status online. For assistance, chat live with an advisor on our website, or phone us at 3-1-1.  
 
Note that the City’s Empty Homes Tax is separate from the provincial government’s Speculation and Vacancy Tax .

Canada Post mail service disruption 

Due to the Canada Post strike, delivery of Empty Homes Tax notices by mail will be delayed. 
 
Residents and businesses are reminded they are still required to make their declaration by February 4, 2025. Declarations can be made online, in-person at 515 West 10th Avenue (Development and Building Services Centre) or by calling 3-1-1.