Americans buying in Canada: the foreign-buyer ban explained
Who can buy, who can't, and the extra provincial taxes to plan for.
Canada's ban on most non-Canadians buying residential property is scheduled to end on January 1, 2027. It mostly applies in and around cities and larger towns, and it has exceptions, including permanent residents, some work-permit holders and some people buying with a Canadian spouse or partner.
The details of each exception matter, such as how long a work permit is valid for and how long you've worked in Canada. Check your exact situation with a Canadian real estate lawyer before you start making offers.
Some provinces also charge extra tax when foreign nationals buy, such as British Columbia's additional property transfer tax and Ontario's non-resident speculation tax. These can add a large percentage to the purchase price, so include them in your budget from the start.
If you're moving to Canada to live and work, your immigration status is usually the first step. Work permits and permanent residence through programs such as Express Entry or a provincial nominee program can also change which rules apply to your purchase.
Rules change, and the ban has already been extended once. Confirm your situation with an immigration lawyer and a real estate lawyer before you make an offer.
Step-by-step rules with official sources: Moving between Canada and the USA ›