The True Impact of HST on New Home Purchases

We have all heard about the looming HST, but how does it effect the purchase of real estate in British Columbia?  Below are some guidelines as to how HST will effect the purchase price of new homes and when to close on new homes to avoid the HST.

For contracts written before November 18th, 2009 5% GST will be charged regardless of when completion is.

For contracts written after November 18th, 2009 that complete before July 1st, 2010, 5% GST will be applied.

For contracts written after November 18th, 2009 that complete after July 1st, 2010, 12% HST will be applied.

Although HST is a combined tax of 5% GST and 7% PST, there are still rebates available for both taxes.
For example:

On a $300,000 Purchase Price
15,000 GST Charged (5%)
21,000 PST Charged (7%)
$336,000 TOTAL

(5,400) GST Rebate
(15,000) PST Rebate
($20,400) TOTAL REBATE

Net Purchase Price with Tax:
$336,000 Total with Tax
($20,400) Total Rebates
$315,600 TOTAL DUE with HST

This new total reflects a 2% increase over what would be paid with GST.

As with GST rebates in the past, there is a maximum HST rebate on the PST portion of $26,200.

Please consult with your Realtor and Mortgage Broker as to the specifics of your situation and how best to prepare yourself for the increase in tax payable on new home purchases in British Columbia beginning on July 1, 2010.