Abbotsford - 15% Foreign Buyer Tax Doesn't Apply!

Recently I listed a beautiful farm in North Bradner, Abbotsford, B.C., surrounded by stunning mountains and blissful serenity. It is interesting how many "out of town" buyers are calling me and asking a lot of questions about this town 'East of Langley'. I have to chuckle because I know Abbotsford as a thriving and industrious city.

Many years ago when my family moved from Vancouver to the town of Clearbrook, I felt like we were moving to the other side of the world. The narrow highway stretching over the original Port Mann Bridge to the small community of Clearbrook, was a significant adjustment. This small town housed single lane roads, a strip shopping centre consisting of a pharmacy, food store, hardware store, and a laundromat. Abbotsford, Sumas, and Matsqui were other small towns in close proximatey with essential amenities. Over the years one Municipality was formed from Abbotsford, Sumas, and Matsqui (which included Clearbrook). The new municipality embodied the one name of Abbotsford. 

Much growth has occurred over past decades, and Abbotsford is now a thriving city. With lower mainland house prices skyrocketing in recent years, the domino effect has included prices rising in Abbotsford, which is still more affordable than the Metro Vancouver area. People move farther out for many reasons, affordability being a key factor. Compounding this trend is the province's 15% property-transfer tax for foreign buyers purchasing in the Metro Vancouver area. Other areas including Abbotsford are more appealing because the tax does not apply there at this point! Abbotsford is a great place to live and invest!