Canada: Exemptions From the Prohibition on Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Implemented

As a further update to the Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act, which prohibits non-Canadians from purchasing certain residential real estate directly or indirectly until December 31, 2025, the government has implemented amendments to the act and accompanying regulations reducing the groups of non-Canadians subject to the prohibition. To be exempted from the prohibition, work permit holders and individuals authorized to work in Canada have to prove only that they have at least 183 days of validity remaining on their work permit or work authorization at the time of purchase, and that they have not purchased more than one residential property. They no longer must show that they worked in Canada for at least three years in the last four years preceding the purchase, or that they have filed all required income tax returns for at least three of the four taxation years preceding the purchase, as was previously required under the original regulations. Other amendments include certain exemptions when purchasing vacant land or residential property for development purposes, and for purchase of property in the name of certain privately held corporations or entities.