A recent poll indicates that a significant majority of British Columbians strongly support the federal government's ban on foreign real estate purchases. The ban, which excludes international students and temporary residents, is set to continue until 2027 and has seen an increase in support since early 2024.
Key Takeaways
- Overwhelming support for the federal ban on foreign real estate purchases.
- Majority backing for provincial initiatives like a renters' credit and increased foreign buyer taxes.
- Growing optimism about the provincial government's effectiveness in addressing housing affordability.
Broad Support for Foreign Buyer Ban
The Research Co. poll found that 74% of British Columbians agree with the federal government's decision to prohibit non-Canadians from buying residential properties. This sentiment is consistent across various demographic groups, including Indigenous (82%), South Asian (78%), European (76%), and East Asian (67%) residents.
Provincial Housing Policies Gain Traction
Beyond the federal ban, British Columbians also show strong support for several provincial housing policies. A $400 renters' credit for lower-income households is backed by 57% of residents, with support rising to 63% among renters. Additionally, 66% of residents favor tying immigration numbers to affordable housing targets and new housing starts.
Views on Other Housing Measures
The poll also highlighted opinions on other housing-related measures. More than a third (37%) believe the provincial government should cancel the home owner grant. Support remains high for policies implemented under previous administrations, such as increasing the foreign buyers tax and introducing a speculation tax.
Newer policies introduced by the current provincial government also receive majority backing. These include building more modular supportive homes (73%), capping rent increases at 3% (70%), and raising fines for short-term rental violations. For the first time since mid-2020, over half of British Columbians (54%) are optimistic that the provincial government's actions will effectively make housing more affordable.
Methodology
The findings are based on an online survey conducted from October 13 to October 15, 2025, involving 802 adults in British Columbia. The data was statistically weighted to reflect census figures for age, gender, and region. The margin of error is +/- 3.5 percentage points.
