Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. To give buyers more confidence in their purchase, the B.C. government introduced the Home Buyer Rescission Period (HBRP)—also known as the “cooling-off period”—on January 3, 2023.
This rule allows homebuyers up to three business days after an offer is accepted to change their minds and cancel the contract. Here’s what buyers and sellers need to know.
Which Homes Are Covered by the HBRP?
The rescission period applies to most types of residential properties, including:
Detached houses
Semi-detached houses
Townhouses
Apartments in duplexes or multi-unit dwellings
Residential strata lots (condos)
Manufactured homes affixed to land
Cooperative housing interests with residential rights
Excluded properties include:
Homes on leased land
Leasehold interests in residential property
Homes sold at auction
Homes sold under court order or court supervision
What Buyers Should Know
Buyers can rescind a contract within three business days (excluding weekends and holidays), whether or not a REALTOR® is involved.
The cancellation must be in writing and delivered to the seller before the period ends.
Buyers do not need to provide a reason.
📌 Rescission Fee:
If a buyer cancels, they must pay the seller a fee of 0.25% of the purchase price.
➡️ Example: On a $1,000,000 home, the fee would be $2,500.
What Sellers Should Know
The right to rescission cannot be waived by either party.
Sellers will receive a disclosure of the buyer’s right to rescind with every offer.
If the buyer cancels and the deposit is not held in trust by the brokerage, sellers may need legal advice to recover the rescission fee.
Why This Matters
The HBRP is designed to give buyers peace of mind in a competitive market, while still offering protection to sellers through the rescission fee. Whether you’re considering buying or selling, it’s important to understand how this law could affect your transaction.
Final Thoughts
Every home purchase or sale comes with important details—from regulations like the Home Buyer Rescission Period to negotiations, contracts, and closing steps. With the right guidance, you can feel confident at every stage.
If you’re planning to buy or sell, I’d be happy to guide you through the process and support you from start to finish.
Nasim Rajaian - Evergreen West Realty
☎️ 604-767-6856







