Real Estate Association Economist Asks If BC’s Flipping Tax Is Worth the Trouble

The chief economist of the British Columbia Real Estate Association says the incoming tax on flipping houses may not generate as much revenue as the government expects and might only impact a small number of properties. Brendon Ogmundson says about 10 percent of real estate transactions in Metro Vancouver take place within two years of a purchase, and many of those sales would be exempt from the new tax for reasons such as divorce or job relocation. The provincial budget estimates the tax will generate $43 million in its first full fiscal year, but the association predicts B.C. could lose out on $20 million in property transfer taxes as people delay their sale, and it’s creating new administrative costs....