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Immigrating  To  Canada

 

flagsmCanada has a generous and universal immigration policy, which is based on the point system. Generally speaking, to be successful as an independent or skilled worker applicant, you must be under the age of 49, have a university degree (or a 3 year diploma) and have at least 4 years in a professional or management position, prior to the application. Certain apprenticeship employment is also acceptable. Canada Immigration maintains a list of potential jobs, which it favours for immigration. For success, one must obtain a total of 67 points based on age, education, language skills and work experience.


Alternatively, if you have business experience during the 5 years prior to your application, it is quite possible that you could be successful under the business category. Success under the business category requires you to have an active and successful business during the course of the 5 years prior to the application, which success is proven by gross income, net income and employment of individuals. As a sub-category under the business avenue, is the investor option. Under the investor category the person must have an overall equity of $800,000 and be prepared to invest $400,000 with the Government of Canada for a period of 5 years. The money is then returned to the investor, without interest.


There are also temporary entry provisions under the immigration regulations, which can lead ultimately to permanent residency. One of the foremost avenues is the Provincial Nominee Program, operated by the Government of British Columbia, which assists the potential business person in obtaining a work permit for 2 years, provided the person is able to invest $300,000 into a new business and hire 2 Canadians.


Once you enter Canada as a permanent resident, you have the right to work and participate in the social benefits of Canada as any other Canadian. Canadian citizenship is only available after you have resided in Canada for a full 3 years, as a permanent resident. It is at that time that a Canadian passport and citizenship papers are issued. Dual citizenship is possible.


If you do not wish to be a permanent resident in Canada, it is permissible to live in Canada as a "seasonal resident". This designation simply means that you have the right to remain in Canada as a visitor for 6 months, from both immigration and taxation reasons. Staying longer would require not only an extension under the immigration provisions, but may actually attract the interest of Canada Revenue. Occasionally individuals "flagpole", that is, cross the border and return, thinking that this will assist them in remaining in Canada indefinitely. This procedure is not allowed, since your permanent residence must remain with your country of citizenship and you must have a home in your own country.

 

dave05-white2The nuances of immigration are many and it is always advisable to seek both immigration and taxation advice before planning any move. For further information see my Web Site at  https://www.bcimmigration.com/ for the latest, up-to-date immigration news.

David Aujla:  This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

David practises Canadian immigration law with offices both in Victoria and Vancouver, British Columbia.

 

BC Lakefront Real Estate and Homes for Sale

 

dockjumpsmIf you are looking for lakefront real estate for sale in Bitish Columbia, you have arrived at your destination. Waterfront West is B.C.'s premier website for buyers looking for waterfront property for sale. Our site features lake front, ocean front and river front real estate for sale privately, through agents and from developers in biritsh Columbia.

Please click here for our advanced search and select your region and type of waterfront to quickly find lakefront real estate for sale in British Columbia.

Investing in Property in British Columbia


If you are looking to purchase an investment home in British Columbia, we have compiled some information to help in your buying decision. We begin with a section about the basic costs involved in purchasing a residential investment property. Please keep in mind that prices and percentages quoted represent average costs, may vary per area and are subject to change at any time without notice. Other costs, not mentioned here may come into play depending upon your purchase.

Basic Costs of Purchasing Investment Property in B.C.
(All Prices Listed in Canadian Funds and based on costs in late 2000s)*

Home Inspection $250-800 CAD
Septic Inspection $200-400 plus Pump-Out fee (avg. $150 plus disposal fee/gallon)
Well Inspection $85-100/hr.

Agent Fees

Normally 7-8% of first $100, 000 & 3% of remainder (plus 6% GST on this commission)
Legal Fees Varies
Property Taxes Balance of taxes seller has pre-paid. As an investor, you are responsible for the entire property tax bill (no special government grants).
Property Transfer Tax Usually 1% of the first $200 000 and 2% of the value thereafter.
GST (April 1, 2013) 7% on new construction (rebates possible in some cases).


 *All prices and info on this page subject to change without notice.

Waterfront Building (Part 1)
 
Interview with John Gower:
 
John Gower is the founder and principal designer of Vancouver-based BC Mountain Homes and John Gower Design Ltd.. His office offers a range of design services from carefully crafted, modestly sized stock home plans, which can be modified to suit any client or site condition, to full custom design solutions. More info below.
 
1. What would be, in your opinion, the attributes of the perfect waterfront  building site?

BC is blessed with an unsurpassed variety of shoreline landscapes, from the gently pastoral to the wildly rugged. As a designer of rural homes I am most often approached by my clients after they have purchased their lot, and as they embark upon the exciting process of creating a home design together. When we begin working together prior to the purchase of the property, there are (setting aside the absolutely pivotal issue of affordability for the moment) a number of characteristics we look for, which, if all are found together, would constitute an ideal site.

squiresmedWhether high or low bank waterfront, the first characteristic should be a good sense of connection with the water. This is why we're here, after all, and to be obscured from the water by dense tree cover in a way defeats the purpose.

• From this it follows that we would also look for a view - whether  an intimate, close-in view of a nearby point or islet, or a long view of open water and distant mountains.

    • Ideally, the shoreline would run approximately east-west and the lot would have a southern aspect - perfect for passive solar heating and year-round comfort.
  • We would hope to find a degree of privacy from immediate neighbours. This is a function partially of lot size, but can also be achieved by topography or vegetation.
  • We would want the lot to have an adequate amount of terrain suitable for a septic system, without having to resort to an expensive treatment plant or disposal field, and some way to get building materials and equipment onto the site without resorting to a helicopter.

All of the above are important attributes; however, as a home designer I am also looking for something else: what I call a strong spirit of place. A site with a strong spirit of place is unique. As in a Japanese garden, there is a harmony between the parts and a grace to how they occur together. It is beautiful, has distinctive features, whether trees, rock outcrops, a stream, natural vegetation and it inspires a strong architectural response.

2. What are some of the important aspects to consider when planning the placement of a house on a building site?

Once you have found that unique place, it deserves a special design response. Ideally, the home should be designed to be in sync with the spirit of place, and take advantage of the natural gifts the lot has to offer. One way to preserve these beautiful and unique features is by building in the least special and least attractive location on the lot.

Imagine looking at your home from the water. If your home will be vacant for long periods and beach access is easy, you might not want to make your home an appealing target for trespassers, and thus might consider moving it back from the water's edge.

You cannot control public use of the area below the high water line. Oyster and clam harvesters, recreational boaters and even hikers have legal access to this area so make sure your privacy is protected.
 
Consider your view. If you have a water view lot, investigate the codes in your neighbourhood to find out about future development. Is it possible that a multi-level apartment could be slated for construction in front of your home? Look at the trees on the properties located in front of your lot. In ten years or so, could these trees obscure your view? Is the forested ridge on the island across the straight a designated park or privately held land slated for logging? 

  

John Gower is the founder and principal designer of Vancouver-based BC Mountain Homes and John Gower Design Ltd.. His office offers a range of design services from carefully crafted, modestly sized stock home plans, which can be modified to suit any client or site condition, to full custom design solutions.

johnpic1His homes can be found throughout the BC South Coast and Islands, the BC Interior, Southern Alberta, and in many locations throughout the USA and overseas. See their comprehensive Web site http://johngowerdesign.com to peruse a collection of unique cottage and home plans, read up on the details of rural property development or explore the option of having John Gower Design work with you to create a custom design that will truly "fit you beautifully."
  
Waterfront Building (Part 2) - With Residential Designer John Gower
 

3. What are some of the basic rules about setbacks with waterfront property that our buyers should be aware of?
Anyone with a house in town will be familiar with the concept of building setbacks.  Setbacks, in effect, define a "no build zone" creating a buffer around buildings and between neighbours.
goeppnermedSide yard setbacks will be largely determined by considerations of fire safety and privacy. Typically they range from as little as 1.5 metres to 3 metres or more, depending often on the size of the properties in the vicinity.
Waterfront setbacks vary from as little as 7 metres on lakefront in the Interior to 15 metres on many of the Gulf Islands and in some cases even more. They have been put in place for a number of different reasons including the protection of private property from storm damage, maintaining visual continuity of the shoreline and protecting shoreline vegetation and habitat. Every region will have a setback policy and a list of activities that are permitted in this area. Check with your local building department for requirements.
One thing experience has taught some of our clients: do not assume that the setback is defined by the location of existing dwellings. Many homes or cottages built more than 20 or 30 years ago are much closer to the natural boundary than is currently allowed. If you seek to renovate one of these "grandfathered" dwellings you may be able to retain the relaxation. However, any new construction will have to be in accordance with the current rules and this generally means moving it farther back from the water's edge.

 4. Besides shoreline setbacks, what are some of the other major restrictions for building on waterfront and water view properties?
  • Slope instability due to failure or erosion is possible with waterfront and water view lots. This can be exacerbated by the building of a house, so make sure to have an engineer's report, and check with your municipality for any past or present concerns about the area before building or purchasing.

Flood Control Levels

  • On lakes these are determined by seasonal high water, on the ocean, they are usually determined by maximum storm surge levels, and on rivers by what's called the 100-year or 200 year flood. In some cases it is the flood protection level that governs where the house can be located more than the setback.

Septic Disposal Issues

  • Check for sufficient depth of soil and adequate level area for a field, generally 100 feet back from the so-called "natural boundary". As the easily developed lots are gone first, most new homes built near the water are required to pump from the septic tank to their dispersal field.

Water Supply

  • Clean, drinkable water is in short supply on many islands and in the Interior. Make sure you can access a good water supply.

Construction Access

  • If your property is boat access only - as on many of the smaller islands and remote lakeshore - you need to think about how you will transport building materials and tools/machines necessary for building.

Public Access and Parking

  • Is there a public beach access near your property? Ensure you will have adequate space for your own parking and to come and go as you please, without being blocked by the cars of other residents.

Archeological Concerns

  • Many of our local beaches are rich in First Nations history. In some cases, buyers of bare land may find that they have purchased a piece of property with previously unknown historical value. In these cases, construction is often halted in an effort to preserve a part of our history.

 

 

johnpic1John Gower is the founder and principal designer of Vancouver-based BC Mountain Homes and John Gower Design Ltd.. His office offers a range of design services from carefully crafted, modestly sized stock home plans, which can be modified to suit any client or site condition, to full custom design solutions.


His homes can be found throughout the BC South Coast and Islands, the BC Interior, Southern Alberta, and in many locations throughout the USA and overseas. See their comprehensive Web site http://johngowerdesign.com to peruse a collection of unique cottage and home plans, read up on the details of rural property development or explore the option of having John Gower Design work with you to create a custom design that will truly "fit you beautifully".

 

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