Does Coquitlam have an Empty Homes Tax?

No — Coquitlam does not currently have a municipal Empty Homes Tax. The Vancouver EHT (1-3% depending on year) applies only to properties within Vancouver city limits, not Coquitlam.

Will Coquitlam introduce an Empty Homes Tax in the future?

Possible. Several BC municipalities have considered following Vancouver's model. Confirm with the City of Coquitlam for current policy. [VERIFY.]

What vacancy taxes do apply to Coquitlam?

BC Speculation and Vacancy Tax (provincial), and federal Underused Housing Tax for specific non-resident owners.

If I leave my Coquitlam home vacant, what tax do I pay?

BC SVT: 0.5% of assessed value annually for Canadian citizens/PR; 2% for foreign owners. On a $1.5M Coquitlam home: $7,500-$30,000 annually.

Does the federal UHT apply to me as a Canadian Coquitlam owner?

Generally no — most Canadian individuals are exempt from UHT obligation. The tax targets non-resident, non-Canadian owners and specific corporate/trust structures. Confirm with a tax accountant.

If I'm renovating my Coquitlam home, do I owe vacancy tax?

Major-renovation exemptions may apply under BC SVT rules if construction is progressing. Annual declaration is still required to claim the exemption.

What if I'm using the home as a second home / vacation property?

Both BC SVT and federal UHT may apply to second homes if not rented long-term. Some exemptions exist for specific situations; confirm with a tax accountant.

How do I declare for BC SVT?

Online through the BC government Speculation and Vacancy Tax portal. Declaration window typically opens in February each year. Each property owner declares for each property separately.

Are there penalties for not declaring SVT?

Yes — failure to declare results in automatic tax at the higher rate. Late declarations may be accepted with penalty fees and interest.

Should I worry about Empty Homes Tax if I'm buying in Coquitlam?

Right now, no — Coquitlam does not have a municipal EHT. But you should plan for the BC SVT (annual declaration even if exempt) and confirm whether the federal UHT applies to you.

Coquitlam · Empty homes

Empty homes tax in Coquitlam — current rules.

Book a Strategy Call Call Craig — 604-202-6092

Quick Answer

What should you know about Empty Homes Tax Coquitlam?

Coquitlam does NOT currently have a municipal Empty Homes Tax (unlike Vancouver). However, the BC Speculation and Vacancy Tax does apply to Coquitlam property. Here is the verified read on what does and does not apply. Craig Johnston, Top 1% Team Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS® and 47+ year Tri-Cities resident, can walk you through the local context. Free Strategy Call ends with a written one-page plan in 24 hours.

Empty homes · Coquitlam

Vacancy taxes that apply (and don't apply) to Coquitlam.

Confusion is common: Vancouver has both a municipal Empty Homes Tax AND the provincial BC Speculation Tax. Coquitlam has only the provincial BC Speculation Tax. Here are the rules.

Vancouver Empty Homes Tax — does NOT apply to Coquitlam

The Vancouver EHT is a City of Vancouver bylaw and applies only to properties within Vancouver city limits. Coquitlam is a separate municipality and is not subject to the Vancouver EHT.

BC Speculation and Vacancy Tax — DOES apply to Coquitlam

Coquitlam is within the specified taxable regions for the provincial SVT. All Coquitlam property owners must declare annually. 0.5% rate for Canadian citizens/PR; 2% for foreign.

Federal Underused Housing Tax (UHT) — applies to specific owners

1% federal tax on vacant or underused residential properties owned by non-resident, non-Canadian individuals or specific Canadian corporations and trusts. Most individual Canadian Coquitlam owners are excluded from UHT obligation but should confirm.

No Coquitlam municipal vacancy tax currently

As of 2026, Coquitlam has not enacted a municipal Empty Homes Tax. The City of Coquitlam may introduce one in the future. [VERIFY current status with the City of Coquitlam.]

Annual declarations required even if exempt

BC SVT and federal UHT both require annual declarations regardless of whether tax is owed. Missing declarations = automatic tax.

Talk to a Coquitlam REALTOR® who knows.

Craig Johnston is a 47-year Coquitlam resident and licensed REALTOR® at The MACNABS, Royal LePage Elite West. Top 1% Team Member — Greater Vancouver REALTORS®. Talk through your specific situation — no pressure, no obligation.

Book a Strategy Call Call 604-202-6092 Email Craig

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