Touchstone Law Group LLP
#208 – 1664 Richter Street
Kelowna, B.C., V1Y 8N3
Office Tel: (250) 448-2637
Toll Free: 1 (855) 889-2637
Direct Fax: (778) 484-7101
info@touchstone.law
18
DEC
2017

Changes to Fixed Term Residential Tenancies

On December 11, 2017 significant changes the Residential Tenancy Act of British Columbia were introduced with respect to fixed term residential tenancies.  In this article we will discuss some of the changes to fixed term tenancies in British Columbia. Residential tenancies in...
21
NOV
2017

New Property Transfer Tax Return Requirements

Unless an exemption is available, all property transfers registered in the Land Title Office of British Columbia are subject to the Property Transfer Tax (“PTT”) administered by the Ministry of Finance. Effective November 27, 2017 there will be changes to the PTT return regime in...
07
NOV
2017

Strata Lot Parking and Storage

When purchasing a condo or other form of stratified unit, one of the more important considerations can be parking and storage arrangements – particularly in some areas where parking is sparse and adds value to a unit.  In British Columbia, there are various ways that a strata...
24
OCT
2017

Tenancies in Real Estate Transactions

A buyer of real estate obtains “indefeasible title” (ie. ownership that is not vulnerable to being defeated, revoked or lost) subject to certain exceptions listed under section 23 of the Land Title Act of British Columbia. One of the exceptions is a lease or agreement for lease...
10
OCT
2017

Considerations for Pet Owners When Buying a House

When looking for a new house, purchasers search for the perfect home for all members of the family – including their pets. Accordingly, it is important that the purchaser do their due diligence to confirm that their prospective property permits their pets to occupy the...
11
SEP
2017

Signing Purchase and Sale Documents

Real estate transactions are moving at a faster than normal speed with the hot real estate market we have been seeing in the Kelowna area.  While this can be a necessity in some markets, it also makes it even more important to be aware of the time requirements around completion...
14
AUG
2017

What happens if the seller doesn’t fix the hot water tank?

We regularly see real estate contracts that impose obligations on the seller of the property to complete some work prior to the closing date (generally at the seller’s expense).  Sometimes these issues arise from the buyer’s initial viewing of the property and, in other cases, it...
19
JUL
2017

Fires and Real Estate Transactions

Fires in the Okanagan are not something anyone looks forward to with the unfortunate damage to property and risk to lives (both animal and human) although the unfortunately seem to be part of lie in our beautiful region as we have already witnessed this summer. The presence (and...
13
JUL
2017

REFRESHER: British Columbia Home Owner Mortgage and Equity Partnership Program (BC HOME Partnership – BCHP)

The BC Home Owner Mortgage and Equity Partnership is a program that offers financial support to first-time homebuyers in British Columbia for entry into the housing market. The program provides repayable loans that have been granted to help first time homebuyers achieve their...
28
JUN
2017

Joint Tenancy vs. Tenancy in Common – What you need to know when purchasing a home

When registering ownership on title to a property, it is important for the buyers to give some thought to how they want to hold title to the property and to seek guidance from their lawyer or notary with regards to this matter.  Determining what is best in the circumstances...