The Truth About BC’s Housing Market Reforms (The Government doesn’t want to tell you this)

You’ve heard the promises: zoning reform, flipping taxes, short-term rental bans. All meant to “fix” BC’s housing crisis. But here’s the blunt truth—most of what you’ve heard isn’t actually making homes more affordable.

I’m on the ground every day in Surrey and White Rock, working with buyers, sellers, and families trying to navigate this mess. And I’ll tell you exactly what’s working, what’s not, and what you should really watch out for before making your next move.

Let’s cut through the noise.

Zoning Reform: The Real Game-Changer

For decades, cities like Surrey were locked into single-family zoning. One lot. One house. End of story. That was like fighting a forest fire with a garden hose.

Now? You can build up to four units on most lots (six near transit). That unlocks supply we’ve been begging for—duplexes, townhomes, small multiplexes. Homes people can actually live in.

Pro Tip: Watch transit hubs. More density is coming, and that means smarter growth (and opportunity).

The Myth of Rent Control

Myth: Rent control protects renters.
Reality: It makes landlords and developers pull back. Supply shrinks. Prices rise.

That’s not theory—it’s data. What feels like protection today can mean fewer options tomorrow. Rent control might sound like a lifeline, but it’s quietly making the rental crunch worse.

Reality Check: Less supply always means higher prices. Period.

A Client Story

A family I worked with in Cloverdale was excited about new rental options. But by the time they started looking, developers had already shelved projects because rent caps made the math impossible.

They weren’t competing for one rental—they were competing against ten other families. That’s the hidden cost no one talks about.

Policies That Flopped

Not every idea survives contact with reality. Take the secondary suite subsidy—$40,000 on paper. In practice? Confusing, slow, and useless. It flopped so hard the province suspended it in early 2025.

Same goes for Speculation and Flipping taxes. They sound tough, but speculators were already gone. Symbolic headlines don’t build homes.

Quick Stat: Average project approval in B.C. can take years. That’s the real affordability killer.

The Wild Cards

Short-term rental bans. Stricter building codes. Vacancy taxes. These might help—or they might just squeeze regular people trying to pay their mortgage.

It’s too early to know. But one thing’s certain: well-meaning rules often come with unintended side effects.

Did You Know? Step Code building standards can add tens of thousands to a home’s price.

Conclusion

Here’s the truth: some policies are finally moving the needle. Others? They’re slowing things down—or making the problem worse.

If you’re buying or selling in British Columbia, don’t gamble on political talking points. Move with your eyes wide open. The people who act early, with a clear strategy, get the advantage.

What if I have any questions about moving to Surrey or White Rock, BC?

Selecting an excellent real estate professional is key to a successful home purchase. The Germyn Group, with our deep understanding of South Surrey/White Rock and its real estate dynamics, is committed to guiding you every step of the way.

We invite you to book a consultation with us. During our meeting, we’ll discuss your needs, preferences, and any questions you might have about the real estate market.

As you embark on this exciting journey, remember that the right home is more than just a property; it’s a foundation for your future. With the Germyn Group by your side, let’s make your dream of homeownership a beautiful reality.