Underused Housing Tax
The Underused Housing Tax is a federal 1% annual tax on vacant or underused homes owned by non-resident, non-Canadian entities.
September 30, 2025
What is the Underused Housing Tax?
The Underused Housing Tax (UHT) is a federal annual 1% tax on the value of vacant or underused residential property owned by non-resident, non-Canadian individuals or corporations. Certain exemptions apply for Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and qualifying uses of the property.
Why the Underused Housing Tax Matters in Real Estate
The UHT matters in real estate because it aims to address housing supply challenges by discouraging property speculation and foreign ownership of underused homes. It also generates federal revenue and supports broader housing policy goals.
Example of the Underused Housing Tax in Action
A foreign investor owns a vacant condo in Toronto valued at $800,000. Without qualifying exemptions, they must pay $8,000 annually under the Underused Housing Tax.
Key Takeaways
- Federal tax on underused or vacant housing by non-residents.
- Set at 1% of property value annually.
- Aims to discourage speculation and improve supply.
- Exemptions available for citizens, residents, and qualifying uses.
- Applies nationwide, separate from provincial or municipal taxes.


Canada residential unit sales by month, actual, 2019 and 2024-2026. Data through June 2026. Source:
Canada residential sales-to-new-listings ratio, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source:
Canada residential months of inventory, actual, January 2025 to June 2026. Source: Source:
Year-over-year change in residential average sale price for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2022 to June 2026. Average price is shown here as a regional mix measure, not a substitute for HPI or local comparable sales. Source:
Year-over-year change in residential unit sales for Canada, Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta, January 2024 to June 2026. Source: 






15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)
Renderings of the tower proposed for 15284-15296 Fleetwood Drive in Surrey. (Flat Architecture, 1098261 BC Ltd.)

Goldberg Group 
10-storey apartment building currently occupying 525 Eglinton Avenue East/WND Associates
Rendering of 525 Eglinton Avenue East/Wallman Architects
The Mayfair West site and its surrounding context. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
Renderings of Mayfair West. (Grosvenor, Arcadis, Hariri Pontarini Architects)
