Five-pillar approach will build stronger communities

Vancouver, BC – April 19, 2017. The British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) today announced a five-pillar approach to address housing affordability for renters, homebuyers and homeowners across British Columbia.

 

BCREA's five pillars include timely recommendations to:

• assist consumers with housing costs,
• encourage the creation of more rental housing,
• densify urban areas,
• adjust the Property Transfer Tax, and
• promote best practices among local governments.

"REALTORS® understand the importance of housing affordability in creating strong communities," says Robert Laing, BCREA CEO. "Through these five pillars, BCREA's recommendations provide a clear pathway toward making homes more accessible and affordable for British Columbians."

 

BCREA's recommendations are supported by the Canadian Home Builders' Association of BC. "Many of the BCREA proposals on market housing affordability are shared priorities and goals of CHBA BC," says Neil Moody, CEO. "These actions on supply and building costs help industry deliver a more affordable product for homebuyers, provide more choice for buying or renting, and decrease extra costs for buyers like the Property Transfer Tax."

 

More information on BCREA's five pillars can be found on the Association's new website: www.bchousingaffordability.ca

 

BCREA is the professional association for about 22,000 REALTORS® in BC, focusing on provincial issues that impact real estate. Working with the province's 11 real estate boards, BCREA provides continuing professional education, advocacy, economic research and standard forms to help REALTORS® provide value for their clients.

 

To demonstrate the profession's commitment to improving Quality of Life in BC communities, BCREA supports policies that help ensure economic vitality, provide housing opportunities, preserve the environment, protect property owners and build better communities with good schools and safe neighbourhoods.