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Understanding the Home Buyer Rescission Period (HBRP)
Buying or selling a home is one of the biggest decisions you may ever make. So, what happens if, the day after an offer is accepted, a buyer has second thoughts?
In British Columbia, the answer is clear. Since January 2023, most residential purchases come with a short, legally protected window called the Home Buyer Rescission Period, often referred to as the cooling-off period. Whether you are buying your first condo in Langford or selling a family home in Sidney, it is worth knowing how it works before you sign.
A little understanding up front means fewer surprises later.
What Is the Home Buyer Rescission Period?
The HBRP gives buyers the right to cancel an accepted offer within three business days, for any reason. The buyer does not need to explain why, and the seller's permission is not required.
▪ Only buyers can use it. Sellers do not have an equivalent right.
▪ It cannot be waived. Neither the buyer nor the seller can agree to remove it, even in a competitive, subject-free offer.
▪ It applies whether or not a REALTOR® is involved in the transaction.
Think of it as a brief pause button, built into the law to protect thoughtful decision-making.
How the Three Days Are Counted
Timing is where most of the questions come up, so here is how it works:
▪ The clock starts the day after the offer is accepted.
▪ Only business days count. Saturdays, Sundays, and statutory holidays are excluded.
▪ Written notice must be sent before the deadline. It can be sent on any day, including a weekend.
A local example: If an offer is accepted on Friday, October 9, the long Thanksgiving weekend pushes things out. Saturday, Sunday, and Thanksgiving Monday do not count, so the three business days are Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, October 13 to 15.
Holidays matter, and every deadline should be confirmed in writing as soon as an offer is accepted.
What It Costs to Cancel
Cancelling is not free, but the cost is modest and predictable. A buyer who rescinds pays the seller 0.25% of the purchase price.
▪ $700,000 home: $1,750
▪ $1,000,000 home: $2,500
▪ $1,500,000 home: $3,750
If a deposit has been paid, the fee is taken from the deposit and the balance is returned promptly to the buyer.
For buyers, it is a safety net. For sellers, it is fair compensation for time off the market.
Which Properties Are Covered?
Included:
▪ Detached and semi-detached homes
▪ Townhouses and condos (residential strata lots)
▪ Suites in a duplex or other multi-unit building
▪ Manufactured homes on owned land
▪ Housing co-op interests that include the right to live in a home
Not included:
▪ Vacant land and building lots
▪ Homes on leased land, or leasehold interests
▪ Properties sold at auction or through a court-ordered sale
▪ New presales, which have their own separate seven-day rescission rule
If you are considering land or a development opportunity, a different set of rules applies, and it pays to know the difference.
How a Buyer Rescinds
If a buyer decides to cancel, the notice must be in writing and include:
▪ The property address or legal description
▪ The buyer's name and signature
▪ The name of each seller on the contract
▪ The date the right is being used
The notice is delivered to the seller using the contact details in the contract, by email with a read receipt, fax, or registered mail. It counts as served the moment it is sent.
What This Means for Buyers
The cooling-off period offers real peace of mind, especially in a busy market where offers can move quickly. Still, it works best as a backup, not a strategy.
▪ Line up financing, inspections, and strata documents before you commit wherever possible.
▪ Know your exact deadline the moment your offer is accepted.
▪ Talk it through with your REALTOR® before deciding to rescind, so you understand the full picture.
The best protection is still being well prepared before you sign.
What This Means for Sellers
When you accept an offer, it is not fully secure for the first three business days. That is not a reason for concern, just something to plan around.
▪ Expect a brief window of uncertainty after acceptance.
▪ Look at the strength of each offer, not just the price. A well-prepared buyer is less likely to walk away.
▪ If a buyer does rescind, you receive the 0.25% fee and we get right back to market.
A strong offer is about more than the number at the top of the page.
Clarity Before Commitment
Real estate rules change, and each transaction has its own details. My role is to help you understand them clearly, so every decision you make feels informed and calm. With more than 18 years in Greater Victoria real estate, from development and land planning to helping families buy and sell, I am here to make the process simpler at every step.
Have questions about your next steps? Reach out for a no-pressure chat.
