Tag Archive for: BC Housing

Secondary Suite Incentive

Couple unpacking their boxes in new home

The Secondary Suite Incentive Program (SSIP) will help homeowners create affordable housing in their communities. The program will provide money to help homeowners create a new secondary suite on their property to be rented out for below market value.

  • Homeowners who qualify will receive up to 50% of the cost of renovations, up to a maximum of $40,000.

The program will provide a rebate in the form of a forgivable loan—a loan that does not need to be repaid if the homeowner follows the terms of the program. For the loan to be forgiven, the new unit must be located on the same property where the homeowner lives and must be rented out at below market rates, set by BC Housing, for at least five years.

Learn more: Province of British Columbia’s Home Suite Home Guide.

Are you Eligible?

  • Is the home that you plan to build a suite in your primary home where you file taxes and register your vehicles?
  • Was the assessed value of your home in 2024 less than $2,150,000?
  • Are all registered home owners Canadian Citizens or permanent residents?
  • Was the combined income of all principal residents less than 209,420?
  • Is the home located within the approved list of municipalities?

follow this link to BC Housing’s checklist:

https://secondarysuite-eligibility.bchousing.org/

How to Apply

  1. Plan your project and prepare to apply
  • Check with your municipality to confirm if zoning allows for a secondary suite
  • Arrange for contractors and financing
  • Apply for a building permit as required (building permits issued on or after April 1, 2023 will be considered)
  1. Apply online using the SSIP portal

Apply for SSIP or manage application

  • Submit eligibility documents (proof of residence and income) and
  • Include your municipal building permit

Need SSIP portal help? View application resources for guides and videos

After you Apply

  • After approval, complete construction of your secondary suite
  • Once construction is complete
    • Submit the occupancy permit issued by your municipality
    • Provide proof of construction costs to receive the loan
  • Rent out suite and maintain program requirements

When program requirements are met, the loan will be forgiven

Applications will be approved on a first come, first served basis until annual funding is used up.

Frequently Asked Questions

Applications/Eligibility/Guide

https://www.fvrd.ca/assets/Services/Documents/Building~and~Bylaw/Guide%20to%20Secondary%20Suites.pdf

https://secondarysuite.bchousing.org/

https://www.bchousing.org/housing-assistance/secondary-suite