1. The speculation and vacancy tax doesn't apply here
This is one of Predator Ridge's biggest advantages for part-time owners. The City of Vernon is in B.C.'s speculation and vacancy tax (SVT) area, but the province's taxable-areas page says plainly: The Predator Ridge resort in the City of Vernon is not part of the taxable areas.
The exemption was confirmed in the B.C. budget of 4 March 2025 and, according to Castanet, applies back to January 2024. For comparison, the 2026 SVT rates elsewhere are 1% for Canadian citizens and permanent residents and 3% for foreign owners and untaxed worldwide earners, per the same Castanet report.
Sources: gov.bc.ca, SVT taxable areas; Castanet, Mar 2025; Castanet, Jan 2026.
Confirm the property is inside the exempt resort boundary. Homes near the resort, but outside it, may still be in the taxable area.
2. Short-term rentals: narrower than you might think
In March 2024 the province exempted Predator Ridge's hotel-style strata operation (front desk, housekeeping and reservations) from parts of its short-term rental rules. In June 2025 the resort said that "all accommodations managed by Predator Ridge now fall within the legal definition of short-term rental accommodations in BC."
What that doesn't mean: it doesn't mean any private home at Predator Ridge can go on Airbnb or VRBO. For properties outside the resort's managed program, the City of Vernon's rules apply:
- a business licence is required (per the city in 2026: $150 application plus $400 a year for a standard licence; strata-hotels $100 plus $250 plus $5 per unit)
- it must be your principal residence unless an exemption applies
- a maximum of 8 guests, and 2 per bedroom
- one parking spot per bedroom
- stays of less than 90 days
Your strata's bylaws can restrict rentals further. Before you buy, ask whether the specific unit is eligible for the resort's rental program, and get the strata bylaws.
Sources: Predator Ridge STR update; City of Vernon STR regulations; B.C. principal residence requirement; Castanet, Mar 2024.
3. B.C. property transfer tax
B.C. charges property transfer tax (PTT) when the title transfers. The general rates are:
| Portion of fair market value | Rate |
|---|---|
| First $200,000 | 1% |
| $200,000 to $2,000,000 | 2% |
| Above $2,000,000 | 3% |
| Residential value above $3,000,000 | +2% more |
On a $1.5 million golf home, that works out to about $28,000. There are exemptions for first-time buyers and newly built homes, but their thresholds change, so we link to them rather than quote them: gov.bc.ca property transfer tax. Most Predator Ridge homes are priced above the first-time buyer thresholds, but check.
4. GST on new homes
New homes, including new builds at Ellison Landing, are subject to 5% GST. Ask whether a quoted price includes it. The federal First-Time Home Buyers' GST rebate can cover up to $50,000 (100% of the GST) on new homes up to $1 million, phasing out to zero at $1.5 million. It applies to a primary residence only, and date conditions apply. (canada.ca)
5. Buyers who aren't Canadian
The federal Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act has been extended to 1 January 2027 (Aird & Berlis). Whether it applies to a particular Vernon-area property, and which exceptions might apply to you, is a legal question. Get advice from a B.C. real estate lawyer before you make an offer.
6. Strata due diligence
Many Predator Ridge homes are strata-titled. Falcon Point, for example, has a strata that owns the neighbourhood's road system. Before your subject removal date, review:
- strata bylaws and rules, especially rentals, golf carts, pets, landscaping and exterior changes
- the depreciation report and contingency reserve fund balance
- minutes from the last two years of council and AGMs, for special levies, disputes and insurance claims
- the Form B information certificate and monthly fees
- the strata insurance summary and deductibles
- any resort or amenity fees on top of strata fees
The B.C. Financial Services Authority has consumer information on buying strata property at bcfsa.ca.
7. Golf membership is a separate decision
Owning a home at Predator Ridge doesn't include golf. The resort offers an optional Homeowner Membership (for owners only) and a Transferable Club Membership (open to anyone). Prices aren't published. Get current pricing from the membership office before you finalise your budget. See membership details.
8. Other golf-home watch-outs
- Wildfire interface: ask insurers about coverage and premiums, and look at FireSmart landscaping.
- Distance to services: about 20 minutes to Vernon, so think about how often you'll make the trip.
- Future development: the Commonage corridor and new resort phases could change views and traffic. Ask what's planned near any lot.
- Resort brokerage vs independent advice: in 2026 the resort announced an on-site brokerage partnership with Unison Jane Hoffman Realty. You're free to work with any licensed REALTOR® you choose, including one who isn't tied to the resort.