Can you transfer your owner-built home to a family member in the first year?

Transferring an owner-built home to a family member within the first year is restricted under the regulations governing owner builders in British Columbia. The primary reason for this restriction is to maintain the integrity of the owner-builder process, which involves specific commitments to the project, including providing labor and supervision on behalf of the builder.

An owner builder must adhere to the conditions set out in the Owner Builder Authorization, which typically includes ensuring that they live in the home for a certain period after completion to verify that the home was built for their own use and not simply for profit. This rule ensures that the home is not merely a commodity but reflects an investment in personal housing, reinforcing the spirit of the program aimed at assisting homeowners rather than developers.

Therefore, the restriction on transferring the home within the first year aligns with these regulatory goals, ensuring that the original owner maintains residence and accountability for the property as intended when the owner-builder authorization was granted.