Buying your first home in Surrey is one of the biggest financial decisions you will make. AG. Song has guided dozens of first-time buyers through the process — from mortgage pre-approval to getting the keys — with clear explanations at every step. Service is available in English, Mandarin, and Cantonese, which is especially helpful for families where parents and adult children need to understand the process together.
Surrey offers some of the best entry points for first-time buyers in Greater Vancouver. Condos in Newton start under $400,000, while townhomes in Fleetwood and Clayton Heights offer more space in the $600,000-$800,000 range. AG. Song helps you identify which neighbourhoods match your budget and lifestyle — whether you prioritize school catchment, commute time, or access to parks.
As a first-time buyer in BC, you may qualify for several programs that reduce your costs. The provincial First-Time Home Buyers' Program exempts you from property transfer tax on the first $500,000 of the price, provided the home's fair market value is $835,000 or less, with a partial exemption between $835,000 and $860,000 (thresholds effective April 1, 2024). Federally, the Home Buyers' Plan lets you withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP — the older $35,000 cap is still quoted on a lot of websites and is out of date. The First Home Savings Account (FHSA) can be combined with an HBP withdrawal for the same home. AG. Song walks you through which ones you actually qualify for during your first consultation. Confirm current limits with the CRA and the Province before you budget around them, since these figures change.
| Program | What it gives you | Where to confirm it |
|---|---|---|
| BC First-Time Home Buyers' Program | No property transfer tax on the first $500,000, where fair market value is $835,000 or less; partial relief up to $860,000 | Province of British Columbia |
| Home Buyers' Plan (HBP) | Withdraw up to $60,000 from your RRSP toward the purchase | Canada Revenue Agency |
| First Home Savings Account (FHSA) | Tax-deductible contributions and tax-free withdrawal for a first home; can be combined with an HBP withdrawal | Canada Revenue Agency |
Thresholds and limits change. Confirm the current figures with the Province and the CRA before you budget around them. The numbers above were verified against both on August 1, 2026.
The buying process typically takes 60-90 days from pre-approval to possession. AG. Song, your Surrey REALTOR®, handles the paperwork, coordinates with your mortgage broker and lawyer, negotiates the purchase price, and attends the home inspection with you. In the current buyer-friendly market, there is often room to negotiate — AG. Song's experience with Surrey-specific pricing helps you avoid overpaying.
