Property Transfer Tax - We have transfer taxes when you buy a property based on the fair market value of your home (based on the following scale):  1% on the first $200,000,2% on the portion of the fair market value greater than $200,000 and up to and including $2,000,000,3% on the portion of the fair market value greater than $2,000,000, andIf the property is residential, a further 2% on the portion of the fair market value greater than $3,000,000 (effective February 21, 2018).Additional Property Transfer Tax on Foreign NationalsAdditionally if you are a foreign national: another 15% tax of the fair market value of your homeSpeculation and Vacancy Tax - if you own a home that is not your primary residence and is not rented out for at least 6 months of the year you pay an extra tax 2 per cent for foreign nationals and satellite families who do not pay income tax in Canada;1% on the first $200,000,2% on the portion of the fair market value greater than $200,000 and up to and including $2,000,000,3% on the portion of the fair market value greater than $2,000,000, andIf the property is residential, a further 2% on the portion of the fair market value greater than $3,000,000 (effective February 21, 2018).1 per cent for Canadian citizens and permanent residents who are not resident in B.C. for income tax purposes (and not members of a satellite family); and 0.5 per cent for British Columbia residents who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents (and not members of a satellite family).

Never 100% trust a expert because it is your money and your responsibility to learn constantly and avoid Unnecessary fees and tax from the expert and Gov.Good luck

We've been emailing our upstate Lakehouse neighbors but no response from them yet.

Thank you for all of the responses.  

@Jeff ThompsonSee Michael J’s post “Another day, another no-show” and view Wesley’s response.

@Ian Walsh Thank you for your thoughtful response and congrats on being able to quit your day job.

Is there another option you see out there where any payments made in advance would count as down payment for the loan purpose?

Response? 

"Do you not think you have some responsibility to a community"Who ?

@Luke MarlarYes, the renters pay their own utilities and are responsible for lawn maintenance.