What Homebuyers, Homeowners, and Investors Should Know Before Purchasing
If you’re considering buying a home in Victoria, BC, you’ve probably asked yourself:
“Can I use this property as an Airbnb?”
It’s a great question—and one that has become increasingly important over the past few years.
The answer is yes, but there are restrictions. Both the Province of British Columbia and the City of Victoria have introduced rules designed to balance tourism with the need for more long-term housing. That means not every property can legally operate as a short-term rental, and understanding the regulations before you buy can save you time, money, and frustration.
Whether you’re purchasing your first condo, investing in real estate, or looking for a home that offers future rental flexibility, here’s what you need to know.
What Is Considered a Short-Term Rental?
A short-term rental is generally any accommodation rented for less than 90 consecutive days. This includes listings on popular platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and Booking.com.
While short-term rentals remain legal in British Columbia, operators must now meet provincial requirements and, in many communities, local licensing rules as well.
The Province’s Principal Residence Requirement
One of the biggest changes affecting short-term rentals in British Columbia is the principal residence requirement.
In communities like Victoria, most short-term rentals must be operated from your principal residence—the home where you normally live for most of the year.
In most cases, you can rent:
- Your principal residence
- One secondary suite or accessory dwelling unit located on the same property as your principal residence, where permitted
This means purchasing a second condo solely to use as a full-time Airbnb is generally not allowed under the provincial rules.
The goal is simple: increase the number of homes available for long-term residents while still allowing homeowners to earn supplemental income from their primary residence.
Victoria Has Additional Rules
Provincial legislation is only part of the picture.
The City of Victoria also regulates short-term rentals through its own business licensing program.
If you plan to operate a short-term rental, you’ll generally need:
- A valid Short-Term Rental Business Licence
- Compliance with both provincial legislation and City bylaws
The City’s regulations also limit how a principal residence can be rented.
For example:
- You may rent your entire principal residence for up to 160 nights per calendar year while you’re away.
- If you’re living in the home, you can rent out up to two bedrooms throughout the year.
- Self-contained secondary suites generally cannot be used as short-term rentals under the City’s bylaws.
These rules are designed to preserve housing for residents while still supporting responsible home sharing.
Don’t Forget About Strata Rules
Buying a condo?
This is where many buyers are surprised.
Even if a property complies with provincial legislation and City bylaws, the condominium’s strata corporation may have additional restrictions—or prohibit short-term rentals altogether.
Before purchasing any condo with rental income in mind, be sure to review:
- The strata bylaws
- Municipal regulations
- Provincial legislation
All three sets of rules must be followed.
How Do These Regulations Affect Investors?
The regulations have certainly changed the investment landscape, but they haven’t eliminated opportunities.
Instead of relying on nightly rentals, many investors are focusing on:
- Long-term rental properties
- Newly built homes in high-demand communities
- Properties with strong appreciation potential
- Homes that provide flexibility for future owner occupancy
Victoria continues to experience strong demand for housing thanks to its desirable lifestyle, growing population, excellent schools, and limited land available for new development.
For many buyers, long-term appreciation remains one of the market’s biggest advantages.
Should You Still Buy an Investment Property in Victoria?
Absolutely—but it’s important to purchase with realistic expectations.
Rather than assuming every property can generate Airbnb income, buyers should evaluate:
- Local regulations
- Property zoning
- Strata bylaws
- Long-term rental potential
- Future resale value
Working with a local real estate professional who understands these regulations can help you avoid costly surprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Airbnb my condo in Victoria, BC?
Maybe. Your condo must comply with provincial regulations, City of Victoria bylaws, and any strata bylaws. If any one of these prohibits short-term rentals, you cannot legally operate one.
Do I need a licence for a short-term rental?
Yes. Eligible operators in Victoria generally require a City business licence and must also comply with provincial registration requirements.
Can I buy a second home just for Airbnb?
In most cases, no. Provincial legislation generally limits short-term rentals to your principal residence in communities like Victoria.
Are hotels and traditional accommodations affected?
Hotels, motels, and certain other accommodation providers are generally exempt from the principal residence requirement.
The Bottom Line
Short-term rentals are still possible in Victoria—but they’re no longer as straightforward as they once were.
Before purchasing a property with plans to generate short-term rental income, it’s important to understand the provincial rules, municipal bylaws, and any applicable strata regulations.
The good news? Victoria remains one of British Columbia’s strongest real estate markets. Whether you’re searching for a primary residence, a long-term investment, or a brand-new home, there are still plenty of opportunities to build wealth through real estate with the right strategy.
