A $40,000 Opportunity for North Saanich Homeowners
If you own a home in North Saanich and have ever thought about adding a secondary suite — or legalizing one that already exists — 2026 may be the best year in a generation to move forward. BC's Secondary Suite Incentive Program offers forgivable loans of up to $40,000 to eligible homeowners, and the uptake in the Saanich Peninsula area has been significant.
What Is the BC Secondary Suite Incentive Program?
The BC Secondary Suite Incentive Program (SSIP) provides qualifying homeowners with a forgivable loan of up to $40,000 to build a new secondary suite or bring an existing suite into full legal compliance. The loan is fully forgiven after five years, provided the homeowner rents the suite at or below market rate for that period.
- Loan amount: Up to $40,000 (forgivable after 5 years)
- Eligible suites: Basement suites, carriage houses, laneway homes, garden suites
- Rental requirement: Must be rented at or below CMHC median market rent
- Owner-occupancy: The primary dwelling must be owner-occupied
- Income limits: Household income below $209,420
How North Saanich Properties Qualify
North Saanich's zoning bylaws allow secondary suites in most RS and RU zones. Common eligible projects include converting an existing basement, legalizing a carriage house, building a new garden suite on acreage, or upgrading a non-conforming suite to current code.
What Does a Secondary Suite Do for Your Property Value?
- Average suite construction cost in North Saanich: $60,000–$120,000
- Less SSIP forgivable loan: -$40,000
- Net out-of-pocket: $20,000–$80,000
- Estimated value add: $80,000–$150,000
- Monthly rental income (1-bedroom): ~$1,800–$2,200/month
Who Is the Typical Suite Owner in North Saanich?
- Empty-nesters who want rental income to offset carrying costs
- Younger families who used a suite to qualify for a larger mortgage
- Acreage owners looking to make use of outbuildings or carriage houses
How to Apply
- Confirm eligibility through BC Housing
- Obtain a building permit from the District of North Saanich
- Complete the suite to code
- Pass a final inspection
- Enter into the BC Housing rental agreement
Future Growth Outlook
As housing affordability pressures continue across Greater Victoria, properties with legal secondary suites will increasingly command a premium. In North Saanich, where entry prices are high, rental income offset is particularly valued. Suite-equipped properties are also often easier to finance under current mortgage rules.
Questions? Let's Talk.
Whether you're a current North Saanich homeowner evaluating whether the SSIP makes sense for your property, or a buyer weighing a property with suite potential, I'm happy to walk through the numbers with you.
Dan Juricic | RE/MAX Camosun | Victoria, BC
