Vancouver recently completed a study investigating empty homes in the city. The study found that 10,800 homes remained unoccupied for more than a year, that 90 per cent of them are condos, and that the percentage of vacant homes has remained relatively unchanged since 2002.
The city has proposed a number of policy options aimed at reducing the number of empty homes. Now, we're looking for your input. Please take the time to complete the following survey.
Please do not let the fact that you may be uninformed, misinformed or "haven't thought much about it" dissuade you from providing us with your input. The appearance of public input is important to us.
First of all, we'd like to know a little bit about you:
1) What is your current housing situation?
a) Own single family detached home
b) Own condominium/townhouse/duplex
c) Rent apartment/condominium/townhouse
d) Own multiple properties, all of which are listed on Airbnb and they're making me a fortune
2) Many people have blamed foreign investors, especially those from China, for the high cost of real estate in Vancouver. While the research is inconclusive, over all, how xenophobic would you say you are?
a) Very
b) Somewhat
c) Only when it comes to discussions about real estate
3) As you may be aware, the city is considering levying additional taxes on the owners of unoccupied properties. Which of the following do you support:
a) Doubling the property tax for non-resident owners who leave properties vacant and channelling the proceeds to an affordable housing fund
b) Tripling the property tax for non-resident owners who leave properties vacant and channelling the proceeds into a designated fund for homeowners who cannot afford a vacation home
c) Quadrupling the property tax for non-resident owners and channelling a portion of the proceeds – say $25,000 a year – to the Premier's personal bank account as a stipend
4) In order to enforce new occupancy regulations, the Province would be required to amend the Vancouver Charter. How likely do you think it is the province would amend the charter in order for the city to draft and enforce new rules?
a) Somewhat likely
b) Somewhat unlikely
c) As if
5) Part of the pressure on the city's rental market is owing to the fact that some strata councils prohibit owners from renting their suites. How do you feel about the following statement: New strata buildings should be prohibited from restricting renters because renters are sketchy, irresponsible, often unemployed and are probably on drugs because they're up until all hours doing lord knows what.
a) Agree totally
b) Agree strongly
c) Agree completely
6) Investors who "flip" properties for profit after less than six months of ownership should :
a) Pay an additional tax based on the value of the second sale
b) Wash their own Lexus in public
c) Have their own show on HGTV
7) Owners of homes that have remained vacant for more than one year should be forced to:
a) Turn the house over to the City of Vancouver for a nominal fee to be converted to a commune/community garden
b) Forfeit the house as a proceed of crime
c) Host a Sam Sullivan public salon
8) The city's research shows that the rate of non-occupancy has remained consistent over the past 12 years with the rate not affected by housing prices. Further, the rate is consistent with other municipalities in Metro Vancouver. Please choose one of the following:
a) Then why are you wasting my time?
b) I don't believe you.
c) Duh
9) Finally, which of the following best describes Vancouver in 2016?
a) A playground for the world's ultrarich
b) A theme park for tax evaders
c) Isle of Man on the Fraser
Thank you for completing this survey.
This information will help us explain to the public some time in the future why we are powerless to do anything about empty homes, high housing costs or the impact of foreign investment on the housing market.
Would you like your name entered in a draw to win a free rain barrel? (Please check one)
a) No
b) No
Stephen Quinn is the host of On the Coast on CBC Radio One, 690 AM and 88.1 FM in Vancouver.