What Is a Tear Down House?

Is a Tear Down House the Same as a House Sold As Is?

No. A tear down house is bought with the intention of demolishing or replacing the existing building. A house sold as is is offered in its current condition, with the buyer accepting the property without seller repairs or improvements.

An as is house may be suitable for renovation, occupancy or demolition. A tear down house may also be sold as is, but the terms do not mean the same thing. Read my guide to a property being sold as is before you assume that repair needs make demolition the best option.

What Should You Check Before Buying a Tear Down House?

Before buying a tear down house, confirm zoning, permitted use, heritage status, tenant occupancy, demolition requirements and the likely cost of the new project. These details determine whether you can demolish the property and what you can build afterward.

Review the following before removing conditions:

• Current zoning and permitted housing forms
• Lot size, frontage, depth and site access
• Heritage Register status and heritage designation
• Title charges, covenants, easements and rights-of-way
• Existing tenants and applicable tenancy requirements
• Demolition permit, salvage and abatement requirements
• Tree protection, drainage, utility and site-servicing needs
• Soil conditions, buried oil tanks and environmental concerns
• Construction cost, financing and project timeline

Can you Demolish a House in Vancouver?

You need City of Vancouver authorization before demolishing a house in Vancouver. Most demolition projects require a demolition permit and some properties require further review because of heritage status, rental occupancy, zoning or other site conditions.

Do not arrange demolition based only on a listing description. Review the City of Vancouver’s current demolition permit requirements and confirm the process for the specific address.

Does Zoning Determine What You Can Build After Demolition?

Yes. Zoning determines the types of homes and uses allowed on a property after demolition. It can control the number of dwelling units, building height, setbacks, floor area, parking, site coverage and other development requirements.

A tear down house does not automatically allow a larger detached house, a duplex or a multiplex. Check the address against the City’s zoning and land-use rules before calculating redevelopment potential.

For an overview of multi unit housing that may be allowed on some Vancouver lots, read what Is a Multiplex.

Can a Heritage Home be a Tear Down?

A heritage home can be described as a tear down in a listing, but that does not mean it can be demolished. A property on the Vancouver Heritage Register or protected by legal heritage designation may require heritage review, City of Vancouver approval or conservation work before any demolition decision.

Check the title, City of Vancouver records and permit history before buying a property for redevelopment. 

Do Tenants Affect a Tear Down Project?

Yes. Existing tenants can affect the timing and process of a redevelopment project. A buyer must follow British Columbia tenancy law and applicable City of Vancouver requirements before ending a tenancy for demolition or redevelopment.

Do not assume vacant possession is available because a house is marketed as a tear down. Review the tenancy agreement, occupancy status and possession terms before making an offer. Obtain legal advice when the purchase depends on ending a tenancy.

Are There Salvage Requirements When Demolishing a Vancouver House?

Yes. Vancouver has material salvage requirements for some demolition projects. The City’s Green Demolition Bylaw requires salvaging at least three metric tonnes of wood for reuse from pre-1910 houses and pre-1950 heritage homes that are demolished.

Salvage, abatement and recycling requirements can affect demolition cost and timing. Confirm the current requirements before you budget for the project.

Can You Build a Laneway House After Demolishing a Home?

It depends on the zoning, lot configuration and project design. A laneway house is a separate rear dwelling that is usually associated with a principal detached house and rear lane access. Demolishing the existing house may change the site’s available options.