Strata FinancesJuly 9, 2026 · 6 min read

How Much Does a Depreciation Report Cost in BC?

Depreciation reports in BC typically run about $2,500–$6,000 for small buildings and more for larger ones. Here's what drives the price and how to get good value.

Most BC stratas pay roughly $2,500 to $6,000 for a depreciation report on a small townhouse complex or low-rise, and anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000+ for larger or more complex buildings. The price scales with the number of units, buildings and building systems a qualified professional has to inspect and model.

The short answer: typical price ranges

Every building is different, but these 2026 ranges are a realistic starting point for budgeting:

| Building type | Rough units | Typical cost | |---|---|---| | Small townhouse / duplex-style strata | Under ~20 | $2,500 – $5,000 | | Low-rise / mid-size complex | ~20–60 | $4,000 – $10,000 | | Larger low-rise or wood-frame with amenities | ~60–120 | $8,000 – $18,000 | | High-rise or multi-building complex | 120+ | $15,000 – $30,000+ |

These are estimates, not quotes. The only way to know your number is to ask two or three qualified providers.

What drives the cost

Providers price on effort and risk, so the cost climbs with:

Number of units and buildings. More doors and more separate structures mean more to inspect and model.
Complexity of systems. Elevators, underground parkades, pools, boilers, common HVAC and extensive landscaping all add scope.
Age and condition. Older buildings, or ones with known envelope or plumbing issues, take more analysis.
Records available. If your maintenance history, past reports and drawings are organized, the provider spends less time digging — and often charges less.
Turnaround. A rushed report to beat a deadline can cost a premium. Booking early is cheaper.

Why prices have edged up

Since July 1, 2025, depreciation reports in BC must be prepared by a qualified professional from a defined list — engineers, architects or architectural technologists, applied science technologists, accredited appraisers, certified reserve planners, or professional quantity surveyors. Under the old rules, a wider pool of consultants could produce a report.

That higher qualification bar, combined with the removal of the old opt-out vote and a hard compliance deadline (July 1, 2026 in Metro Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and the CRD; July 1, 2027 elsewhere), has pushed demand up and lead times out. The practical takeaway: good providers are booking months ahead, and waiting rarely makes it cheaper.

Is it worth it? What you're actually buying

Yes — and not just because it's now mandatory for stratas with five or more lots. A solid report gives you:

A 30-year forecast of major repair and replacement costs
At least three funding models for your contingency reserve fund
A defensible, evidence-based reason for the CRF contribution you set at the AGM
Early warning that turns a five-figure surprise special levy into a planned, phased-in increase

Against the cost of a single unplanned roof or repiping levy, a few thousand dollars for good planning is cheap insurance.

How to get good value: a quote-request template

Send the same brief to two or three providers so you're comparing like for like. Copy and adapt:

``` DEPRECIATION REPORT — REQUEST FOR QUOTE Strata Plan: ________ Location: ________________ Buildings: ____ Total strata lots: ____ Year built: ____ Amenities/systems (elevator, parkade, pool, boiler, etc.): ________________________________________________ Last depreciation report on file (date, provider): ________

Please provide: 1. Fixed fee (all-in) and what's included 2. Your qualification/designation (per the BC qualified-person list) 3. Errors & omissions insurance confirmation 4. Site-inspection scope and timeline to draft report 5. Number of funding models provided (min. 3 required) 6. Whether a council presentation is included 7. References from 2-3 comparable BC stratas ```

Cheaper isn't always better — a report you can actually understand and present to owners is worth more than the lowest bid. But three comparable quotes keep everyone honest.

Frequently asked questions

How often do we have to pay for this? At least once every five years. Budget for it as a recurring line, not a one-off. Some providers offer a reduced fee for the five-year update if they did the original.

Can we pay for it out of the operating budget or do we need a special levy? Either can work. For most small stratas the cost is modest enough to sit in the annual operating budget or come from the CRF where permitted; larger reports are sometimes funded by a small special levy. Confirm the correct treatment with your accountant or manager.

Does a more expensive report mean a better one? Not necessarily. Price mostly tracks building size and complexity. Judge on the provider's qualification, the clarity of the funding models, and references — not the sticker alone.

Who pays if we're mid-sale? The strata pays for the report; individual owners don't buy their own. A recent report is a selling point, and its findings should be disclosed to buyers.

This article is general information, not financial or engineering advice. Prices vary by provider and building, and rules change — get current quotes from qualified providers and confirm the accounting treatment with your own professional. Check your own bylaws.