The short answer
Generally no: BC’s real estate regulator says dual agency, one real estate agent representing clients with competing interests in the same deal, was prohibited in BC in 2018. A narrow exemption exists only for remote and underserved locations, with a mandatory risk disclosure and reduced duties. If you want to buy a home your own agent has listed, you can choose a different real estate agent or proceed unrepresented after receiving a risk disclosure.
Check current rules: BC’s real estate regulator guidance on agency and disclosure forms is updated periodically; your real estate agent must use the current forms.
In plain English
Dual agency means one real estate real estate agent representing two or more clients whose interests compete in the same transaction.
BC’s real estate regulator lists the main examples: the seller and the buyer, the landlord and the tenant, the assignor and the assignee of a contract, or two or more buyers competing for the same property.
BC’s real estate regulator explains why it was restricted. A real estate agent may not be able to be completely loyal and impartial to two clients with competing interests, may not be able to advise either properly without revealing the other’s confidential information, and might be tempted to put earning the whole commission ahead of the clients’ best interests.
So if you have been working with an agent and you fall for one of their own listings, they cannot represent you on that purchase.
BC’s real estate regulator’s answer to exactly this situation is that you can choose a different real estate agent to represent you going forward, and your real estate agent can suggest names of others who may be able to help.
You also have the option of being unrepresented.
In that case the real estate agent for the other side gives you a Disclosure of Risks to Unrepresented Parties form, which explains the limited help they can offer, such as factual information or drafting a contract to your specifications.
Anything you tell them can be shared with their client, and they cannot advise you.
The exemption is narrow. BC’s real estate regulator allows limited dual agency only in remote and underserved locations where it is impracticable for the parties to have different real estate agents.
Before relying on it, the real estate agent must look for other real estate agents locally and in nearby communities, consider travel to the property and genuine urgency, provide the Disclosure of Risks Associated with Dual Agency form, and agree to reduced duties with each client.
Representation is documented from the start.
A real estate agent must give you a Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services form, signed before they provide any real estate services, and must disclose conflicts of interest as soon as they become aware of them.
How it works
Decide early whether you want to be a client
A real estate agent is not obliged to show you homes before you decide.
Once you agree to work together, you sign the Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services form.
Ask about listings before you book showings
If a home you like is your agent’s own listing, raise it immediately so you have time to arrange other representation before making an offer.
Choose new representation or proceed unrepresented
Your agent can suggest other real estate agents. If you go unrepresented, read the Disclosure of Risks to Unrepresented Parties form carefully.
Expect conflicts to be disclosed
Your real estate agent must tell you about any perceived, potential or actual conflict and explain the options, which can include modifying or ending the relationship.
Understand how remuneration is shown
Sellers receive a Disclosure to Sellers of Expected Remuneration with each offer, and a real estate agent representing you must disclose any remuneration they earn from a third party, including the seller.
Check a licence if you are unsure
BC’s real estate regulator’s Find a Professional tool shows whether an individual currently holds a BC real estate licence.
Who it applies to, and the exceptions
Usually applies to
- Buyers and sellers working with BC real estate real estate agents.
- Landlords and tenants, and assignors and assignees of contracts, where a real estate agent acts for both sides.
- Two or more buyers who are competing for the same property with the same real estate agent.
Exceptions and limits
- Remote and underserved locations where separate representation is impracticable, using the formal exemption and mandatory disclosure form.
- Unrepresented parties are not clients; they receive a risk disclosure instead.
- A real estate agent buying or selling for themselves must give the other side a Disclosure of Interest in Trade form.
Common mistakes
- Assuming your agent can “just handle both sides” of their own listing.
- Sharing your maximum price or motivation with the seller’s real estate agent while unrepresented. They work for the seller.
- Not reading the Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services form before signing.
- Leaving it until offer day to discover the home is your agent’s listing.
- Ignoring a conflict-of-interest disclosure instead of asking what your options are.
Questions people also ask
Why can’t my agent represent me on their own listing?
BC’s real estate regulator says real estate agents cannot represent both a buyer and a seller in the same transaction except in very specific circumstances.
You can choose a different real estate agent, and your agent can suggest names.
When was dual agency banned in BC?
BC’s real estate regulator states the practice of dual agency was prohibited in BC in 2018.
What is the dual agency exemption?
A limited exemption lets real estate agents act for both sides in remote and underserved locations where it is impracticable for the parties to have different real estate agents, with a mandatory risk disclosure and reduced duties.
Can I buy a home without an agent in BC?
Yes. BC’s real estate regulator confirms you may choose to be unrepresented. The other side’s real estate agent will give you a Disclosure of Risks to Unrepresented Parties form explaining what they can and cannot do for you.
How do I know who my agent represents?
Before providing services, a real estate agent must complete and have you sign a Disclosure of Representation in Trading Services form describing the duties you are owed.
Does this also cover two buyers with the same agent?
Yes. BC’s real estate regulator lists representing two or more buyers competing for the same property as dual agency.
Official sources
Facts on this page come from the official sources below, reviewed October 6, 2026. Rules, amounts and dates change; confirm the current version and your own eligibility before acting. This is general information, not legal, tax or financial advice.
- FAQs about Real Estate TransactionsBC Financial Services Authority
- Use of Dual Agency ExemptionBC Financial Services Authority
- Consumer Guide to DisclosuresBC Financial Services Authority
- Offers from Buyers (seller guide)BC Financial Services Authority