Intentional Moves
Intentional Moves
Recently we talked about the cost of waiting and, ironically, it looks like buyers are still waiting. While national reports suggest that housing affordability is improving, many Canadians remain hesitant because of the uncertainty we’re so many headlines about. But, when you zoom in on Kelowna, a different picture starts to emerge.
June’s numbers weren’t exactly explosive – but they were encouraging. Housing sales went up while new listings and active inventory both went down. At first glance this might not seem too significant, but if you look closely it’s an important sign that buyers are becoming more active (without the frenzy we’ve seen in past markets). What’s even more interesting is where that activity is happening.
Older, more affordable condos are seeing renewed interest from buyers looking for an approachable entry point to the market. Meanwhile, luxury homes above $2 million continue to attract confident purchasers. Normally those two options couldn’t be more different, but they have one thing in common: buyers are making intentional decisions about finding the right properties – not because they feel pressured by the market. If this continues, things might be pointing towards a healthier market for the rest of 2026.
It’s no secret that the Okanagan has never been attractive simply because of housing prices. People continue to choose Kelowna because of the lifestyle, outdoor access, growth opportunities, and incredible weather. And while Kelowna’s housing market keeps evolving, these main attractions remain unchanged, making Kelowna one of the most desirable places to call home. We’re fortunate to not only reap these benefits first-hand, but to see continued demand in the local real estate market driven by people who genuinely want to build their lives here.
The real opportunity in today’s market isn’t all about price. It’s about aligning overall value with intentional buyers so they can make thoughtful decisions while things aren’t as competitive. I wouldn’t be surprised if, eventually, this mindset caught on – but for now, whether you’re buying your first condo, upgrading your family home, or considering a move into one of Kelowna’s luxury neighbourhoods, understanding how to move with the market’s momentum can make all the difference.
Additional Reading
Right Between the Lines
A recent report noted that rent prices in Kelowna are on the decline, with BC showing the greatest rental price decrease in Canada so far. With increased rental supply and rising vacancy levels across the province helping ease pressure on the price of housing, it’s...
The Cost of Waiting
If you haven’t read my latest blog post yet, let’s bring you up to speed. Last month we talked about buyers and sellers both sitting on the fence, with buyers waiting for prices to soften and sellers waiting for stronger demand. But, here's the thing about fences -...
Both Sides of the Fence
March was a really positive start to the spring in the Kelowna housing market, with sales for townhomes, condos and single-family homes all showing increases compared to February. Coupled with this bump in sales activity, average and median prices for single-family...
