Having worked with Okanagan buyers for many years, I’ve observed a clear preference for move-in ready homes—especially when they can walk through the actual residence, take in the natural light, appreciate the views, and get a feel for the finishes and layout firsthand. In downtown Kelowna, the completed community recently offered its most compelling pricing since the project’s start, and the response from buyers has been strong. There’s something reassuring about knowing exactly what you’re purchasing and when you’ll be able to settle in. For those relocating, looking for a seasonal retreat, or hoping to make a move before year-end, having a finished home makes planning straightforward and removes much of the uncertainty around timing. Recent activity confirms this trend, and with only a limited number of these residences left, late summer truly has been a prime window to tour and secure one of these homes before early fall. My years of negotiating and guiding clients through these decisions have shown that certainty and clarity matter—especially in a dynamic market like ours.

As someone who’s spent over three decades helping clients navigate the ins and outs of Canada’s real estate market, I’m always watching for shifts that matter. While we’ve seen promising signs of recovery since early Q2—resales picking up, inventory stabilizing, and price declines slowing—the outlook suggests a steady climb rather than a dramatic surge. Projections for 2026 indicate home resales could dip about 4% to 453,200 units, with benchmark prices easing roughly 2% to $794,200, even with recent positive momentum. Looking further ahead to 2027, the forecast points to a 7% bump in resales and a modest rise in benchmark values, just under 1% to $800,700. This paints a picture of gradual recovery, not a boom. A notable factor is pent-up demand, with estimates that more than 400,000 Canadian households have delayed forming since 2019. Of course, much will depend on how affordability, growth, and consumer confidence play out—especially since rates seem to have bottomed and global trade tensions remain a wildcard. Having guided clients through many cycles, I know that steady, informed decisions make all the difference in markets like this.

With more than three decades in real estate, I’ve seen inventory cycles come and go—but the current numbers across BC are worth noting. Right now, standing inventory totals 6,700 homes throughout the province, including 5,500 condos. These figures span not just condos, but also townhomes and some multiplex units, giving us a real sense of the breadth of options available. Burnaby currently leads with 1,210 unsold homes, followed closely by Vancouver at 1,020, Surrey at 798, and Coquitlam at 620. Even beyond the Lower Mainland, we’re seeing significant numbers: Richmond at 396, Kelowna 372, Langley Township 276, New Westminster 224, and Delta 211. It’s clear that inventory is dispersed well beyond just the major urban centres. Additional notable counts include Langford (188), Esquimalt (173), City of North Vancouver (135), Abbotsford (118), and Chilliwack (100), bringing the total in these cities to 5,840. While there’s a tendency to point the finger at studios and one-bed presales, the numbers suggest a more complex story when you consider different home sizes and average prices across BC. As always, careful attention to the full market picture—and skilled negotiation—make all the difference in finding the right fit.

After decades in B.C. real estate, I’ve seen the market move through many cycles—and the latest provincial forecast offers plenty for buyers and sellers to consider. We’re looking at a slight dip in residential sales for 2026, about 2%, with average prices easing by roughly 1% (from about $953,000 to $940,000). For those searching, elevated active listings and a wave of new housing supply are opening up more choices than we’ve seen in some time, though softer demand continues to keep prices under gentle pressure.

It’s interesting to see how the Lower Mainland markets are diverging: Greater Vancouver is expected to see just a 1% decrease in sales, while Fraser Valley could experience a 5% drop next year. Confidence among households is still the key variable—rising energy costs and everyday expenses mean that many are budgeting carefully, even as employment grows and wages outpace inflation.

Looking ahead, the forecast suggests a rebound: as population growth normalizes in 2027, we could see sales climb to around 74,000 units across B.C., up from an expected 68,000 in 2026. Navigating these shifts requires experience and strong negotiation—a spirit of excellence I bring to every transaction.