Housing

The demand outlook for both new and resale housing is positive.  Market fundamentals remain solid.  BC continues experience robust employment growth.  Consumers are upbeat; the BC Index of Consumer Confidence soared to an 18 year high early in 2005.  Closer to home, the Kelowna area economy is firing on all cylinders.  Strong employment growth has spurred in-migration, fuelling the demand for new and resale housing.  Retirees, and more recently, an influx of others seeking lifestyle oriented housing have also contributed to sharply increased demand.  Population growth and low interest rates will remain the key drivers in 2006.

Below are a few charts to provide a quick overview of the housing market in Kelowna and the Central Okanagan area. Additional information is provided in the housing section of our Economic Profile.

Housing Sector

Housing Links:

The Multiple Listing Service provides a comprehensive listing of all of the MLS lists currently offered for sale through the Realtors of the Okanagan Mainland Real Estate Board. The OMREB website also provides additional information regarding the housing market in the region, listing of real estate agents and offices.

Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation is the Government of Canada’s national housing agency, helping Canadians gain access to a wide choice of quality, affordable housing. Their website has a vast array of information including specific information on regional housing markets, buying or renting a home, mortgage information, insurance, and programs and financial assistance.

BC Assessment provides uniform property assessments that form the basis for local and provincial taxation while providing information to assist people when making real estate decisions. Details property information is also made available through BC OnLine, an information service that provides customers with convenient, affordable access to a number of government databases, including the BC Assessment Property Database.

BC Housing is a provincial crown agency that develops, manages and administers a wide range of subsidized housing options across the province.

The Canadian Home Builders’ Association of Kelowna is a non-profit volunteer organization of dedicated individuals whose leadership works with all levels of government with a common mission: a dedication to quality and value in residential construction and renovation industry. Their website provides information regarding building or renovating a home, listing of builders, designers/architects, developers and more.

Contacts for local municipal government planning and inspection departments can be found on our government contact page.