Kelowna

Kelowna’s housing market tells a story that mortgage brokers know well—steady demand meets limited supply in one of BC’s most coveted destinations. The numbers don’t lie: 13.5% population growth since 2016, driven by retirees cashing out Vancouver real estate and young professionals discovering they can work remotely from wine country.

The Okanagan Lake effect creates more than just Instagram-worthy sunsets. It generates year-round economic activity that keeps property values stable. While other resort towns see seasonal swings, Kelowna’s diversified economy—healthcare employing nearly 15% of residents, robust retail and construction sectors—provides the kind of economic foundation that makes lenders sleep better at night.

Here’s what makes Kelowna different from other BC growth centers: it’s actually affordable compared to the coast. That $82,000 median household income stretches further when single-detached homes still represent 42.5% of the housing stock. The city’s managed to grow without losing its small-town accessibility—41% of residents commute less than 15 minutes to work.

The climate data reveals something fascinating: Kelowna’s growing zone improved by a full hardiness zone over three decades. Translation? Better growing conditions mean stronger agricultural tourism, more reliable wine harvests, and longer outdoor recreation seasons. These aren’t temporary tourism bumps—they’re structural advantages that compound annually.

For mortgage professionals, Kelowna represents the sweet spot between urban amenities and manageable risk. The demographic mix of established professionals (31% with bachelor’s degrees) and well-heeled retirees (21% seniors) creates natural equity accumulation. When markets tighten, people still want to live where they can ski Big White in winter and boat Okanagan Lake in summer.

Maximum LTV: 70% reflects both the market’s liquidity and our confidence in long-term demand fundamentals.