Lake Country sits perfectly between Kelowna and Vernon, making it the sweet spot for people who want Okanagan lifestyle without the city chaos. With 22% population growth since 2016, this isn’t just another retirement community anymore—though the median age of 44 and nearly 19% seniors shows it’s still a magnet for folks looking to cash out of Vancouver’s madness.
The housing market tells the real story here. Nearly 66% single-detached homes dominate, but what’s interesting is the 14% duplex rate—significantly higher than most BC communities. That’s smart money recognizing opportunity when mortgage helpers or rental income matter. With a 70% maximum LTV, we’re seeing the same lending confidence we’d offer in Kelowna, because Lake Country’s fundamentals are that solid.
Construction leads employment at 14.5%, followed by healthcare at 12%—classic signs of a growing community that’s building infrastructure while caring for an aging population. The $98,000 median household income reflects something crucial: people aren’t just retiring here, they’re working here. Professional services at 7.4% employment shows this isn’t just a bedroom community.
The climate’s warming trend—improving by 15.7% in hardiness zones—means longer growing seasons and better conditions for the wine industry that’s transforming the entire valley. Lake Country’s positioned right in the heart of this agricultural renaissance, with Wood Lake and Kalamalka Lake providing the scenic backdrop that keeps property values stable even when markets wobble.
What separates Lake Country from other Okanagan communities is timing. It’s hitting that perfect demographic and economic inflection point where retirees, young families, and professionals all see value. The infrastructure’s catching up to demand, employment’s diversifying beyond tourism, and the lifestyle amenities keep improving. For mortgage brokers, it’s become one of those rare communities where deals make sense across multiple borrower profiles.
Mortgage Product Name | Max LTV | Key Notes for Lake Country |
---|---|---|
Construction Mortgages | 65.0% | Standard product terms |
Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation | 65.0% | Standard product terms |
Variable Income | 70.0% | Standard product terms |
Bare Land and Unique Properties | 65.0% | Standard product terms |
Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term | 70.0% | Standard product terms |
Development/Subdivisions | 50.0% | Standard product terms |
Equity Lending | 70.0% | Standard product terms |
Purchases | 70.0% | Standard product terms |
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Construction Mortgages in Lake Country:
65.0 %
“Wait, you’re a MIC that actually does construction?”
Here’s something that makes brokers do a double-take. Yes, we do construction mortgages. No, that’s not a typo.
But before you start sending us your client with the 580 credit score who wants to build their dream home, let’s be clear: these aren’t your typical MIC deals. We only do construction for bankable clients. People the banks would ...
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation in Lake Country:
65.0 %
“Their credit report reads like a horror novel, but the house was just renovated and is worth a lot…”
Here’s what happens when life takes a wrong turn. A bad business venture. Workplace Injury. That divorce that dragged on for two years. Suddenly your credit score looks like a batting average and the banks won’t even return your calls.
But here’s the thing – none of that changes what your ho...
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Variable Income in Lake Country:
70.0 %
“Their income is all over the map, but there’s definitely income…”
Here’s a funny thing about lending based on Line 15000 of your Notice of Assessment: It’s a neat little box to underwrite against. Works great if you’re a salaried employee. Not so great if you’re running a fishing charter in Campbell River where thres fishing season, and the rest of the year.
We get it. Income isn’t always ti...
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Bare Land and Unique Properties in Lake Country:
65.0 %
“The appraisal came back as ‘property type: other’…”
Here’s a truth about real estate that nobody wants to admit: not everything fits in a box. Banks have boxes. Nice, tidy boxes labeled “single family home” and “condo” and “townhouse.” Their computer systems literally don’t have a dropdown menu option for “converted church with commercial kitchen” or “geodesic dome on 40 acres.”
We’ve funded...
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term in Lake Country:
70.0 %
“Subjects came off their current home last week but their new place closes Friday…”
Here’s a funny thing about bridge financing: everyone thinks it’s complicated. It’s not. Someone needs to close on their new house before their old house sells. Or their sale fell through after they removed subjects on their dream home. Or they found the perfect downsizer condo but haven’t listed the family hom...
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Development/Subdivisions in Lake Country:
50.0 %
“Got a client with subdivision dreams? Unfortunately we’ll probably say no…”
Look, we know you’ve got that client. The one with 5 acres in Kamloops who’s convinced they’re sitting on a goldmine once it’s subdivided. They’ve got the sketches. They’ve done the math. They just need a lender who “gets it.”
We get it. We just don’t do it anymore.
After 20 years of funding subdivisions across rura...
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Equity Lending in Lake Country:
70.0 %
“They have tons of equity but don’t qualify under B20…”
Here’s the thing about equity lending: it exists because banks literally can’t do it. B20 guidelines require income verification. Full stop. No wiggle room. No common sense exceptions.
We’re provincially regulated. The funds we lend on come from individual investors, not the Bank of Canada. So when your client has 50% equity but their in...
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Purchases in Lake Country:
70.0 %
Moving is supposed to be exciting. New town, new job, new chapter. So why do banks act like you’re asking for their firstborn when you need a mortgage?
“You haven’t been at your new job for thre months”
“Your self-employment income doesn’t count in a new market.”
“We need to see established a year if you are part time contract - even if you’re working 40 hours under your new role”
Meanwhile...