Lumby sits at the heart of the Monashee Valley, where the old logging town has quietly transformed into something more interesting than its modest size suggests. While most North Okanagan communities chase tourism dollars, Lumby has carved out a different path — becoming a refuge for people who want small-town authenticity without the tourist circus.
The numbers tell part of the story: 12.5% population growth since 2016 in a town of just over 2,000 people means something’s working here. Construction leads the local economy at 18.2% of employment, which makes sense when you consider that two-thirds of homes are single-detached houses and people keep moving in. Healthcare and retail round out the top employers, creating the kind of economic mix that keeps a small town functioning.
What sets Lumby apart is its position as the gateway to some of BC’s best-kept outdoor secrets. The Monashee Mountains provide year-round recreation — from world-class snowmobiling in winter to hiking and ATV trails that stretch for hundreds of kilometers. The community has embraced this identity, hosting events like the annual Daze of Summer festival that draws visitors from across the valley.
The median age of 42.8 years reflects a community that attracts working families and early retirees looking for affordability and access to nature. Housing remains reasonable compared to larger Okanagan centers, though the 8.8% unemployment rate shows the challenges of a resource-dependent economy.
For mortgage brokers, Lumby represents opportunities in a market that’s growing but still overlooked by many lenders. The community’s appeal to outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking small-town life creates steady demand for housing financing. Tekamar offers our full range of mortgage products here with a maximum LTV of 60%, reflecting the smaller market size while recognizing the genuine demand for alternative lending solutions in communities where traditional lenders often say no.
Mortgage Product Name | Max LTV | Key Notes for Lumby |
---|---|---|
Construction Mortgages | 60.0% | Standard product terms |
Credit Repair and Debt Consolidation | 60.0% | Standard product terms |
Variable Income | 60.0% | Standard product terms |
Bare Land and Unique Properties | 60.0% | Standard product terms |
Bridge Financing/Fully Open Term | 60.0% | Standard product terms |
Equity Lending | 60.0% | Standard product terms |
Purchases | 60.0% | Standard product terms |
Maximum Loan-to-Value (LTV) for Construction Mortgages in Lumby:
60.0 %
“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 Lumby:
60.0 %
“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 Lumby:
60.0 %
“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 Lumby:
60.0 %
“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 Lumby:
60.0 %
“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 Equity Lending in Lumby:
60.0 %
“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 Lumby:
60.0 %
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...