Oliver

Canada’s wine capital sits in the heart of the Okanagan Valley, where desert-like conditions create something magical that most of BC can’t replicate. Oliver’s claim to fame isn’t just marketing fluff—this town produces more wine per square kilometer than anywhere else in the country, with over 40 wineries packed into the surrounding area.

The numbers tell an interesting story about who’s calling Oliver home. With a median age of 58 and nearly 40% of residents over 65, this isn’t your typical BC town chasing young families. Instead, Oliver attracts people who’ve figured out that retirement doesn’t have to mean moving to Florida. The mild Zone 6b climate means you can grow peaches, cherries, and grapes in your backyard while still experiencing four distinct seasons.

Real estate here reflects this demographic shift. Two-thirds of homes are single-detached houses, perfect for the retirees and semi-retirees who want space for gardens and wine cellars. The median household income of $68,500 might seem modest, but remember—many residents are drawing from retirement savings and investments rather than traditional employment.

For mortgage professionals, Oliver represents something unique in the BC market. While the unemployment rate sits at 8.4%, this reflects the seasonal nature of agriculture and tourism rather than economic distress. The town’s economy runs on health care, retail, and hospitality—sectors that serve both the aging local population and the steady stream of wine tourists.

Tekamar offers our full range of mortgage products in Oliver with a maximum LTV of 60%. This conservative approach makes sense given the specialized nature of the local market, but the equity requirements shouldn’t scare away deals. Properties here benefit from the lifestyle premium that comes with living in wine country, plus the practical advantage of being just 20 minutes from Osoyoos and an hour from Penticton.

The town’s tagline “Wine Capital of Canada” isn’t going anywhere, and neither are the people who choose to live here for the climate, the culture, and the pace of life that lets you actually enjoy both.