Peachland

Peachland sits between Penticton and Kelowna like a well-kept secret that’s getting harder to keep. This lakefront community of nearly 6,000 residents has mastered the art of retirement living — with a median age of 60 and nearly 38% of residents over 65, it’s become the Okanagan’s answer to “where do I want to spend my golden years?”

The numbers tell a compelling story for mortgage professionals. Single-detached homes dominate at 69% of the housing stock, perfect for the equity-rich buyers who gravitate here. These aren’t starter-home purchasers scrambling for financing — they’re established buyers who’ve sold properties in Vancouver or Calgary and want their money to stretch further while maintaining their lifestyle.

Peachland’s economy reflects its character: retail trade leads employment, followed by construction and healthcare. The construction sector’s prominence signals ongoing development pressure, while healthcare’s strong showing makes sense given the demographics. Yes, unemployment sits at 10.8%, but that’s misleading when you consider how many “unemployed” residents are actually retired with substantial assets.

The community’s 65% maximum loan-to-value reflects both opportunity and prudence. Properties here benefit from Okanagan Lake frontage and proximity to larger centers, but the smaller market means patience during any potential exit scenarios. The vacation-lifestyle appeal creates consistent demand — people don’t just move to Peachland for work, they move here because they want to live here.

What sets Peachland apart isn’t just the lake access or the mild Zone 6a climate that lets residents garden year-round. It’s the community’s evolution into a retirement haven that still attracts younger families seeking that elusive work-life balance. The 6.7% population growth since 2016 suggests this transformation isn’t slowing down.

For brokers working with clients who have substantial equity and modest income documentation needs, Peachland represents exactly the kind of stable, desirable market where alternative lending solutions make perfect sense.