The Kelowna Housing Market After Summer

The Kelowna housing market changes with the seasons, and summer is always busy. Tourists arrive for their vacations, families are eager to move before school starts, and waterfront demand is at its peak. Sellers often use the summer months to show their homes, hoping to attract buyers when the city is at the height of tourism season. Buyers, meanwhile, often face tough competition and higher prices. Despite the norms, this summer was a little different. The Kelowna market saw more balance between buyer and seller activity. Now that fall is here, it’s time to step back and determine what comes next.

Keep reading to see how Kelowna’s housing market is shaping up for the rest of 2025.

Summer’s Impact on the Kelowna Housing Market

Kelowna saw a surge in visitors this summer, 2025. Hotel occupancy climbed 10 percent over last year, hitting 87 percent. Short-term rentals also rose to 72 percent occupancy. Even with those strong numbers, local businesses noticed people were spending less. Families skipped extra days on boat rentals, and visitors cut back on recreation. This year, it seemed as though many travellers had less disposable income. They still came, but they didn’t spend the way locals were hoping for.

For real estate, things were a bit different. Residential sales across the Association of Interior REALTORS® region were up from last year. Listings also increased slightly, giving buyers more options. Inventory climbed, with the North Okanagan seeing the biggest rise. Prices held firm, with single-family homes showing increases in most Okanagan sub-regions. Condos and townhomes saw mixed results, with small drops in some areas. For sellers, summer required patience. Homes in good locations or with updates still moved, but overpriced listings spent longer on the market. For buyers, it meant that choices increased, though affordability was still a concern for a number of people.

What Fall Means for Buyers and Sellers

As summer ends, the Kelowna housing market usually slows down. Families have settled before the school year, and seasonal buyers head home. That leaves a mix of professionals, downsizers, and investors active in the fall. With less competition, sellers need sharper strategies. Accurate pricing and good marketing matter more in September and October than in July. Even small price adjustments can make a difference as buyers weigh their options.

For buyers, fall offers a more balanced pace. They can take time to view homes without the rush of summer crowds. Negotiations become easier, too, as some sellers don’t want to carry listings into winter. That said, waiting too long carries its own risks. Winter tends to shrink inventory, and spring may bring more competition again. Buyers who step in during the fall may find opportunities, but only if they stay realistic about price. For sellers, fall is still a good time to list if they position their homes well.

Looking Ahead at the Kelowna Housing Market

Looking toward the end of the year, the Kelowna housing market is set against bigger forces. Interest rates remain a key factor, and national economic trends continue to shape local demand. Inventory levels are slowly climbing, which helps balance the market, but affordability remains a barrier. Tourism is another factor that always has an impact on real estate. While visitor spending dipped this summer, major events like Canadian Country Music Week are expected to bring an economic boost. That could ripple into short-term rentals and investor interest.

Market activity is more normal compared to the turbulence of the past few years. The pandemic boom is over, but Kelowna remains attractive for both local and out-of-town buyers. The big story for the rest of 2025 will be whether steady sales and stable prices hold, or whether pressure builds for more affordability. For now, fall gives us the clearest picture of where things stand.

Contact us Today!

The Kelowna housing market after summer is steady but seeing slow changes. Tourism brought visitors but less spending, showing that numbers don’t always tell the full story. For buyers, fall offers calmer conditions and chances to negotiate. For sellers, it’s a season that demands patience and smart pricing. As the year moves forward, Kelowna’s housing market will continue to adapt, shaped by both local demand and broader economic forces. Be sure to contact someone from our team today for more information about current local statistics! We look forward to working with you soon. Don’t forget to check out our social media for news and updates!

FAQ

1. Is Kelowna a good place to buy real estate?

Yes. With four seasons of awesome weather, investment opportunities, and growing technology and agriculture sectors, Kelowna is an amazing place to live!

2. Are prices dropping in Kelowna?

Not in most areas. Single-family homes saw a price increase, while condos and townhomes experienced small decreases in some regions.

3. How did tourism affect real estate?

Hotels and rentals were busy, but visitor spending was down. That shaped short-term rental demand without boosting the wider economy

4. Is fall a good time to buy in Kelowna?

Yes. Buyers face less competition, and sellers may be more flexible. Fall often brings more balanced conditions.

5. Should sellers hold off until spring?

Not always. Serious buyers shop year-round, and fall can be a strong time to sell with less competition in the market.