Buying a condo for your child's university years can be a great real estate investment, especially for students attending Universities like UBCO, where off-campus housing is very hard to find. This guide covers some things you should consider when purchasing a condo near the University of British Columbia Okanagan Campus.  Determine Your Financial Capability Budgeting: When budgeting, compare the costs between renting and owning. Make sure to include costs such as condo fees, property taxes, insurance, and maintenance. If you have more than one bedroom, you can add 1000-1200 per month income to your budget if you plan to rent out a room. Mortgage Pre-Approval: Prior to looking at condos, get a mortgage pre-approval to know what your payments will be. Investment Consideration: Think abou... 04/22/2024

One Water Street, Kelowna: Where Urban Sophistication Meets Natural BeautyWelcome to One Water Street, an iconic architectural masterpiece nestled in the heart of Kelowna, British Columbia. Rising majestically against the azure backdrop of Okanagan Lake and surrounded by the breathtaking vistas of the valley, this premier residential development embodies the essence of modern living fused harmoniously with the serenity of nature.Exterior:The exterior of One Water Street boasts a contemporary and elegant design that blends seamlessly with its surroundings. The soaring twin towers, gracefully ascending into the sky, stand as a testament to the city's ambition and aspirations. The sleek glass facades reflect the vibrant energy of Kelowna while allowing residents to immerse themselves in th... 07/03/2023

If you’re looking for a condo that’s a little more upscale in downtown Kelowna, you may want to look at 1151 Sunset Drive. Located near the Waterscapes and Skye Tower developments, this condo project is just steps away from Prospera Place, Waterfront Park, and a short walk to Knox Park too. As a concrete tower, you can also snag yourself a pretty spectacular view if you select a unit on a higher floor.Floorplans at 1151 Sunset Drive range from about 650 sq ft. to more than 2,000 sq ft, so there’s truly something for everyone. The building amenities also include a large multi-purpose room with a kitchen for entertaining, a meeting room, fitness room, outdoor kitchen and plunge pool.Pets are restricted to two dogs, two carts or one of each and rentals are permitted but with specific restr... 08/26/2019

Brooklyn at Bernard is located right in the heart of downtown Kelowmna, where all the action is. With a walk score of 98, you can ditch the car and walk or bike if you’d like. The central bus terminal at the Queensway Exchange is only three blocks away, so taking advantage of the Kelowna transit system is easy. Located on Bernard and St Paul means you’re steps from restaurants, cafes and all forms of entertainment. Enjoy the amazing Kelowna weather at City Park which is a short 10-minute walk. City Park features an amazing beach, beach volleyball and basketball courts, a spray park, lawn bowling and paddleboard rentals. If you’re into boats, there are hourly and daily rentals at the downtown marina or permanent storage at the Kelowna yacht club right next door.Living in an urban setting... 08/16/2019

Playa del Sol is located in the heart of Kelowna’s Lower Mission.  The resort-style condo is Ideal for investors and full-time residents and is home to 284 condominiums. The zoning at Playa Del Sol permits short term rentals, you combine this with the fact most units are sold with all the furniture means it’s perfect for vacation rentals. This amenity-rich building surrounds a central courtyard, residents (and guests) enjoy an outdoor pool and hot tub, BBQ area that is large enough to host a wedding, with additional indoor amenities like a fitness center and steam room.  Most homes include private outdoor balconies and secure underground parking. With plenty of dining options available including Sage, the neighbouring Manteo Waterfront Resort and the Hotel Eldorado, guests can easily va... 08/10/2019

Bachelor parties are intended to be parties that mark a man's end to single status. They are likely to be remembered by the groom and his friends for years to come (unless clouded by a drunken stupor). Plan a bachelor party that will be deemed epic by the groom and attendees, and consider switching up the expected venue. With so many great ways to celebrate in Kelowna, there's no reason why any party here needs to be ordinary. Taking the Boys to the BreweriesThe Okanagan is known for its vineyards and wineries. Wine tasting is a popular activity here and would be a good idea for lots of bachelors celebrating their impending nuptials. Some, however, might prefer beer or spirits as their drink of choice. If this sounds like a more fitting party plan, Kelowna has you well covered. With ple... 06/27/2019

  Completed in 2008, The Verve, situated in North Glenmore is a great fit for first-time buyers and investors alike.  Its location is central to outdoor amenities like Dilworth Mountain, Knox Mountain, and Kelowna Golf and Country Club. By car, residents have quick access (roughly 15 minutes) to The University of British Columbia Okanagan (or UBCO), Kelowna’s International Airport, and the downtown core. The Verve is very attractive for investors because they allow everything except short term rentals and the purchase prices are reasonable.  Given the location of the Verve and all the amenities, you'll never have problems finding renters. Rents in the Verve range from $1300 for a small one bedroom up to $2300  for a two bedroom.  This complex tends to attract young people just starting ... 06/23/2019

Kelowna is booming with new development at the moment, particularly in the Condo sector of the market. There was yet more exciting development news from the Kelowna real estate market this week with Kelowna city council approving two new developments for our city.One of those developments is a project on Mission Springs Drive (near Father Pandosy Mission and the Kelowna Driving Range). The development is called Green Square and it will feature 134 units spread over one five-storey building and three six-storey buildings.The other project is a 105 suite development on Valley Road - the former site of the Conservatory (near the foot of Dilworth Mountain). This development will feature affordable housing made up of a variety of suites, including bachelor, one and two bedroom units. There’s... 05/06/2019

What is driving the explosive demand for condos in Kelowna? It doesn't hurt that they have an amazing lake, Okanagan, running through it. Orchard City, or K-town, is on the same line of latitude as Vancouver Island on the Pacific coast. Kelowna is in the southern part of the province.The first Europeans to settle here were from France. They came in the middle of the 19th century. It was nearly half a century before the city was incorporated, in 1905. The area has cold, cloudy winters and dry, sunny summers and enjoys four obvious seasons. This is described by weather experts as a humid continental climate. Famous figures from here include Tour de France cyclist Axel Merckx, Olympic rower, Scott Frandsen, and countless professional hockey players. Tourism forms the bulk of the local econ... 04/26/2019

Even if you’ve only been paying a passing interest to the Kelowna Condo market in recent years, you’ve no doubt noticed that there are quite a number of condo developments in the works. This means that more and more folks are purchasing pre-sale condos.On that note, I recently got asked whether I think a Realtor is necessary when purchasing a pre-sale condo. You know the type of situation where there’s a sales centre and a potential buyer can wander in, inquire about the upcoming development and ultimately purchase a property.You may be unsurprised to hear that my answer to the question is a resounding yes. However, that is not simply Realtor bias. What many buyers simply aren’t aware of is that the sales staff in the sales centre work for the developer/builder and not you, the buyer. O... 04/22/2019

Summer is traditionally the peak time for condo sales, and that will no doubt be the case this year too.However, the Kelowna condo market does seem to be in a period of transition right now. We’re starting to see fewer sales in comparison to years past and consequently, there’s more inventory on the market. We haven’t seen it fully just yet, but this will no doubt start to have an impact on condo prices before long.So what do you need to keep in mind in a market like this? The number one thing you must do in a real estate market like this one is to work with a highly skilled agent. It seems obvious, but in a more challenging market, the quality of the team you are working with takes on an even greater significance. This leads into the next point - price your home right! This is so very ... 04/12/2019

When it comes to an experience that can be tricky to manage for first timers, home buying is without a doubt one of the most challenging endeavours out there. It can be exciting, tiring, frustrating, or just outright scary. The best action you can take to remain in control during the entire process is to understand the most common mistakes made and avoid making them yourself. Here are a few to consider.Making an Offer Before Officially Qualifying for Your MortgageAn easy mistake any first time home buyer can make comes from getting slightly too eager and placing an offer on the home of their dreams before their actual mortgage has gone through with their bank. Assumptions are not your friend with regards to home buying, especially when it comes to assuming that your bank will approve yo... 03/29/2019

The area around Kelowna, British Columbia is one of the fastest growing communities in all of North America, with many people of retirement age choosing the relatively mild climate in the Okanagan Valley over some of the colder areas of the province. The growth in population has made it difficult to keep up with the demand for Kelowna real estate. The market for homes in the area is very overheated due to the rapid influx of people. There is a need to increase the inventory, especially in the last few years. The people moving into the area are looking for comfortable and attractive Kelowna homes, especially in the most desirable areas of the community. The size of the area within the boundaries is larger than other cities with a greater population. This can mean longer commute times and... 10/28/2016

Kelowna is a place known for its cold winters, so the first thing you want to do is stay nice, warm, and toasty. At the same time, you don't want to pay excessively for staying warm, which is why it helps to cut your energy bill. Doing so can and will help you to save money. Saving money on your energy bill is really a lot easier than you may believe. With the implementation of just a few simple tips that anyone can use, you can be on your way to saving some significant cash. Check out these easy tips to cut your energy bill. When You Use the Fireplace, Turn Down the Thermostat Too many homeowners in the Kelowna area forget to turn down the thermostat when they are using their fireplaces. Using both the fireplace and keeping the thermostat high actually works to double the heating costs... 04/06/2014

Big White ski resort is located just 56 kilometres southeast of Kelowna. The mountain is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, and offers visitors fantastic adventures during the winter season. Visiting the mountain is a great way to escape to the outdoors and enjoy a variety of activities with the family. Although open and ready for action November through April, Big White is closed throughout the summer months. The slopes may be out of commission, but there are still plenty of family friendly adventures nearby for you to enjoy and discover. Cycle Through Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park The wildfires of 2003 caused significant damage to Myra-Bellevue Provincial Park. Since that time much has been done to restore the natural beauty of this park. There are still hazards to b... 04/06/2014

When it comes to the best markets in the province, Kelowna has it all, from fresh and tasty framers' markets to bargain bagging flea markets. If your family is looking for a day out and they have an appetite for fresh, delicious produce, or for wheeling and dealing, Kelowna has the market for you. Although there are a number of smaller markets in Kelowna, the major markets are the Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market and the Rutland Centennial Flea Market. Both markets are open weekly, and have special Market Days that are fun for your entire family. Celebrate the Seasons with the Kelowna Farmers' and Crafters' Market The Kelowna Farmers’ and Crafters’ Market is a major pillar of the community, entering its nineteenth year in June. Imagine farmers offering the freshest and most succule... 04/06/2014

Yoga is a not only a form of exercise, it's a way of life. Practicing the art of yoga is also a great way to find balance and inner bliss, all while getting a great workout. If you're a Kelowna local and are on the hunt for a great yoga studio near your home in Springfield, there are several options for you to choose from. Consider these studios, each of which is destined to help you achieve that inner peace and balance. Anjali Yoga on Springfield Located directly on Springfield Road is Anjali Yoga, which is conveniently close to Orchard Shopping Centre. This yoga studio is incredibly unique and urges you to "Join the revolution!" By revolution, they mean that you no longer need to commit to a pass or a schedule of any kind, and can instead make yoga a seamless part of your life without... 04/06/2014

The Thompson Okanagan is an action filled hot spot in BC's interior. The Okanagan valley hosts numerous events and festivals, and is a popular destination any season of the year. Spring is an exceptional time to check out local events, especially in Kelowna. The days are warming up, and so is the city, as tourists and residents anticipate upcoming spring festivals. Here are just a few of the great spring events that will be happening in Kelowna this year. Jazzing It Up In The Interior Happening April 10, 11 and 12 is the 37th annual BC Interior Jazz Festival. The three-day event hosts jazz bands, combos and combination choirs. This rare competitive festival is one of few in Western Canada. Affiliated with MusicFest Canada, the BC Interior Jazz Festival invites gold-ranked performers to ... 03/29/2014

f you are thinking of living in British Columbia, relocating to Kelowna makes a great deal of sense. There are so many beautiful communities with many things to offer. Some of Canada's finest communities exist in this area, and here are just a few good things you will find.Many families are choosing to live in Upper Mission. This part of the valley is known for its beautiful houses and if you enjoy town home living, you can take your pick from several fine residences. In Upper Mission, you are in a modern city but not too far from the Canadian wilderness. This provides people with the best of two types of environments.Moving to Kelowna means you will have easy access to Kelowna Mountain. There is a huge selection of diverse activities for those of all ages. If you love to be near the wa... 03/01/2014

If you are looking for a great place to live, there are many reasons to check out Kelowna MLS search options on the Web. This section of BC is one of the most popular and sought after regions in Canada. Finding the best Multiple Listing Service search website helps you locate the perfect home, and here are some helpful tips for saving time and effort.If you select just any Kelowna MLS property searching site you could be frustrated and disappointed. Look for sites that provide simple and easy searching options. The top sites give you the chance to check out homes by postal code, schools, or by typing in the address of a particular house you would like to know more about.Good searching sites give you a huge amount of options in which to choose. You will not have to check out houses that ... 02/11/2014