What You Need to Know

About BC’s New Home Flipping Tax

As the Okanagan real estate market continues to evolve, it’s important to stay informed about new regulations that could affect your decisions. One such change is BC’s Home Flipping Tax, introduced to discourage rapid property resales and promote housing stability.

For homeowners in Kelowna and throughout the Okanagan, understanding this tax and how it could impact your property’s value is essential.

BC Home Flipping Tax: The Basics

This tax applies to properties resold within two years of purchase. While it’s designed to target speculative investors, it can also affect regular homeowners selling sooner than planned.

How Does It Work?
  • Eligibility: The tax applies to most…

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2025 Housing Market Trends for the Okanagan

As we step into 2025, there’s plenty of optimism for homeowners and buyers alike. According to RE/MAX Canada’s latest Housing Market Outlook, residential prices are expected to grow nationwide this year. Here in the Okanagan, this signals an exciting year ahead in our local real estate market.

Key National Trends for 2025

  • National Average Price to Rise by 5%
    With interest rate cuts in late 2024, prices are rebounding across Canada.

  • A Surge in Seller’s Markets
    Nearly half of all regions are forecasted to favor sellers.

  • Increased Buyer Optimism
    Changes to mortgage stress tests and other affordability measures have made 50% of Canadians feel more confident about homeownership compared…

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Navigating the New Tenancy Laws of 2024

Implications for the Okanagan Real Estate Market

Hi, Okanagan friends! It’s Gillian from Goldilocks Estates, here with some crucial updates about our local real estate market. The new tenancy laws of 2024 have introduced significant changes that both buyers and sellers need to be aware of. These updates aim to create a fairer balance between landlords and tenants, and I'm here to help you understand what this means for you.

Key Changes in the Tenancy Laws

Protection for Seniors in Retirement Homes One of the most notable changes is the protection of residents in retirement homes from illegal rent increases and evictions. This is fantastic news for our senior community, offering them peace of mind and…

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Welcome to Goldilocks Estates - Your Premier Guide in Central Okanagan's Market!

I'm Gillian Krol, owner of Goldilocks Estates, and I'm eager to delve into what the recent interest rate cut by the Bank of Canada means for both buyers and sellers in Central Okanagan.

Understanding the Bank of Canada's Decision

The recent decision by the Bank of Canada to reduce its overnight interest rate to 4.75% marks a significant shift in the economic landscape, especially for the real estate market in our region. This move comes amidst ongoing efforts to manage inflation and stimulate economic growth.

Implications for Buyers

Lower interest rates present exciting opportunities for prospective homebuyers. With reduced borrowing costs, owning a home…

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A Guide to Property Transfer Tax Exemptions for First-Time Home Buyers in British Columbia

Unlocking the Potential of the First Time Home Buyers' Program in Kelowna

Hello, future homeowners! Are you ready to take the leap into homeownership in the picturesque city of Kelowna, British Columbia? The First Time Home Buyers' Program is here to pave the way for you by offering substantial benefits in the form of property transfer tax exemptions. Let's delve into how first-time home buyers in British Columbia can leverage these exemptions to turn their homeownership dreams into reality.

Understanding the First Time Home Buyers' Program

The First Time Home Buyers' Program is designed to provide a full or partial exemption from the property transfer…

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Spring 2024: A Snapshot of Central Okanagan's Real Estate Market

Hi, Okanagan friends! It’s Gillian from Goldilocks Estates, back with a quick update on our local real estate market as we step into spring 2024. The Central Okanagan region is abuzz with some intriguing developments, and I'm excited to share the insights with you.

BC's Market at a Glance

Across British Columbia, there has been a 15.3% jump in residential unit sales and a 4.7% rise in average prices this February compared to last year. With total sales reaching $5.4 billion, marking a hefty 20.7% increase, it's clear that the province is witnessing a significant shift. This sets a lively backdrop for our local market dynamics in the Central Okanagan.

The Central Okanagan Story

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Your Guide in a Transforming Market

Navigating the Nuances of Buying and Selling in Central Okanagan

Welcome to the definitive guide on thriving in the Central Okanagan real estate market. Whether you're contemplating a sale, on the lookout for your dream home, or simply keen on the latest market trends, this piece is crafted to arm you with the essential knowledge and strategies needed in today's real estate landscape.

Market Overview

The Canadian real estate scene, including Kelowna's dynamic market, is subtly shifting. With a modest national average price increase anticipated, the explosive growth of previous years is giving way to more stable conditions. This evolution encourages a more thoughtful approach to transactions, influenced by…

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Embracing Opportunities in the Okanagan Real Estate Market

In this ever-evolving market, it's natural to feel hesitant when considering selling or buying a new home. However, it's crucial to remember that every change brings new opportunities. By shifting your perspective and focusing on the positive aspects of the current market, you can navigate with confidence and make informed decisions. In this blog, we'll delve deeper into the strategies for success in both buying and selling in the Okanagan region this fall.

The Buyer's Arena: Strategies for Success

Now is an opportune time to explore the varied properties available in the Okanagan. By being proactive, you're not merely reacting to the market's ebbs and flows; you're positioning yourself…

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Kelowna’s Hottest Neighbourhoods: Where to Buy Your Next Home

Nestled in the heart of British Columbia’s Okanagan Valley, Kelowna’s stunning landscape is sure to take your breath away. Situated around the clear blue waters of Okanagan lake and surrounded by rolling hills, this warm and welcoming community has an abundance of activities and attractions. From world-class wineries to outdoor adventures, Kelowna offers an incredible array of experiences that will leave a lasting impression on visitors and locals alike: a place where anyone can feel at home. 

Kelowna is a hub of activity. Its thriving downtown core is filled with shops, restaurants, and cultural attractions. At the same time, the city maintains a small-town feel, with friendly…

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As an experienced luxury Realtor(r) selling lakeshore properties in the Central Okanagan, I have seen firsthand how the lakeshore market has appreciated over the last decade. The allure of living on the lake is undeniable, and the demand for these lakeshore properties continues to grow stronger; especially in Kelowna and West Kelowna. Just to provide some insight on growth; the biggest climbs we have seen in the Okanagan real estate market has been through the 2020-2022 pandemic period. In the summer of 2020, I sold a 2015-built lakeshore home, on Okanagan lake, for $2,350,000. Only 12 months later, we relisted that same lakeshore property for sale for $3,200,000 and successfully sold this lakeshore Okanagan home for $3,100,000 in 2021. The ROI (rate of…

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