🏡 Okanagan Home Pricing Tips

Pricing your home right in the Okanagan isn’t just about what the neighbor’s place sold for. It’s about understanding what buyers are willing to pay a premium for — and how to position your property based on the lifestyle it offers.

In 2025, five features are consistently driving up home values across Kelowna, Vernon, Penticton and beyond. Here’s how they affect pricing — and how you can use them to your advantage.

1. 🚗 A Garage: More Than Just Parking — It’s Space, Storage & Lifestyle

In the Okanagan’s varied climate, a garage is a must-have for many buyers — but it’s not just about sheltering vehicles. It’s about the extra space that adds lifestyle flexibility, security, and convenience.

How it affects price:

• A single-car garage typically adds $20,000–$30,000 in value.
• A double-car garage can increase your home’s worth by $50,000 or more—especially in urban areas where covered parking is scarce.

Average Sizes Buyers Expect:

• A single garage usually measures about 12 to 14 feet wide and 20 to 24 feet deep, enough for one vehicle plus storage.
• A double garage typically ranges from 20 to 24 feet wide and 20 to 24 feet deep, comfortably fitting two vehicles with room for tools, bikes, or a small workshop.

For many buyers, the potential to expand or add a garage is just as important as the garage itself. Even if your home doesn’t currently have a garage, having space on the property to build one can be a strong selling point. It signals flexibility and long-term value.

🔍 Heads up: Zoning rules and municipal bylaws are always evolving. Some areas in the Okanagan are now permitting garage conversions into legal suites or even carriage homes.
📞 Give me a call before listing — I can check the latest zoning and explore whether your garage or garage space might qualify for these value-boosting uses. Sometimes a variance is granted, which can instantly increase your property’s value.

2. 🏊‍♂️ A Pool: The Ultimate Summer Feature

With those hot Okanagan summers, a private pool screams luxury and lifestyle. But it’s not for everyone.

How it affects price:

• In-ground pools add the most value, especially in family-friendly neighborhoods.
• Saltwater or heated pools tend to command higher premiums due to lower maintenance and better resale appeal.

💦 Saltwater vs. Chlorine:

• Saltwater pools are easier on the skin and eyes, and are cheaper to maintain long-term. They're considered more eco-friendly — a big plus for many modern buyers.
• Chlorine pools have higher ongoing costs and require more maintenance, but installation is usually less expensive.

That said, pools aren’t a one-size-fits-all perk. Insurance costs, upkeep, and child safety concerns can make them a drawback for some.

🎯 Bottom Line: If your ideal buyer is dreaming of pool parties and sunset BBQs, your home just jumped in value.

3. 🌊 A Lakeview: Premium Perception, Premium Price

In the Okanagan, lake views are king. They aren’t just a visual treat — they’re an emotional experience. Buyers will pay more for a home that offers that instant “wow” moment.

How it affects price:

• A partial lakeview can boost a home’s value by 5–15%.
• Panoramic, unobstructed views? You’re looking at a potential increase of $100K or more, especially in hillside neighborhoods like Upper Mission or Lakeview Heights.
• Bonus points if the view can be enjoyed from multiple rooms or outdoor living spaces.

🏞️ What makes a lakeview more valuable?

• Elevation and orientation (sunsets = $$)
• Privacy and unobstructed sightlines
• Zoning or height restrictions that prevent future build-outs blocking your view

📸 Pro tip: Drone footage and sunset photography can make your lakeview shine online — before a buyer ever books a showing.

4. 🌳 A Yard: Outdoor Space Is Hot Again — Especially Flat Space

Since the pandemic, demand for outdoor living has skyrocketed. But here’s a twist unique to the Okanagan — finding a flat yard where kids can safely play is surprisingly tough because of our rolling hills and varied geography.

Why it matters:
Families with kids (and let’s be honest, most buyers want kids or grandkids in mind) are on the lookout for level, usable yards — perfect for running around, setting up playsets, or just enjoying safe outdoor fun.

If your property has a flat yard, that’s a major selling point that can add $25,000–$75,000 or more to your home’s value depending on size and neighborhood.

But what if your yard is sloped or smaller? No worries! Buyers also value proximity to parks, playgrounds, or green spaces. Living next door to a park or on a quiet cul-de-sac can feel like an extension of your outdoor space — offering safe, peaceful places for kids to play and neighbors to gather.

🏡 Bonus: Cul-de-sacs also tend to have less traffic, which adds to safety and community feel — a real plus in family-focused neighborhoods.

🌿 Other yard perks buyers love:

• Irrigation systems
• Low-maintenance landscaping
• Fully fenced yards for pets
• Space for a hot tub, pool, or potential carriage home

🏕️ Remember: The yard is often a buyer’s first emotional impression and sets the tone for the whole home experience.

5. 🏠 Income-Producing Suites: The Ultimate Mortgage Helper

With affordability being a hot topic in the Okanagan, secondary suites are one of the most powerful pricing tools you can have. Whether it’s a basement apartment or carriage house, buyers love the idea of passive income.

How it affects price:

• A legal, self-contained suite can increase your value by $50,000–$100,000 or more.
• Suites with separate entrances, kitchens, and laundry are the most desirable.

💰 Why lenders love them:
Banks will often count rental income when qualifying buyers — which means a home with a suite can allow a buyer to qualify for a bigger mortgage.
That’s huge. It opens the door to more buyers, higher offers, and faster sales.

🎯 Appeals to:

• First-time buyers looking for a “mortgage helper”
• Multigenerational families wanting flexible living
• Investors looking for long-term cash flow

⚖️ Legal vs. Non-Conforming:
Legal suites appraise higher and make financing easier. Not sure where yours stands?
📞 I work closely with builder's and can help clarify your suite’s status - and its true market value.

💬 Final Thoughts: Price with Confidence

In a market as dynamic as the Okanagan, pricing your home correctly isn’t about guessing — it’s about understanding what buyers value most right now. A garage, pool, lakeview, yard, or income suite can significantly boost your property’s appeal — if positioned and marketed the right way.

Thinking about selling? Want to know what your home’s worth with these features in mind?

📞 Call, text, or DM me anytime. I’ll give you a clear, honest breakdown of your home’s value — and a game plan to sell it smart.

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