The December Market
December in the Okanagan signals the close of the real estate year, as winter conditions and the holiday season naturally slow the pace of market activity. Shorter days and a shift toward year-end routines encourage many households to pause and reflect, while others take time to assess their next steps heading into the new year. While overall activity typically softens in December, market conditions continue to support thoughtful decision-making as 2026 approaches. Residential real estate activity in December tracked close to normal levels, resulting in a healthy conclusion to the year, reports the Association of Interior REALTORS® (the Association).
Residential Market Overview
According to the Association, a total of 788 residential unit sales were recorded across the Association region in December, down from November’s 939 units, yet up 10.4% compared to units sold in December last year.
Kadin Rainville, President of the Association, notes “despite navigating a year of economic shifts, policy changes, and evolving buyer and seller behavior, the residential real estate market wrapped up the year on steady ground. Activity finishing within the 10-year average range reflects a market that has largely recalibrated and normalized, setting a positive and stable foundation as we move into 2026.”
Inventory
New residential listings saw a 9.6% increase compared to December 2024 with 1,017 new listings recorded last month. The total number of active listings saw a 0.5% decrease in inventory compared to December 2024 with 6,686 recorded across the Association region. The highest percentage increase in active listings across the Association region was recorded for a third consecutive month in the North Okanagan with a total increase of 11% compared to December 2024.
Home Sales by Property Type
In the Okanagan and Shuswap/Revelstoke regions, the benchmark price for single-family homes saw decreases last month in all sub-regions in year-over-year comparisons with the exception of the South Okanagan, which saw an increase of 2.7%, coming in at $743,700.
The townhome housing category recorded the Central Okanagan being the only region that saw a decrease of 9.5% compared to the same time the previous year, coming in at $675,700.
The benchmark price in the condominium housing category saw decreases of 0.2% and 1.3% in the Central and North Okanagan and the region compared to December 2024, coming in at $470,600 and $302,700 respectively.
The Stilhavn Report
Whether you are looking to buy or sell a home or investment property in the coming months, or just curious about what’s happening in your neighbourhood, The Stilhavn Report has you covered. Providing in-depth market information and monthly summaries of what’s happening in Metro Vancouver and the Okanagan, these monthly reports are the perfect starting point for first time buyers and market savvy investors alike.
Welcome to an Elevated Real Estate Experience
At Stilhavn, we continue our relentless pursuit of excellence because it’s our intrinsic belief that our clients deserve better than the status quo. When you become a client with Stilhavn you become a client for life, and it is our privilege to serve not only our local Okanagan market, but further corners within the Lower Mainland.
We keep our fingers on the pulse, we collaborate extensively across our teams, and we are committed to providing an elevated experience when it comes to your next buying or selling journey.
