The January Market
January in the Okanagan opens the year at a measured pace, shaped by winter conditions and a natural post-holiday reset across the region. Cooler temperatures, quieter days, and a shift back into routine often temper market activity, as households take time to reassess priorities and plan for the year ahead. While transactions typically start the year more gradually, January remains an important period for establishing pricing expectations and preparing for increased activity later in the year, particularly as residential real estate activity eased off its unusually strong December pace. Overall, the January market presented a calm and deliberate start to 2026, setting a steady foundation for the months to come.
Residential Market Overview
According to the Association of Interior REALTORS (the Association), a total of 203 residential unit sales were recorded within the Central Okanagan region in January, down from December’s 239 units, and down 15.8% compared to units sold in January 2025.
Kadin Rainville, President of the Association, notes “January brought a bit of a cooldown in the real estate sector after a very strong December, which aligns with typical seasonal trends, even if the dip was a bit sharper than anticipated. With prices holding relatively steady and demand still present, the market may be recalibrating rather than retreating. While some are waiting on the sidelines, the level of activity suggests this may be more about timing and economic conditions than a true shift in momentum.”
Inventory
Single-family home inventory in the Central Okanagan totaled 940 in January 2026, down 1.5% from last month and 10.6% versus last year. At 314, inventory within the townhome housing category was down 3.7% versus last month and 8.2% over last year. Inventory of condominium homes in the Central Okanagan was 685 in January 2026, down slightly over last month (0.3%) but up by 6.7% versus last year.
Benchmark Price by Property Type
In the Central Okanagan, the benchmark price for single-family homes increased by 1.4% over last month, but down 0.1% over last year, coming in at $1,060,300.
In the townhome housing category, the benchmark price increased by 0.4% over last month and down by 8.7% over last year, coming in at $678,400.
The benchmark price in the condominium housing category saw a slight decrease from January 2025, but an increase of 7.2% over last month, coming in at $504,600.
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.
