Everyone thinks the Okanagan is outrageously expensive, but what if in 2025 you could still find lake-view homes in the North Okanagan for less than the cost of a tiny condo in Vancouver?

In this blog, we walk through where the best real estate deals are hiding, what your money can actually buy in Vernon and the surrounding areas, and why now might be one of the smartest times to make your move.

I'm Lisa Salt with RE/MAX Vernon and Salt Fowler, your local North Okanagan and Shuswap real estate experts. If you have been dreaming of the Okanagan lifestyle, the lake, the wineries, the mountains, yet you think it is out of your reach, this will change your perspective.

Busting the Big Okanagan Myth

The common belief is that the Okanagan is unaffordable. It is true that Kelowna prices can feel out of reach, but when you head just 45 minutes north into the North Okanagan and Vernon, the story shifts dramatically.

In September 2025, the average single-family home price in Vernon was $784,648. Kelowna Central sat at $1,082,000, and Vancouver’s average detached home price was over $1,930,000. That means Vernon offers prices roughly 25 to 30 percent lower than Kelowna and nearly 60 percent lower than Vancouver.

You still get the perks, lake views, wineries nearby, golf courses, skiing, and a laid-back small-town community. The bonus, you are saving hundreds of thousands of dollars while enjoying the same lifestyle.

What $750,000 Buys You in the North Okanagan

A budget of around $750,000 could get you a three-bedroom single-family home on a quiet street, minutes from the lake, likely with a garage and yard, and possibly even room for a pool. In Vancouver, that same budget will not get you a house at all, it strictly limits you to condos.

Here are a few real examples:

6732 Foothills Drive, Vernon
Sold for $759,000, listed at $739,900. This three-bedroom, three-bathroom home offers 2,908 sq. ft., built in 1986 on 0.17 acres. It needs a few updates but sits in a great subdivision with lake and valley views.

50 Lochhaven Court, Coldstream
Sold for $760,000, listed at $789,000. This four-bedroom, three-bathroom, 2,216 sq. ft. home was built in 1988 on 0.261 acres. A solid home in a fantastic neighbourhood close to Kalamalka Lake.

2016 Mountain View Avenue, Lumby
Sold for $750,000, listed at $759,000. A newer 2018 build offering three bedrooms, three bathrooms, 2,129 sq. ft. on 0.22 acres. A move-in ready home on a good-sized lot.

Each of these homes offers more space, privacy, and that unmistakable peaceful Okanagan feel that many buyers are searching for.

Where to Find the Most Affordable Neighbourhoods

If you are hunting for value, start in these areas:

South Vernon
Family-friendly, close to schools, and priced well below the city average. Great for first-time buyers or investors.

Mission Hill and the edges of East Hill
Character homes, mature trees, and even peek-a-boo lake views, without the premium of Coldstream.

Lavington, Lumby, Enderby, Falkland
Ideal for buyers who want a rural lifestyle with bigger lots, peaceful surroundings, and room for a shop or hobby space, while still being close to Vernon.

With a slightly higher budget, Bella Vista and Okanagan Landing offer spectacular lake views in some sections, often still under $900,000.

Is Now a Good Time to Buy?

Residential inventory in the North Okanagan is up over 10 percent from last year, and homes now take around 76 days on average to sell. Buyers have more leverage, sellers are more flexible, and competition is lighter. Interest rates are expected to continue easing in 2026.

Getting into the market before rates drop could save you tens of thousands because once rates fall, buyer competition typically increases, and rising competition pushes prices up.

The Takeaway

You do not have to give up on the dream of living the Okanagan lifestyle, you simply need to look in the right places. The North Okanagan remains one of BC’s best-kept secrets for affordable lake living.

You may not live directly on the lake, but you will always be close to one, with three lakes in the region. Friendly neighbours, outdoor recreation, space to breathe, and a lifestyle many never want to leave.

Thanks so much for reading, and we hope to see you in the North Okanagan.

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About the Author: The article above, Why You Can Buy a Dream Home in the North Okanagan for LESS Than You Think!, was provided by Lisa Salt, an authority on Vernon BC and area real estate and a leader in the field of real estate blogging and vlogging.  Lisa and her group have helped literally helped thousands of families buy and sell homes since 1993. 

Looking to buy a home in the Vernon/North Okanagan area?  Check out "Everything You Need to Know About Buying a Home" article. It’s free of charge and will save you a ton of time!

Looking to sell?  We use the latest technology to get our clients’ homes sold quickly and for as much money as possible.

We help people buy and sell real estate in the following Okanagan/Shuswap areas: Vernon, Armstrong, Enderby, Lake Country, Lumby, Westside and Salmon Arm/Shuswap.

Call or Text 250-549-7258 or email webinfo@saltfowler.com