Today, I’m answering one of the most popular questions I get: whether you're local, from Alberta or Vancouver, or anywhere across Canada or the United States – what can I get for my money in Vernon?
In this blog, we’re taking a close-up look at what $500K, $750K, and $1 million can buy you right now in the beautiful Greater Vernon and North Okanagan real estate market.
I’m Lisa Salt with RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler, and if you’re wondering where your budget fits in the North Okanagan and what kind of home you can expect, this should help you picture it all.
Let’s dive in and tour these three price points. And don’t worry – at the end, we’ll tell you how to download our absolutely free Vernon relocation package – so stick around.
$500,000
This is a popular budget for first-time buyers, downsizers, and those relocating from more expensive cities looking for an affordable lifestyle – or for those coming from more affordable cities wanting to enter the Okanagan market.
Option 1: Condo or Townhome
Expect 900 to 1,200 sq ft, likely in central Vernon neighbourhoods like Harwood, Mission Hill, or Westmount. You might find an updated kitchen, a small patio, or a garage/carport.
Example: 114 - 913 Heritage Drive — 4 bed, 3 bath, built in 1992, 1,187 sq ft with unfinished basement and renovations. Sold for around $500,000.
Option 2: Older Single Family Home
Think 1960s–1980s construction, under 1,500 sq ft, on a small lot, often needing cosmetic or bigger updates. Common in Mission Hill, Harwood, Armstrong, or Lumby.
Example: 3413 24th Avenue — 4 bed, 2 bath, built in 1960, 1,700 sq ft. Sold for $510,000. Some renovations included.
Option 3: Rural Manufactured or Modular Home
Possibly on 0.25 to 0.5 acres in areas like Westside, Lavington, BX, or even Okanagan Landing. Good for buyers seeking land and fewer neighbours.
Example: 6775 Cools Road (BX) — 3 bed, 1 bath, 1,231 sq ft on 0.23 acres with a pool. Sold for $470,000.
What you won’t get: lake views, new construction, or move-in ready detached homes in top neighbourhoods. But solid starter homes or condos? Absolutely.
$750,000
This is a very popular mid-range budget, especially for families relocating from out of town, upsizers, or cash buyers from pricier markets. It’s right around the current average price of a single family home in the North Okanagan (2025).
Option 1: Detached Family Home
Usually 3–5 bedrooms, 2–3 bathrooms, 2,000+ sq ft, built in the '90s or early 2000s, with finished basement, garage, yard. Common in Middleton Mountain, Foothills, East Hill.
Example: 1401 39th Avenue (East Hill) — 5 bed, 2 bath, 2,494 sq ft, built in 1965, with basement suite and RV parking. Sold for $750,000.
Option 2: Newer Townhome or Duplex
Usually 1,400–1,800 sq ft, built in the last 5–10 years or brand new. Modern finishes, garage, low-maintenance lifestyle. Common in 55+ communities or Bareland Strata.
Example: #31 - 24 Sarsons Road (Quail Run) — 3 bed, 3 bath, 2,364 sq ft, built in 1997. Detached home in gated 55+ community. Sold for $750,000.
Option 3: Smaller Acreage
More likely in Lumby, Armstrong, Enderby – rural, with older homes, detached shops, barns. Ideal for hobbyists, gardeners, or those seeking quiet.
Example: 2888 Mabel Lake Road (Enderby) — 3 bed, 2 bath, 2,138 sq ft on 13.98 acres near the Shuswap River. Sold for $750,000.
Watch out: bidding wars. Especially for move-in ready homes in hot areas like East Hill or Middleton Mountain.
$1,000,000
This is where the Okanagan dream lifestyle starts to show up. Here’s what you can get:
Option 1: Executive Family Homes
Large (3,000+ sq ft), custom-built homes with 4–5 bedrooms, suites or nanny quarters, professional landscaping, and possibly a pool. Common in Coldstream, Foothills, Turtle Mountain, The Rise.
Example: 516 Middleton Way (Coldstream) — 5 bed, 3 bath, 3,133 sq ft, built in 2005. Sold for $1,010,000.
Option 2: Homes with Lake or Valley Views
In Bella Vista, Adventure Bay, Middleton Mountain, The Rise. Expect large decks, hot tubs, and spectacular views of Okanagan, Kalamalka, or Swan Lake.
Example: 7463 Tronson Road — 4 bed, 4 bath, 3,175 sq ft, built in 1980 with major upgrades and panoramic lake view. Sold for $990,000.
Option 3: Acreage Property
1–5 acres in BX, Lumby, Armstrong, or rural Coldstream. May include barns, shops, RV parking – ideal for hobby farms or quiet retreats.
Example: 2483 Francis Street — 3 bed, 4 bath, just over 3,000 sq ft on 5 flat acres close to town. Built in 1978. Sold for $987,500.
Note: One million dollars no longer buys luxury lakefront. That now typically starts at $1.5M+. The least expensive single-family lakefront home right now in Greater Vernon is $1.395M – and it needs work.
Quick Recap
- $500K: Condo, townhome, or older smaller house
- $750K: Detached home, small acreage, or possible lake view
- $1M: Executive home with lake view or 2–5 acre estate
In 2025, Vernon still offers more affordability compared to Kelowna, Vancouver, or Victoria – though prices have risen. If you're coming from a major city, your money stretches farther here.
If you're local and looking to upgrade, or coming from a less expensive market, you may need to consider creative options – like neighbouring communities such as Armstrong, Lumby, or Westside, where you may find more affordable opportunities.
Final Thoughts
Now you know exactly what your budget can buy in Vernon in 2025 – from starter homes to lifestyle estates. If you're curious about what's currently available in your price range or if you're ready to buy or sell, we’d love to help at RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler.
Let us know which price point you'd like us to explore next – or if there's a specific neighbourhood you'd like to see featured.
I’m Lisa Salt with RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler – thanks so much for reading, and we’ll see you in the next one.
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About the Author: The article above, Don’t BUY in Vernon Until You See This: What $500K, $750K & $1M Really Gets You in 2025, 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
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