Hi, it's Jeff here with your quick market update. We're looking back to see what happened in January of 2026. In the South Okanagan area of the Interior. 

 

For residential sales, number of units sold are down by about 33% for the month of January, compared to last year. As we're looking at sales specifically for South Okanagan detached homes, (residential houses) sale number of 22 for the month of January, which is down 47.6% over last year.

The benchmark price has inched down just a little, bit to $711,100 and it's 7.5%, down from last year same time. As far as days to sell, it's down a little bit as well. days to sell are 96, taking just over three months to sell a property approximately. Inventory is down about 15.4%, so there are re 358 single family homes for sale in the South Okanagan for January.

Thanks for watching. and we'll see you next month! 

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January 2026 Overview and What It Means for Buyers and Sellers

As we move into 2026, the South Okanagan real estate market continues to adjust to shifting buyer confidence, affordability pressures, and seasonal realities. January’s data gives us a clear early-year snapshot of where the market stands and, more importantly, what that means for anyone considering a move this year.

A Slower Start to the Year

January is traditionally one of the quieter months in real estate, and 2026 followed that familiar pattern. In the South Okanagan, 70 residential properties sold, representing a 33.3% decrease in unit sales compared to January 2025. Dollar volume also declined year over year, down 26% to $49.5 million 

This slowdown isn’t unexpected. Many buyers remain cautious, sellers are selective about when they list, and winter activity tends to reflect planning rather than urgency.

Inventory Is Easing, But Still Elevated. Active listings for all residential categories in the South Okanagan sat at 973 properties, down 7.9% year over year, while new listings declined 10.3% to 280 units 

What this tells us:

Inventory is slowly tightening, not expanding. Sellers are being more deliberate about entering the market.

Buyers still have options and we will see if the balance is shifting away from excess supply however there are many properties from the past 2 years that have gone off the market and we are likely to see many of these appear back on the market in 2026. 

Pricing appears to be more Stable Than Some Headlines Suggest. Despite fewer sales, benchmark prices across most South Okanagan housing types have remained relatively stable, with only modest year-over-year adjustments since the market peak in 2022. 

South Okanagan Benchmark Prices (January 2026):

Single-family homes: $711,100
Townhomes: $519,900
Apartments/condos: $401,300

While some price softening has occurred compared to last year, the data suggests price corrections have been measured, not dramatic, particularly for well situated and well-presented homes. 

Days on Market: Patience Is Part of the Process

Homes are taking longer to sell, which reinforces the importance of realistic pricing and preparation.

Single-family homes: 96 days on market
Townhomes: 88 days
Condos/Apartments: 109 days

Buyers are taking their time, doing their homework, and negotiating carefully. Sellers who understand this and plan accordingly tend to have better outcomes.

What This Means If You’re Thinking of Selling

For homeowners, particularly those considering downsizing or relocating: 
Pricing strategy matters more than ever.
Preparation and presentation are key.
Timing your move with your next purchase is a little easier now than it has been in the past faster selling markets.

The good news? Well-priced homes are still selling, especially when expectations are aligned with current conditions.

What This Means If You’re Thinking of Buying

For buyers, the South Okanagan remains an attractive lifestyle market with:

More choice than in peak years
Less competition than 2021–2022
Greater room for due diligence and negotiation

If you’re planning a purchase tied to retirement, downsizing, or lifestyle changes, this type of market can actually work in your favour, provided you’re clear on your goals and timeline.

Looking Ahead

January data sets the tone, but it doesn’t write the whole story. As we move toward spring, buyer confidence, more realistic interest rate expectations, and lifestyle-driven moves will play a larger role in shaping activity across the South Okanagan.

For anyone navigating a move this year, understanding the numbers is only half the equation. Coordinating when to sell, where to buy, and how to reduce stress along the way is where thoughtful planning makes all the difference.

If you’d like a personalized breakdown of how these market conditions affect your specific home or your downsizing plan, I’m always happy to help clarify the next steps.

Jeffrey Sefton
Real Broker | Okanagan Home Team
OkanaganRealEstateSearch.com

Contact Jeff today!