The Marshall

Lakeshore

Report | Year-End 2024

An up-to-date report with a focus on providing valuable insights into the lakeshore property market throughout the Okanagan Valley while effectively marketing our listings locally, regionally, nationally, and internationally in both an online and paper format, supported by Sotheby’s International Realty Canada.

We are pleased to announce the evolution of the “The Marshall Lakeshore Report”, now brought fully online in addition to our paper format to increase our exposure across Canada, and backed by Sotheby’s International Realty Canada to expand our reach internationally. This is an up-to-date report with a focus on providing valuable data throughout our local lakeshore market.

This report is distributed quarterly on paper format, as well as maintaining an up-to-date focus online, allowing a seamless ability to gain insight into the ever-changing lakeshore property market throughout the Okanagan Valley. As we strive to continue to be experts for these unique properties, we hope this report is useful to you in some manner. My direct line at 250-470-2388 is always open if you wish to have a conversation about the market. This report, along with print advertising, professional content creation, and use of photography/videography are just some of the tools I use to successfully market and sell some of the most notable, unique and high-value properties throughout the Okanagan. As we progress into the Fall, I look forward to assisting all lakeshore owners and purchasers with their lakeshore needs.

Personal Real Estate Corporation, BCOM, REALTOR® and Associate Broker, Sotheby’s International Realty Canada

Welcome

Lakeshore

01
Introduction

Lakeshore Market Report

Looking at the overall market over the last two quarters, considering both the Central and North Okanagan, it’s clear that we are still in a period of general sluggishness as we move further into the year.

Sales volumes remain low, but I find it promising that the few transactions that have occurred are of high quality. For instance, at the start of Q2, I completed a significant transaction in Whiskey Cove, Lake Country, for $7,500,000. This sale demonstrates that while activity may be limited, buyers are still willing to move quickly when the right opportunity arises. Likewise, a very substantial sale at $16,000,000 was very promising to see, showing a demand for these kinds of quality product.



While this is a positive sign, I don’t foresee enough changes in the demand side of the market to suggest that purchasers will begin buying in excess anytime soon. Unless we see a further, unexpected further drop in interest rates or a significant surge in the stock market, which would provide affluent buyers with additional purchasing power, it’s hard to envision a sharp increase in activity as we get into the Fall season. However, relying on such macroeconomic shifts to fuel the lakeshore market is not something I’m comfortable doing. Instead, I expect us to remain in a low-sales environment with relatively stable pricing during our typical slower months.



Despite these challenges, we remain committed to marketing our lakeshore listings locally, nationally, and internationally, positioning ourselves as the experts in high-value lakeshore properties throughout the Okanagan Valley. The success of the 15870 Whiskey Cove Road sale is a great example of our ability to procure serious buyers, even without the involvement of other agents or brokerages. This proves that while buyers may be cautious, they are out there and ready to act when the right product becomes available. Now with Sotheby’s, we have a great way to reach them in an incredibly effective way.



As we continue to monitor the market, I’ve noticed that there is considerable competition among active listings across most price points. With the current pace of sales, it could realistically take 6-12 months for most properties to sell, which is why realistic pricing and an aggressive marketing program are crucial for sellers in this environment.



The golden question remains: “What is the lakeshore market going to do for the rest of 2024?” Unless there is a significant and unforeseen shift in the market, I believe we will continue to operate within a tight pricing window of +/- 5% for the remainder of the year. There simply isn’t enough momentum or “fuel in the tank” to drive the market upward, especially considering the healthy amount of inventory that still needs to be absorbed.



In summary, while sales are expected to remain slow, buyers are carefully watching the market, and we expect pricing to remain stable. Sellers who are motivated to sell should focus on aligning their pricing with market expectations to stand out in what is still a competitive landscape

The lakeshore market is still showing some signs of life as it is a less interest rate-sensitive product.

Scott Marshall

Lakeshore

02
Central Okanagan Statistics

Central Okanagan

Central Okanagan Lakeshore

Q2 2024 has shown an increase in lakeshore market activity, with 9 transactions compared to just 10 over the last three quarters combined. However, while this uptick may suggest improving confidence, it’s important to note that a significant sale of $16,000,000 is skewing the average data. The reality of the market continues to be more complex, with ongoing challenges still evident.

For Q2 2024, the average listing price was $6,425,333.33, and the average sale price was $5,354,988.89. However, the median sale price, which may give a more accurate picture due to the outlier sale, stood at $4,000,000. This disparity highlights how a single high-priced sale can distort overall averages, masking some of the market’s underlying difficulties. Properties sold averaged 1.05 acres with 163.38 feet of lakeshore frontage, while the price per square foot for homes was $1,116.84, and the price per foot of lakeshore frontage was $32,775.39. These figures may seem to indicate robust pricing, but without the $16,000,000 sale, the numbers would likely reflect a more tempered market reality. While the sale of the $16,000,000 lakeshore property is notable, it does not necessarily reflect broader market conditions. The lakeshore market remains challenged, with limited sales and cautious buyers. That said, increased interest and viewings are an encouraging first step toward recovery, but a more sustained rebound is still needed to alleviate these ongoing difficulties.

Sales price average
+19.42%
2023 → 2024 YTD

The average sale price rose 19.42% YoY, and list prices were up 27.81% YoY, reflecting some seller optimism. However, this must be viewed with caution due to the influence of the outlier transaction.

Average land price per sq.ft.
+36.01%
2023 → 2024 YTD

There was a 36.01% rise in land price per square foot and a 32.84% increase in price per square foot for homes…These increases demonstrate that while the overall market may be struggling, the value of lakeshore properties, particularly those with desirable frontage, remains high.

Average land size per sale
-12.20%
2023 → 2024 YTD

This decrease indicates a trend toward smaller parcels being sold. Buyers, especially in the luxury segment, seem hesitant to commit to significant purchases, particularly given the backdrop of lingering uncertainty in the market.


Lakeshore

03
North Okanagan Statistics

North Okanagan

North Okanagan Lakeshore

The North Okanagan lakeshore market saw a modest increase in sales in Q2 2024, with 4 total transactions, compared to 7 over the last three quarters combined.

While this shows some positive movement, the numbers still reflect the ongoing challenges in the market. In Q2 2024, the average list price was $1,838,750.00, with an average sale price of $1,617,250.00. The median sale price came in slightly lower at $1,437,500.00, indicating that more affordable lakeshore properties are still driving the majority of sales activity. Properties averaged 0.670 acres with 129.25 feet of lakeshore frontage. The average price per square foot of home was $827.45, while lakeshore frontage commanded $12,512.57 per foot, though the median was higher at $16,428.57 per foot. In Q1, no lakeshore sales occurred outside of a stratified townhome, which wasn’t particularly relevant for lakeshore data. However, as anticipated, the increased showings I noted in Q1 did translate into more transactions as the weather improved and spring arrived. The North Okanagan’s affordability, in comparison to the Central Okanagan, continues to drive demand from buyers looking to stretch their dollar further. The equalization of the speculation tax across regions, including Vernon and Lake Country, has leveled the playing field, meaning that buyers are now focusing less on tax considerations and more on where they can get the best value for their purchase. This remains a fascinating shift as these areas used to be havens for tax-conscious buyers. Finally, similar to the Central Okanagan, I’m seeing healthy interest from Alberta and Lower Mainland buyers, and I anticipate further showing activity as out-of-town purchasers arrive in greater numbers through the summer months.

Sales price average
-36.76%
2023 → 2024 YTD

List prices dropped by 35.88% YoY, while sale prices decreased by 36.76% YoY, reflecting the more budget-conscious purchases occurring in Q2. 

Average acre size per sale
+53.26%
2023 → 2024 YTD

Interestingly, acreage per transaction increased by 53.26% YoY, signaling that larger properties were sold despite the lower overall sales values.

Average price per sq.ft. of lakeshore frontage
-58.74%
2023 → 2024 YTD

The price per square foot of lakeshore frontage dropped 58.74% YoY, reinforcing the reality that pricing is still somewhat soft in the North Okanagan, despite an increase in activity.

Lakeshore

04
Speculation & Vacancy Tax

Speculation & Vacancy Tax

On November 22 2023, the BC provincial government announced that it would be expanding its speculation and vacancy tax to the following regions for 2025:

Lake Country, Peachland, Vernon, Coldstream, Summerland, Penticton, Courteney, Comox, Cumberland, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Salmon Arm and Kamloops.

“Residential property owners in these communities will need to declare for the first time in January 2025 based on how they used their property in 2024.”

“The speculation and vacancy tax rate is 2% for people who don’t pay the majority of their taxes in Canada, or 0.5% for Canadian citizens or permanent residents who pay the majority of their taxes in Canada.”

This is a very interesting policy change from the provincial government. Since its first inception in 2018, the major markets of Kelowna/West-Kelowna were impacted by this tax implementation here in the Okanagan. As a result, many purchasers looking for secondary/vacation homes were drawn to the “secondary” lakeshore markets of Lake Country, Vernon, Coldstream, Peachland and Summerland. I have had many buyers specifically buy in these regions due to the tax benefits in comparison to Kelowna/West-Kelowna.

With this announcement and anticipated implementation in the coming months, I would anticipate that we may see some sellers choose to sell their lakeshore properties if they are not wishing to pay this tax over the years to come. Likewise, with more “underutilized” lakeshore properties, there may be a preference to rent the property long-term or find another solution to avoid paying the speculation tax. To put it into perspective, a seller (Canadian Citizen) who holds a $5,000,000 property (assessed) and has to pay the speculation tax would be responsible for the payment of $5,000,000 x 0.5% = $25,000 annually. This is a large bill to pay and there will be resistance, both financially and in principle.

I am happy to have a conversation about this tax and how it may impact your lakeshore investment; my direct line is 250-470-2388.

Residential property owners in these communities will need to declare for the first time in January 2025 based on how they used their property in 2024.

Scott Marshall

Lakeshore

05
Notable Sales

FEATURED LAKESHORE

Listings

Lakeshore Listings

06
5560 Lakeshore Road, Kelowna

Lakeshore Listings

06
704 Stonor Steet, Summerland

Lakeshore Listings

06
Lot A 16012 Oyama Road, Lake Country

Lakeshore Listings

06
2765 Arthur Road, Kelowna

Lakeshore Listings

06
Lot B Oyama Road, Lake Country

Lakeshore Listings

06
Lot A Oyama Road, Lake Country

Lakeshore Listings

06
16980 Coral Beach Road, Lake Country

Lakeshore Listings

07
#32, 18451 Crystal Waters Road

Are you looking to buy or sell a lakeshore property? We can help.

The Marshall Reports

Reports with a focus on providing valuable insights into the local luxury, lakeshore, acreage, and unique property market throughout the Central Okanagan.

Why Work

With Us

$150M

Total sales volume since 2020

180+

transactions since 2020

4

agents

80+

active listings

The Scott Marshall Group is a sophisticated group of high-producing agents at Sotheby’s International Realty Canada.

After 8 years at a large international real estate company, achieving the top sales position out of its 200+ agents and #2 in sales for British Columbia, Scott transitioned to Sotheby’s International Realty Canada.

Now, with multiple high-producing agents that mirror the success of his individual success, their team has produced hundreds of millions of dollars in sales volume, and have created some of the most effective and irreplaceable marketing platforms in the industry. Being part of the fifth generation of his family to call the Okanagan home, the Marshall family has a proud history in real estate and farming dating back to 1911; Scott knows the area like the back of his hand and every possible detail that is relevant to a potential transaction in the Okanagan. A large percentage of his business comes through repeat business and the referrals of satisfied clients.

Scott Marshall Group, Okanagan Real Estate, standing outside of the Laurel Packing House in Kelowna.

Awards

Awards

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* 2022 – RE/MAX Canada

Contact

Scott Marshall and his team are happy to assist in any way possible on the potential purchase or sale of any property here in the Okanagan Valley. With a history dating back to 1911, we know the area like the back of our hands.

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