Finding waterfront property for sale in Kelowna can be challenging without proper real estate representation. There are limited lakeside homes available for sale in Kelowna and the most reasonably priced waterfront properties tend to be snapped up very quickly. Once you have decided that Kelowna waterfront is where you want to be, it’s best to get prepared for your next move as early as possible. I have a few tips on what you can do in advance to prepare for writing a deal to secure your spot along the shores of Okanagan Lake.

Narrow your search

Okanagan Lake is 135 km long, between 4 and 5 km wide, and has a surface area of 348 km2. Translation? It’s huge! Which means there are quite a few prime pieces of lakeside property out there to be had – for those with patience. The problem is these sought after parcels don’t come up for sale nearly as often as lakeview or other property types in Kelowna.

Generally speaking, once people make it to the lakeside, they don’t have the itch to sell as quickly. This is why I suggest you narrow your waterfront property search to at least three preferred areas of Kelowna. If you’re a local Kelowna resident this might be easy for you to do, if you’re buying real estate in Kelowna from Calgary, Vancouver or from abroad this might prove more difficult, which is why having a local real estate guide can be an immense benefit during your lakeshore property search.

The best advice when searching for lakefront homes for sale in Kelowna is to consider your budget first. The more central you are to downtown Kelowna the more the price tags tend to rise for beachfront living. Sandier beaches and proximity to amenities tend to drive lakeshore property costs up. The further out you go to the north (Poplar Point, Sheerwater, Clifton, McKinley) and south (Bertram) the more likely you are to see the prices decline slightly. While you will find some neighbourhoods never fluctuate other than to continually rise (Sheerwater, Fuller Road) there are some where deals can still be found. Crossing over the bridge to West Kelowna (Gellatly, Bear Creek, Fintry) to search for lakeside property for sale can see these exceptions. Typically you will be able to pick up more house for less money across the lake and further north.

Other things to consider aside from price when you are looking at lakeside communities in Kelowna are the shore type, the distance to amenities and your own lifestyle preferences.

There are many areas of Kelowna that have lakeshore properties for sale with sandy flat beaches where you can walk right out your door and into the lake (Abbott Street, Lower Mission). To the north you will discover rockier shores and steeper terrain, but the trade off is generally quieter neighbourhoods, newer homes and beautiful elevated views. Many homes north of Highway 97 have made access to the lake easy with stairs, trams and boathouses that make for easier entertaining during the summer months.

Another thing to consider when choosing your Kelowna lakeside neighbourhood is sun exposure. There are some areas that get shade earlier in the day such as the neighbourhoods across the lake in Fintry and Bear Creek. Areas like the Lower Mission and McKinley Landing get a little extra sun exposure during the summer. If sun is a concern you might want to visit the areas at different times of the day to see what your preference is. Many people move into a home for the natural light only to close the blinds all summer long because they’re getting too much sun! Other people buy something out in Fintry only to be in the shade on their dock from 3pm onwards.


Have a backup plan

Having a backup plan is always a good idea especially when you are hunting for lakeside real estate in Kelowna. You’re likely to get a few things on your wish list, but getting everything on your list can be a challenge in this demanding market.

Once you’ve narrowed down your top three lakeside neighbourhoods the next thing to do is to dial in your property type and home style preferences.

Do you want move in ready? Are you ready to roll up your sleeves and undertake a major renovation? Do you want a traditional home or are you interested in creating something modern? Do you want big views with lake access? Are you worried about stairs? Will you enjoy being in a strata development or are you looking for something private and estate like? Pay attention to these questions as your answers will help you to further dial in your scope of search when finding the right waterfront property for sale in Kelowna.

There are a lot of older lakeshore homes that have never been renovated and have been in Kelowna families for generations. When these lakeside properties come available you need to be ready to make an offer and then likely prepared to extensively renovate next. Be prepared that you will have a number of waterfront renovation restrictions coming at you from the City of Kelowna and in some neighborhoods heritage restrictions may also come into play. It’s best to check into zoning ahead of your offer, especially if you are looking in the downtown area to build or renovate your waterfront dream home.


Set a budget

Setting a budget is a part of every real estate hunters process, but when it comes to finding lakeshore homes in Kelowna for sale it’s imperative that you have this step squared away as early as possible with some contingency in mind.

Depending on how precise you are with your lakeside search criteria will determine the budget you should have set aside. If you know you want a fixer upper and aren’t terribly concerned with the area then you might have some room to move when attaining a waterfront parcel in a great Kelowna locale. If you have specific neighbourhoods, streets and property styles picked out then you could be faced with less flexibility in your budget due to competition and inventory.

Keep an open mind, but don’t stray too far from your wish list. You don’t want to be left facing an unplanned renovation with nothing left in your contingency because you blew the budget to get on your dream lakeside street. Be patient, but also remain flexible, sometimes compromising the house style for the neighbourhood that suits you best is worth it in the long run, but you must be realistic with your families lifestyle requirements. It won’t make much sense to live in a lakeside townhome on your favorite street if it only has 2 bedrooms and you have 5 kids and 3 large dogs.


Get informed

I touched on this above, but living on the waterfront in Kelowna can mean that you’re subject to more stringent building codes. You should be informed of this and other costs that arise from waterfront property ownership in Kelowna.

Higher property taxes are a given. If you can afford the initial price tag and the costs of renovating, then you shouldn’t be too worried about the tens of thousands you will be required to pay on an annual basis to the City of Kelowna. Living on the lake in Kelowna is considered the most prestigious address in the city and with that privilege, unfortunately also comes the highest property taxes.

You will also be subject to more weather. More wind, more water and more chances of flooding depending on your lakeshore location. Prepare to sandbag in the spring if there is flooding and prepare for pumping out water in some areas with low water table. If you are renovating you could also be subject to additional environmental permits and studies especially if you are building from scratch.

If you are searching for prime real estate for sale along the shores of Kelowna’s Okanagan Lake and you have done your research then finding your perfect lakeside home with the right real estate agent should be as easy as an Okanagan summer breeze.

If you’ve been looking forever and still haven’t found what you’re looking for, then give me a call and let’s discuss your wishes, wants and needs and fast track your waterfront property search.

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Waterfront and Lakeside Listings

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Available

Courtesy Of
Audrey Houghton Of RE/MAX Kelowna

$839,900

Beds
3
Baths
3

AVAILABLE

Townhouse Semi-Detac

MLS® #10283814

OPEN HOUSE SATURDAY SEPT 16TH 1-3 PM Sonoma Pines, Golf course living in one of the most successful developments in all of West Kelowna. This tasteful home offers 2 beds up plus 2 full baths up, main floor laundry, updated appliances, updated interior and exterior paint, granite kitchen countertops, 9 ft ceilings bright open plan. Lower walkout level offers spacious…
Available

Courtesy Of
Keith Watts Of RE/MAX Kelowna

$2,675,000

Beds
3
Baths
3

AVAILABLE

Single Family

MLS® #10279366

Welcome to this privately located lakeshore home in the sheltered bay of Coral Beach, Carr's Landing. Offering 89’ of pristine lakeshore, this property has an open, flat beach area, beach level hot/cold shower off your private, licensed dock. Choose between your boat lift or mooring buoy for all your summer fun. Entertain on 900 sq ft of balcony from your…
Available

Courtesy Of
Audrey Houghton Of RE/MAX Kelowna

$8,800,000

Beds
0
Baths
0

AVAILABLE

Land

MLS® #10277203

Listing includes 2 sites zoned R3 multi family. Real estate development opportunity offering 2 multi-family sites one 3.42 acres and the other 3.84 acres in the Master Planned Community of the Trails neighborhood in West Kelowna offering stunning lake views of Lake Okanagan. These sites are zoned R3 to accommodate multi family with a development permit in place. This package…
Available

Courtesy Of
Audrey Houghton Of RE/MAX Kelowna

$4,900,000

Beds
0
Baths
0

AVAILABLE

Land

MLS® #10275766

Real Estate development opportunity to acquire "The Trails" site for 49 luxury unit multi family site in The Trails Development. Complete with conceptual drawings/plans for 3 high end 8-plex stacked buildings and 25 multi-family homes which offer sun decks, private elevators and 180 degree unobstructed lake and valley views. Significantly higher density can be achieved. The lot is located in…
Available

Courtesy Of
Audrey Houghton Of RE/MAX Kelowna

$4,250,000

Beds
0
Baths
0

AVAILABLE

Land

MLS® #10275762

Real estate development opportunity 3.42 acres with conceptual drawings to construct 37 unit multi family site. This stunning site offers a complete package for multi family development with zoning in place. The conceptual drawings/plans consist of 3 high end 6-plex stacked buildings and 19 multi-family homes which offer sun decks, private elevators and 180 degree unobstructed lake and valley views.…
Available

Courtesy Of
Audrey Houghton Of RE/MAX Kelowna

$949,900

Beds
4
Baths
4

AVAILABLE

Single Family

MLS® #10275871

Under construction and will be ready early spring 2024. The Trails is West Kelowna’s newest master planned community offering spectacular hillside panoramic views and modern designed homes surrounded by lifestyle amenities unique to the Okanagan. Whether it’s exploring the vast trail systems for walking, hiking, and biking, taking advantage of the nearby waterfront and beaches, golf courses or wineries, The…
Available

Courtesy Of
Audrey Houghton Of RE/MAX Kelowna

$939,900

Beds
4
Baths
4

AVAILABLE

Single Family

MLS® #10275869

Eagle Plan on The Trails website is under construction and will be ready early spring 2024. The Trails is West Kelowna’s newest master planned community offering spectacular hillside panoramic views and modern designed homes surrounded by lifestyle amenities unique to the Okanagan. Whether it’s exploring the vast trail systems for walking, hiking and biking, taking advantage of the nearby waterfront…
Available

Courtesy Of
Audrey Houghton Of RE/MAX Kelowna

$989,900

Beds
5
Baths
4

AVAILABLE

Single Family

MLS® #10272893

The Trails is West Kelowna’s newest master planned community offering spectacular hillside panoramic views and modern designed homes surrounded by lifestyle amenities unique to the Okanagan. Whether it’s exploring the vast trail systems for walking, hiking and biking, taking advantage of the nearby waterfront and beaches, golf courses or wineries, The Trails offers the perfect setting to suit your family…
Active

Courtesy Of
Rick Hamer-Jackson Of RE/MAX Kelowna

$1,899,000

Beds
5
Baths
4

ACTIVE

Single Family

MLS® #10283843

Welcome to this private prestigious home on the sun-filled shores of Hidden Lake! Featuring 5 bedrooms/4 bathrooms and over 4600 sqft of luxurious living over three levels! Originally designed and built by award-winning Edgecombe builders. Well thought out floor plan with generous room sizes. With great natural flow, this home is sure to please whether entertaining in the winter or…
Active

Courtesy Of
Scott Marshall Of RE/MAX Kelowna

$1,575,000

Beds
4
Baths
2

ACTIVE

Single Family w/Acre

MLS® #10283508

2.29 acre lake-view parcel in the prestigious Carr's Landing area of Lake Country. Lake-views from this 4 bedroom, 2 bathroom home, with 2 bedrooms 1 bathroom up and 2 bedrooms 1 bathroom down. Large detached garage/workshop is +/- 3500 sq.ft. in size, making for a great space for a home based business, storage for your toys, or a potential in-law…
Active

Courtesy Of
Scott Aaltonen Of RE/MAX Kelowna

$1,269,900

Beds
3
Baths
3

ACTIVE

Townhouse Semi-Detac

MLS® #10283957

Perched on the side of beautiful Okanagan Lake adjacent the stunning community of Lakestone, sits Lake Country Villas and this stunning Walk-up Villa with panoramic lake views! Ready Nov 15th (approx.). Finished with the highest quality carpentry, stone, high-end appliances, and charming lakeside design, #24 is the most desirable walk-up in the development as it sits nestled to the green-space…
Active

Courtesy Of
Scott Aaltonen Of RE/MAX Kelowna

$1,199,900

Beds
3
Baths
3

ACTIVE

Townhouse Semi-Detac

MLS® #10268097

Perched on the side of beautiful Okanagan Lake adjacent the stunning community of Lakestone, sits Lake Country Villas and this stunning Walk-up Villa with panoramic lake views! These 10 Walk-up Grade Level Homes and 14 Walk-out Rancher Homes will be finished with the highest quality carpentry, stone, high-end appliances, and charming lakeside design. #22 (SL 7) is a walk-up model…
Active

Courtesy Of
Scott Aaltonen Of RE/MAX Kelowna

$1,399,900

Beds
4
Baths
3

ACTIVE

Townhouse Semi-Detac

MLS® #10268041

Stunning Panoramic Lake Views in this 'to be built' contemporary Walk-out Rancher two level home! Perched on the side of beautiful Okanagan Lake adjacent the stunning community of Lakestone, sits Lake Country Villas and this stunning Walk-out Rancher Villa! These 14 Walk-out Homes and 10 Walk-up Grade level Homes will be finished with the highest quality carpentry, stone, high-end appliances,…
Active

Courtesy Of
Tracey Vrecko Of RE/MAX Kelowna

$5,395,000

Beds
3
Baths
4

ACTIVE

Single Family

MLS® #10284372

This newly renovated waterfront home sits on .40 of an acre with 98 ft of lakeshore and coveted deep water moorage. The gentle slope allows for ultimate privacy and incredible views of Lake Okanagan Every inch of this home has been transformed to a luxurious and timeless contemporary beachfront estate. The foyer welcomes you with grand arched doors opening to…
Active

Courtesy Of
Scott Marshall Of RE/MAX Kelowna

$1,475,000

Beds
5
Baths
5

ACTIVE

Single Family w/Acre

MLS® #10280510

6+ acre parcel in the desirable Oyama area of Lake Country. 3100+ sq.ft. home split into three distinct living areas, perfect for a multi-generational household or somebody looking for a mortgage helper. The owner's suite is currently set up with a large primary bedroom with walk-in closet, ensuite bathroom with large soaker tub, and a large open kitchen/living area. Vaulted…