Top Cities Beyond Vancouver: Where BC Buyers & Investors Are Headed in 2025
Your 2025 BC Real Estate Market Guide – from GOBC Real Estate School
Why This Matters for Future Real Estate Agents
If you’re thinking about becoming a licensed real estate professional in British Columbia, understanding where people are buying and investing is a key part of your success. At GOBC Real Estate School, we train you to not only pass the BC real estate licensing exam, but also to understand market trends, client priorities, and where opportunities are emerging.
1. Kelowna – The Okanagan Gem
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Average Home Price: ~$870,940
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Breakdown (May 2025):
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Single‑Family Homes: ~$1,148,035
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Townhomes: ~$698,299
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Condos/Apartments: ~$515,795
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Why it’s popular: A perfect balance of big-city convenience and lakeside lifestyle, with booming tourism and tech industries.
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Rental Insight: Two-bedroom apartments rent for about $2,400/month, one-bedrooms about $1,850. Seasonal tourism keeps short-term rental demand strong.
2. Kamloops – The Affordable All-Rounder
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Average Home Price: ~$673,200
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Why it’s popular: Affordable homes, family-friendly communities, and plenty of outdoor recreation.
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Rental Insight: Strong long-term rental demand, especially from Thompson Rivers University students.
3. Nanaimo – Island Living with Easy Access
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Average Home Price: ~$872,006
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Why it’s popular: Coastal charm with ferry and flight access to Vancouver.
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Rental Insight: Tight rental market, supported by steady growth and commuting options.
4. Victoria – The Capital with Charm
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Average Home Price: ~$895,000
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Why it’s popular: Historic character, mild weather, and a stable economy.
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Rental Insight: Two-bedroom apartments average around $1,500/month, with a busy short-term market year-round.
5. Chilliwack – Fraser Valley Favourite
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Average Home Price: ~$770,686
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Why it’s popular: Affordable detached homes and stunning natural surroundings.
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Rental Insight: Popular among commuters and families; rental yields often higher than in Surrey or Langley.
6. Vernon – Lakeside Living & Four-Season Fun
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Average Home Price: ~$756,800 (single-family $925K–$1.2M)
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Why it’s popular: Lakes, ski resorts, and vineyards draw year-round interest.
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Rental Insight: Low vacancy rates, strong seasonal demand during summer and ski season.
7. Lumby – Small Town with Big Potential
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Average Home Price: ~$550,000
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Why it’s popular: Family-oriented, safe, affordable acreages, community feel, and nature access. Tapped as one of BC’s most charming small communities
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Rental Insight: Zero vacancy rate! Very desirable town for growing families. 20 min away from Vernon. Small but growing rental market, appealing to remote workers and retirees.
8. Revelstoke – Adventure Capital of BC
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Average Home Price (All Types): ~$906,385
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Condo Price (Median Listing – REW.ca): ~$749 K
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Ranging: $549 K to $1.4 M.
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Rental Insight:
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Long-Term: Very limited supply.
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Short-Term: ADR ~ $268, occupancy ~64%, ~ $61,300 annual revenue.
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Revelstoke vs. Whistler
| Feature | Revelstoke | Whistler |
|---|---|---|
| Average Home Price | ~$906K | ~$1.85M+ |
| Ski Terrain | 5,620+ vertical feet | ~5,020 vertical feet |
| Vibe | Community-oriented, less crowded | Luxury, tourist-heavy |
| Rental Revenue | ~$61K/year | ~$63–70K/year |
Fun Fact: Revelstoke is the Heli-Ski Capital of the World, attracting high-spending visitors and boosting rental income potential.
9. Cherryville – Rural Charm & Growing Appeal
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Median Home Price (All Types): Approximately $525,000—based on the latest data showing a steady 2.8% year-over-year increase.
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Property Breakdown:
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Single-Family Homes: Listings range widely—from about $249,000 to over $1.8 million—from small to large acreages.
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Why it’s popular: Cherryville offers affordability, rural serenity, and growing interest among buyers seeking lifestyle and value beyond city limits.
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10. Armstrong – Agriculture Meets Affordability
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Median Home Price (All Types): Approximately $500,000, up 3.5% year-over-year.
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Breakdown by Property Type:
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Detached Homes: Around $799,000.
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Townhouses: Roughly $747,000.
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Market Snapshot: Listings show a broader range, with average listing prices between $800,000–$890,400 depending on source, indicating a healthy spread of property types and values
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Why it’s popular: Armstrong remains affordable, community-driven, and offers a mix of family homes and rural living—all within reach of nearby job centers.
BC Real Estate Prices & Rental Yields (2025)
This chart shows average home prices and estimated rental yields for the top BC cities outside Vancouver.
| City | Avg Home Price | Avg Monthly Rent | Rental Yield (%) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kelowna | $870,940 | $2,400 | 3.31% |
| Kamloops | $673,200 | $1,900 | 3.39% |
| Nanaimo | $872,006 | $2,000 | 2.75% |
| Victoria | $895,000 | $1,500 | 2.01% |
| Chilliwack | $770,686 | $2,100 | 3.27% |
| Vernon | $756,800 | $2,000 | 3.17% |
| Lumby | $668,450 | $1,800 | 3.23% |
| Revelstoke | $906,385 | $4,941 (ADR-based) | 4.19% |
Why This Info Gives You an Edge as a Future Agent
As a licensed real estate professional, knowing where the demand is helps you focus your marketing, choose your farm area, and speak your clients’ language. Markets like these offer everything from first-time buyer opportunities to high-yield investment potential.
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