New Developments on the BC Waterfront Real Estate Market, Resort Property, Lakefront BC Recreational Properties and Okanagan Beachfront Homes

Okanagan Waterfront Real Estate – Rising in a Tidal Wave of Demand

Historically, most real estate markets have seen rises and retreats in a predictable cycle; somewhat like the ebb and flow of ocean tides. But for some very scrace and scenic locations – like on the shoreline of a beautiful Okanagan Lake – It sems there is nothing that can show the rising wave of prices amid the ever growing demand of Okanagan waterfront real estate. A great article written by D. Murray and published as an article in the British Columbia Resort magazine by homebase.ca.

The desire for beachfront property has hit the Okanagan like a tidal wave over the past few years as the valley has become world renowned for its warm weather and abundance of amenities. In the Okanagan Valley’s largest city of Kelowna, the average lakefront home has quadrupled in price to around $2,8 milion. The demand for such an address has led to more beachfront locations transforming into quality resort worthy of its idyllic location. It makes sense to try to share the finer beach locations with a larger number of residents along the waterfront real estate of the Okanagan. Resort style real estate Okanagan developments have grown exponentially, yet demand has consistently outstripped the supply. Project releases of Okanagan beachfront and waterfront property over the past few years have featured stunning sales rates – rarely lasting longer than a single day. Proposed waterfront Okanagan real estate projects are usually sold out in a matter of a few hours.

“Lakefront is a good real etsaet investment because they are not making any more lakes, as far as I know,” said Curt Woodhall, principal of Lift Real Estate, and marketer of a number of luxurious waterfront properties. “It is only going up in value. Supply is limited because there are only so many lakes and so many good properties and spots available. Soon they will be allbuilt.” “Lakeshore is very popular,” said Paul Fabri, analyst for Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation in Kelowna (CMHC). “That market has evolved tremendously over the past number of years in terms of product type, range of amenities and certainly price as well. That reflects an up-tick in demand for that type of property.” Naturally, the appeal for waterfront living is stretching out along the full 100 kilometre length of Okanagan Lake. At the north end, The Rise near Vernon is developing into one of the loftiest projects in the North Okanagan real estate market, combining an exclusive beach club for the luxury homes amongst vineyards with a planned winery, plus a 7000 square foot yeard golf course that was officially opened in June by the pro golfer who provided his signature on the design. “The course is absolutely stunning,” said PGA player Fred Couples who partnered with award winning designer Gene Bates on their first Canadian project. “The lake views on the course are breathtaking and have to be seen to be believed. The first three holes are the best holes I’ve veer played opening up a golf course.”

Waterfront Property in the Okanagan Resort Real Estate Market

Now well into Phase 3, plans at The Rise Vernon include 10 phases with about 660 single family homes rnaging from $500,000 to $2.5 million, plus 550 multi-family and resort units all built with quality worthy of the natural surroundings. “The views are fabulous,” said Rise CEO Leona Snider. “Sitting and overlooking the lake is an amazing experience – meditating and rejuvenating your soul are all parts of that. I wanted to build a place where people have that.” Just across the Okangaan Lake bay, condominiums are nearing completion at The Strand, and a dozen kilometres south beside Ellison Provincial Park, The Outback now creating the early phase townhouses and estate homes in a quiet natural setting with shared beach access.

Okanagan real estate projects are also quickly popping up on beaches surroundingother neighbouring lakes like Kalamalka and Mara at the north end of the valley. “The south west views are breathtaking! There really isn’t anything else like it for a viewscape,” said developer Steele Jordan, noting the beauty enjoyed from Swansea Point. “you are looking at just the crystal clear waters of Mara Lake and the mountains across the lake.” About five kilometres north, a new level of resort luxury is taking shape at The Legacy – a breathtaking terraced seven storey concrete condominium with 65 suites. The second phase of stylish suites at The Legacy will be released this summer alongwith the unveiling of a show suite on location. With windows that stretch from the floor to nine foot ceilings, suites are available in designs from one bedroom up to three bedroom plus den and two storey units, and even penthouse units. Priced from $400,000 to $2 million, the Legacy resort homes will feature top leve interior finishes that shine with the same beauty as the vistas voer the 130 metres of sandy beachfront and the clean mountain lake. “It is mesmerizing,” agreed Sam Boguslavsky, president of Sable Resorts, developer of The Legacy. “It is a stunning body of water and beautiful beachfront with mountains on the one side. The natural beauty stays with you for life. Anybody who has houseboated through the Shuwsap, or water skied on Mara Lake – they are sold for life because it truly is special.”

BC Resort Real Estate Offerings in the Valley

At the south end of the Okanagan Valley real estate market, Veranda Beach Cottages at Osoyoos are reviving the simple ‘50s lifestyle in six cottage designs on the shores of Canada’s warmest lake. “it is an awesome view,” said Scott Siemens, director of sales for Veranda Beach. “It is surrounded by water almost on two sides. You are looking straight down the lake, an unobstructed view all the way south down the valley.” More than just for viewing, many recreational water activities revolve around the community’s number one asset. “You just don’t find these beaches around,” said Scott. “it is a mile and a quarter of naturally soft sand. It is a gem to find this warm, clean water with a sandy bottom at this secluded sunny resort at Veranda Beach.”

Okanagan lakeside living combined with vineyards is a popular new themeechoed at three resorts in the Central Okanagan real estate market. Homes are now going up near the well established vineyards at Greata Ranch near Peachland, while developers are starting from square one at two other Okanagan resorts just north of Kelowna on the eastern shore of Okanagan Lake. Last year the first display home opened in ‘The Vineyards’ neighbourhood at Lakestone Resort to launch the lofty $1.5 billion project at Okanagan Centre. Plans include 1350 luxury homes to be spread out around the 200 hectare site, with amenities like a each house with a pool and fitness centre, a winery a hotel and a signature golf course.

“Interest continues to remain strong in the Kelowna area for resort real estate – especially with master planned communities that have marinas, golf courses, andvillage centres such as Lakestone,” said George Hare, Recreational and Residential Project Marketing President (RPM Inc.). The first 17 villas at Lakestone are priced from $1.1 to $1.9 million and a few estate lots at The South Shore are priced from $650,000 to $2.4 mllion for the land alone. “LakeStone definitely offers the finest lifestyle in the entire Okangan,” George added. “People recognize its exclusivity and uniqueness with its lakefront location, its inspired architecture and its cornucopia of offerings.”

A few kilometres south at McKinley Landing, construction is ready to begin for a 2010 opening of a unique Health and Wellness resort. Bordering one kilometre of lakeshore, the 360 hectare wilderness real estate Okanagan property will eventually include a Tom McBroom signature 18 hole golf course, a resort hotel and conference centre. Hillside and beach bungalow hotel suites at the McKinley Landing, a beach club facility, and a marina with boat launch are planned, plus a working winery with 40 acres of vineyard, and a 25 to 30 kilometre trail system. “We are building a true Okanagan resort community,” said Grant Gaucher, developer, proud to be able to market his 4 to 5 star resort with “everything thatpeople want to do, and see the Okanagan has. I don’t know of another development that can do these things.” He feels confident that demand is on the way s more baby boomers seek out recreation as they move into retirement. “The Okanagan is becoming more and more of a resort area. It is sought after location in Canada,” said Grant.

Waterfront Property and Beachfront Real Estate: A Shore Bet for Leisure Living

In a province defined by nature and recreation, few addresses carry as much prestige as British Columbia’s waterfront properties. The picturesque setting of a waterfront home or cottage against a scenic water backdrop is ingrained in Canadian culture, and the idea of a secluded paradise with unlimited adventures on water or land makes for an ideal escape from big city bustle. This awesome article by Z. Goodman for the Homes and Resort magazine is one of the best written editorials on BC waterfront and beachfront property real estate.

Watefront Okanagan Living – Lakefront Real Estate and Property

Bordering many large communities such as Kelowna, Penticton and Vernon, Okanagan Lake real estate has long been enjoyed by locals and tourists. As the largest lake in the area, there’s an abundance of beaches, parks, and many prime waterfront property and real estate locations and innovative real estate lakefront developments in the Okanagan. Only minutes from Kelowna, Oarchard Beach Resort waterfront property is a family oriented development with two swimming pools, a waterslide, and a dedicated kids club zone set on 800 feet of beach. Nearby, is West Harbour lakefront real estate resort, a contintental lakefront village that draws inspiration from Italy and France with terracotta roofs, wrought iron gates, archways and cobblestone streets. The Old World charm atmosphere is reinforce with a piazza, amphittheatre and water taxis. The Outback waterfront real estate Okanagan resort property in Vernon is another luxury vacation destination overlooking Okanagan Lake. Set against 60 acres of woodlands, the homes are carefully integrated into the granite bluff with innovative, view oriented designs ranging from 1960 to over 4000 sq ft. In Penticton waterfront real estate, Lakeshore Three’s 15 storeys of concrete and steel offer breathtaking views of Okanagan Lake. With a personal wine cellar, pool and other resort style amenities, these luxury homes at Lakeshore Three waterfront properties Okanagan offer carefree waterside living. With its desert climate, Lake Osoyoos is known as the warmest in Canada and is a favourite destination for water sports, Indigo Lake Osoyoos is on the last piece of developable waterfront property in Osoyoos Okanagan resort property. The four storey condominium development offers amzing views and an exclusive beach. Also on Lake Osoyoos real estate waterfront Okanagan San Verbena Beach Waterfront Homes, with stylish yet affordable suites starting at 770 square feet. Sunscapes resort Homes in Lake country Okanagan waterfront property is only a stone’s throw away from Wood Lake. Claiming to be the Apple Capital of Canada, Lake Country lakefront property offers the best in Okanagan lifestyle, including wineries, fishing, hiking, and water sports. The Okanagan lakefront condominiums here range from one to three bedrooms.

More Quiet Retreats for Waterfront Property

With so much attention given to BC’s largest vacation destinations, unique waterfront real estate opportunities are springing up in some smaller communities too. The city of Nelson is a vibrant community where nature, culture and art converge. With 350 preserved heritage buildings, it is one of the most scenic an dcharming waterfront BC locations. Situated on Kootenay Lake – the largest natural lake in the province – Nelson’s Kutenai Landing waterfront property offers one to three bedroom codominiums in a contemporary village setting. South of Revelstoke, Halcyon Hot springs Village and spa offer timber-framed chalets and studio suites overlooking Arrow Lake lakefront property and BC recreational real estate. The area has activities year round, including the natural hot springs, nearby skiing, horseback riding, and water sports on serene Arrow Lake. There are cozy and affordable studio suites at Halcyon Hot Springs as well as large chalets up to 1663 sq ft. On Vancouver Island waterfront property, Quamichan Lake in Duncan BC is home to Trumpeter Pointe Lakeshore community. The serene setting in embedded in nature, as the eco-friendly homes are integrated with protected parks and wetland units. A few minutes east in Parksville waterfront real estate is Oceanside Village Resort, a charming cottage community offering modern designs with large windows and vaulted ceilngs. Next to Rathtrevor Beach Provincial Park, the waterfront BC property resort offers km of sandy beach laong the seashore, and is only 25 minutes from Nanaimo, making it a convenient vacation getaway. Also along Vancouver Ilsand’s ocean shoreline is Saratoga Beach Resort and Spa in the Comox Valley resort real estate. Surrounded by trails and parks, and nestled against pristine Miracle Beach, the plans range from one and two bedroom waterfront BC estates to three bedroom oceanfront vilas. There is a flexible range of ownership options and resot suites sold in quarter ownership interest. Located in the southern Gulf Islands, Mayne Island Resort and Beach Homes offers a scenic island paradise with Mediterranean climate. These beach homes and BC recreational waterfront property overlook Bennett Bay and offer a remote landscape where everyday streeses are miles away. Fractional ownership is avialble and there’s a rental management program, making Mayne Island an ideal weekend getaway or investment property in waterfront real estate in the Gulf Islands. Whether you’re in the market for a large executive dream home with a spectacular view or a quiet weekend getaway for the kids to play, the choice to join the prestigious waterfront real estate ownership club is a rewarding one. “Waterfront prices have steadily increased over the past few years and we expect this to continue as more and more buyers move into the recreational market from BC, Alberta, the rest of Canada and now Europe,” says Curt. “this is especially true in prime waterfront real estate areas such as the Shuswap, Nelson and the Okanagan where owners can live on the shores of some of the most beautiful lakes in the world.

Paradise in the Shuswaps Waterfront Real Estate

With it’s crystal clear wateres and warm weather, Shuswap Lake waterfront property has long been associated with beaches and boating. As a four season playground, the Shuswap Lake recreational waterfront property area is a popular vacation destination with activities such as a fishing, golfing, hiking, mountain biking and snowmobiling offering something for everyone. Located near Sicamous, Legacy on Mara Lake waterfront resort property is a private lakefront community in the Shuswap Lake district of luxury pre-sales condominiums ranging from one to three bedrooms. A private marina at the Mara Lake Legacy lakefront condos gives residents access to one of the best boating locations in the province. “Legacy on Mara Lake is the only luxury waterfront steel and concrete resort community in the Shuswap region,” says Curt. “The architecture is both modern and timeless and enables the building to soar to full seven stories, revealing spectacular panoramic mountain and lake views. ON nearby Scotch Creek in the Shuswap Lake waterfront property district is Bayside Lake Homes brings “Whistler style” to Captain’s Village Marina. The multi-phase lakefront real estate development in the Shuswap Lake area is comprised of large, contemporary and elegantly appointed pre-construction homes with private beach access. Only a few minutes away is Gateway Lakeview Resort on Lee Creek Shuswap lakefront recreational real estate property, providing amazing views and 200 lots split between cabin and recreational vehicles sites. Near the centre of Shuswap Lake waterfront real estate is Blind Bay Resort, another destination offering RV and park models for both rent and purchase.

The Okanagan Lakefront Property and Waterfront Real Estate Sales

The lifestyle’s appeal is universal, from young families forging fun memories of adventure to retired copules looking for relaxation in a peaceful setting, and everyone in between. In many waterfront Okanagan real estate areas, luxury homes are nestled into the hillside as well, overlooking the water and enjoying breathtaking views. While the popularity and desire of the lifestyle makes these preconstruction Okanagan lakefront property a hot commodity, the limited and exclusive nature of prime waterfront real estate in the Okanagan market has made these presales homes more resilient to fluctuation in the real estate market. Unlike many urban communities that can continuously develop pockets of land to accommodate a growing population and satisfy a hungry real estate market, there’s only so much waterfront Okanagan real estate land available. “Waterfront property has always been a great real estate investment,” says Curt Woodhall, principal of Life Real Estate Sales and Marketing based out of Kelowna. “It is, by it’s very nature, limited: thus the property maintains its value over time and has been shown to appreciate at a greater rate than real estate that is not on the water.” Along with the rapid growth in areas like the Okanagan waterfront community, many lakefront property communities have seen a dramatic increase in the value of waterfront property, especially in Kelowna where the average lakefront Okanagan home is a multi-million dollar property. “the houses are getting bigger and being built better,” says Jeff Tarry with Century 21 Lakeside Realty. “Land value is making it hard to just have a little cabin.” Such high price tags have made many people think tha the dream of owning an Okanagan waterfront home is unattainable, but in reality there are several options brining the lifestyle within reach. Many Okanagan lakefront property developents traditionally known for their lakes and high profile waterfront properties offer a variety of developments, allowing people to enjoy te waterfront lifestyle without having to commit to seven figure purchases.