Residential real estate activity in the Kootenay and Boundary region experienced a slowdown in January, marking a shift from the steady pace seen at the end of 2025. The Association of Interior Realtors reported a significant decrease in sales compared to the previous year, indicating a more measured market entering the new year.
Key Takeaways
- January saw 123 residential sales, a 26.3% decrease year-over-year.
- New listings increased by 9.7% compared to January 2025.
- Benchmark prices for single-family homes rose, while townhouses and condominiums saw slight declines.
January Sales Decline
The Association of Interior Realtors noted that 123 residential sales were recorded in the Kootenay Boundary region during January. This represents a 26.3% decrease compared to January of the previous year and a drop from the 153 sales recorded in December. Association president Kadin Rainville described the January performance as "below average," suggesting a move towards more deliberate market activity rather than the strong momentum observed in recent years.
New Listings and Active Inventory
Despite the dip in sales, new listings saw a year-over-year increase. In January, 317 homes were added to the market, a 9.7% rise from the same month in 2025 and a substantial jump from December's 174 new listings. Active listings also saw a slight uptick, increasing by 0.2% to 1,184 units compared to the previous January.
Mixed Price Trends
Price trends across the Kootenay region presented a mixed picture at the start of 2026. The benchmark price for single-family homes increased by 2.5% year-over-year, reaching $569,700. However, townhouse benchmark prices experienced a slight decrease of 0.2% to $492,300, and condominium benchmark prices declined by 1.2% to $334,100. The benchmark price is used to reflect the value of a typical home in the market.
Market Outlook
Rainville commented that the January slowdown aligns with typical seasonal trends, though the dip was sharper than anticipated. He suggested that with prices remaining relatively stable and demand still present, the market might be recalibrating rather than retreating. He added that current activity levels suggest timing and economic conditions are influencing the market more than a fundamental shift in momentum.
Broader Regional Performance
Across the entire Association of Interior Realtors region, which encompasses the Okanagan, Kamloops, Kootenay, and South Peace River areas, 623 residential sales were recorded in January. This was down from December's 788 sales and represented a 22.3% decline compared to January 2025. New residential listings across this broader region decreased by 9.5% year-over-year to 2,021 units.
