Right Sizing combed the province for the pick of this fall’s crops of building lots–including many under the $300,000 mark. Here’s where to consider situating your dream home.
By Right Sizing Staff
Blind Bay
On the southern shore of Shuswap Lake (29 kilometres from Salmon Arm and 6 kilometres east of Sorrento), this community emblematizes the Shuswap lifestyle. It’s all about water recreation, golf and sunshine. Recent listing: The Highlands in Shuswap Lake Estates offers luxury building lots with lakeview living. Create the home of your dreams and enjoy amenities including an 18-hole championship golf course, community centre, marina and sandy beaches. $119,000-$190,000.
Kamloops
Kamloops is situated in the heart of B.C.’s interior and has a population of 90,000. Kamloops is known as the Tournament Capital of Canada and will host close to 100 sports events this year. Recent listing: Enjoy one of 58 executive lots in the newest development in Juniper. The Trail Side neighbourhood is surrounded by beautiful scenery, spectacular views of the city and is close to dog parks, a general store and a bike ranch. $220,000.
Sicamous
Located at the northern end of the Okanagan Valley, Sicamous offers access to calm freshwater lakes in the summer along with numerous snow sports in the winter. Sicamous is situated between Vancouver and Calgary (with only a 4.5 hour drive each way). Recent listing: Building lots in this community vary from bare-land strata with close proximity to the beach and amenities to hillside-view lots. $100,000-$267,000.
Vernon
Predator Ridge is a vibrant community located on the southern edge of Vernon, the largest city in B.C.’s North Okanagan Regional District. People of all ages enjoy Vernon’s golf courses, hiking and biking trails, water sports, agritourism and many other outdoor adventures. Recent listing: Imagine building your dream home on this premium estate lot in The Commonage, Preditor Ridge’s fastest-selling neighbourhood. This year-round community has panoramic views of the lake, valley and golf course. Starting at $275,000.
Naramata
Naramata is situated in the Okanagan Valley, just north of Penticton; its rich orchard and vineyard land sits mainly in an area referred to as the Naramata Bench. Recent listing: Here’s the perfect opportunity to build your dream home in the brand new development of Kettle Ridge. This building lot offers stunning 180-degree views of the lake, direct access to the Kettle Valley Rail Trail for hiking and biking and some lots can even accommodate pools. $305,000.
Osoyoos
Osoyoos has a population of just 5,085 yet is one of B.C.’s fastest-growing communities. Home to one of Canada’s warmest lakes and its only semi-arid desert region, it’s attracting younger families seeking the Okanagan lifestyle at an affordable price. Recent listing: Build the perfect home in the premiere gated community of Sonora Ridge. This building lot is situated on the each bench, within walking distance to downtown and has mountain and lake views. $269,900.
Fort St. John
With one of the fastest-growing populations and real estate markets in B.C., thanks to its growing economy, Fort St. John is expected to triple by 2046, according to recent forecasts. Recent listing: Build a beautiful home in well-planned Garrison Landing, an attractively designed family-friendly neighbourhood that comes with snow removal and parking for large vehicles and is close to popular walking trails and the community forest. $139,900.
Rossland
Rossland is situated in the Kootenay Rockies region of B.C. and is the ideal spot for summer and winter recreation: it’s home to Red Mountain Resort, one of the largest ski resorts in western Canada. Recent listing: This building lot is located above the first Fairway at Redstone Golf Course, close to hiking and biking trails, and only a 20-minute walk to downtown Rossland. The builder has site-specific plans to help you create your dream home. $139,000.
Cranbrook
Cranbrook is an affordable, growing city situated in the southeast corner of B.C. According to Environment Canada, it has the most sunshine hours of any city in the province (2,190.5 hours annually). Recent listing: The Wildstone golf community enjoys great golf and amazing mountain views, only minutes to downtown Cranbrook and 30 kilometres to Kimberley Ski Reort. $88,000.
Courtenay
The city of Courtenay is located on the east coast of Central Vancouver Island and is considered the urban and cultural hub of the Comox Valley. Recent listing: Crown Isle’s exclusive Hampton Gate subdivision has the perfect lot to build your dream home. This level lot is located within minute to amenities, at the end of a quiet gated community; it comes with views of Crown Isle’s Championship Golf Course. $299,900.
Chilliwack
Chilliwack is located 100 kilometres east of Vancouver, with a population of approximately 91,000-and steadily growing. Residents enjoy low tax rates, affordable housing and excellent quality of life. Recent listing: Building lots in a brand new community have easy freeway access, are close to parks and within walking distance to an elementary school, with plenty of street parking. Some of them even back onto a park! $309,900.
Port Alberni
Port Alberni is centrally located on the west side of Vancouver Island and known for its forestry, fishing and marine industries. It has also been designated the Salmon Capital of the World. Recent listing: Build your dream home on this 10,871-square-foot lot in the exclusive subdivision of Parkview Crescent, presented by Anderson Hill. This ideal corner lot is situated close to amenities, with a neighbour on one side only and underground services to the lot line. $139,900.
Victoria
Victoria’s Bear Mountain is one of the larger resort community developments on the Island, with two 18-hole golf courses, plus world-class recreational opportunities and a year-round moderate climate. Recent listings: Pinehurst, a gated 39-lot development, has stunning views of the Olympic Mountains, Pacific Ocean, Langford Lake and Goldstream Park. Riviera is connected to parkland, and in walking distance to Bear Mountain village. $439,000.