Planning Your 2026 Real Estate Moves in Kamloops: The Best Times to Buy or Sell

Timing won’t make or break every real estate move, but in a market like Kamloops, it can absolutely influence your sale price, how long your home sits on the market, and how much leverage you have during negotiations. With Canada expected to return to steadier, more traditional seasonal patterns as interest rates ease heading into 2026, understanding how each season behaves in Kamloops can help you make smarter decisions—whether you’re buying, selling, or both.

Of course, not everyone has the freedom to wait for the “perfect” month. Job relocations still happen mid-winter, families prefer summer moves, and life doesn’t always line up with the market. Instead of trying to hit a magic week, the goal is to understand what each season in Kamloops real estate typically brings—and plan around your timeline with intention.

Spring in Kamloops (March–May): The Strongest Season for Sellers

Spring consistently delivers the most activity in the Kamloops market. As the snow melts and the grass returns, homes simply show better—and buyers show up in larger numbers. Historically, March, April, and May bring:

• Higher listing volumes
• Strong buyer traffic
• More competitive offers on move-in-ready properties

Homes in Westsyde, Sahali, Aberdeen, Juniper Ridge, and Valleyview tend to present exceptionally well this time of year due to improved curb appeal and longer daylight hours. Buyers with school-aged children also begin searching early so they can move during summer break, which adds another layer of motivation.

But spring also means more competition.

More listings hit the market, so standing out matters. Well-priced homes with quality photography, staging, and strong marketing still have an edge, and can attract multiple offers, especially if interest rates trend down into 2026.

Summer in Kamloops (June–August): Momentum Continues

Summer extends much of spring’s energy, and June is usually one of the busiest closing months of the year. Many Kamloops buyers prefer summer moves thanks to:

• Predictable weather
• Time off work
• Easier transitions for families

Outdoor features shine in this season. Patios in Juniper Ridge, backyards in Brocklehurst, and lake-adjacent properties in Tobiano or Lac Le Jeune tend to show especially well. Because moving in July or August is simply more convenient, some buyers will pay a small premium for the benefit of timing.

By late August, activity often cools slightly as families shift back into school mode. This is when previously overpriced listings may soften and become opportunities for patient buyers.

Fall in Kamloops (September–November): A Hidden Opportunity Window

Fall doesn’t get the attention spring does, but in Kamloops it’s often one of the most balanced and strategic seasons for both buyers and sellers. Serious buyers return to the market after summer vacations, yet listing inventory usually dips compared to spring.

This creates a sweet spot where good listings stand out and buyers face less competition than they would in April or May.

For sellers:

Buyers in October and November tend to be motivated and they want to finalize deals before winter, the holidays, and potential rate changes. This urgency often leads to smoother negotiations.

For buyers:

With fewer bidding wars and more negotiating room, fall 2026 may be an excellent chance to secure value, especially if the early-year market is still normalizing from 2025 conditions.

Winter in Kamloops (December–February): Best Season for Value Hunters

Winter in Kamloops doesn’t completely shut down the real estate market, but it’s definitely quieter. Fewer people list their homes in cold months, and many buyers choose to wait for spring, meaning the buyers who do shop have more leverage.

Winter benefits buyers who want:

• Lower competition
• Longer days on market
• More negotiating power
• A realistic look at how a home performs in true Kamloops winter conditions

You can inspect heating systems, drafts, snow load, and energy efficiency—things you simply cannot evaluate in a May showing.

For sellers, foot traffic is lower and curb appeal is tougher. But pricing realistically and presenting well can still attract highly motivated winter buyers, especially relocations.

How Kamloops Differs From Other Canadian Markets

Not all Canadian cities follow the same seasonal patterns, and Kamloops behaves differently than places like Toronto or Winnipeg. Thanks to a milder climate and shorter winters, Kamloops supports more consistent year-round activity. Winter doesn’t drop off a cliff the way it does in deep-freeze provinces.

In 2026, if interest rates continue stabilizing, Kamloops should see:

• A more balanced spring
• Strong summer activity
• A very healthy fall
• A winter market that remains active, not dormant

Local board statistics and Kamloops-specific inventory trends matter much more than national averages.

Pricing Strategies for Kamloops Sellers by Season

Your pricing strategy should shift with the season:

Spring & Early Summer:

You can be more ambitious, demand is high, homes present beautifully, and buyers have confidence.

Fall:

Price to the current market, not what you saw in May. Buyers are serious but cautious, and accurate pricing attracts strong offers.

Winter:

You must be the best value in your price range. A 5–10% difference in list price can determine whether you sell or sit until spring.

Buyer Strategies by Season in Kamloops

Spring/Summer:

Be ready to move quickly. Get pre-approved, prepare documents, and expect competition in desirable neighbourhoods like Westsyde,  Aberdeen, Upper Sahali, and Juniper Ridge.

Fall/Winter:

These seasons give you room to negotiate—repairs, possession dates, inclusions, even credits for winter-related costs. Fewer active buyers means more leverage.

Final Thoughts: Timing Matters, But Your Life Timeline Matters More

Seasonality still plays a big role in Kamloops real estate, but the best time to buy or sell depends on your needs, your neighbourhood, and the pace of the 2026 market. Spring brings the highest visibility. Fall brings smart opportunities. Winter delivers value. And summer remains the easiest time to move.

References

Canadian Real Estate Association. “CREA updates resale housing market forecasts for 2025 and 2026.” Oct. 16, 2025. https://www.crea.ca/media-hub/news/crea-downgrades-resale-housing-market-forecast-amid-tariff-uncertainty-and-economic-uncertainty/

Zoocasa. “Spring’s Impact on Canadian Home Sales.” https://www.zoocasa.com/blog/springs-impact-on-canadian-home-sales/

RE/MAX Canada. “Is Now the Best Time to Sell?” https://blog.remax.ca/best-time-to-sell-a-house/

Royal LePage. “Slight uptick in activity as fall housing market gets underway, price growth lags behind.” Oct. 15, 2025. https://blog.royallepage.ca/slight-uptick-in-activity-as-fall-housing-market-gets-underway-price-growth-lags-behind/

Global News. “Fall housing market moving towards a ‘balance.’” Oct. 15, 2025. https://globalnews.ca/news/11477731/fall-housing-market-balance/

North Shore News (Canadian Press). “Quebec’s traditional moving day arrives as thousands still looking for new homes.” July 1, 2025. https://www.nsnews.com/national-business/quebecs-traditional-moving-day-arrives-as-thousands-still-looking-for-new-homes-10888112

Royal LePage. “Canadian home sales ease in September after five-month streak of gains.” Oct. 16, 2025. https://blog.royallepage.ca/crea-monthly-housing-report-september-2025/