West Kelowna Real Estate News!

Welcome to the Shield Real Estate Blog. This is the place to visit when you want the latest West Kelowna real estate news. I share monthly tips on a variety of local real estate topics. Everything from what the market statistics mean to how to amp up your curb appeal! Anything I can share to help you prepare your home and yourself for a potential sale is here. Along with what buyers can expect when they want to purchase a West Kelowna home for sale.

Additionally, I love to keep my customers up to date with information about recent listings and solds on my Facebook page. Staying social is a great way to keep my finger on the pulse of the market. It’s also a great way to keep my customers informed! You never know when it will be time to buy or sell a home, but at least you know who your real estate agent in West Kelowna should be!

Follow along, read and share with me!

Why Build New in University Heights? Trusted REALTOR® Josh Miko Explains Why This Kelowna Community Is Worth Your Attention

,
build a new home in kelowna at university heights

Kelowna’s University District is one of the fastest-growing and most strategically located neighbourhoods in the Okanagan. Just minutes from UBC Okanagan and Kelowna International Airport (YLW), University Heights offers a unique opportunity to build a brand-new home in a master-planned community that blends lifestyle, convenience, and long-term investment potential.

For buyers seeking a foothold in this thriving area, working with an expert like Josh Miko of the Chamberlain Group ensures the experience—and the results—are second to none.

Why University Heights?

University Heights is more than just a development—it’s a modern, well-connected neighbourhood crafted with today’s homeowners in mind.

Here’s why it stands out:

  • Proximity to UBC Okanagan: With the university expanding rapidly and bringing in global talent, homeowners here benefit from strong rental potential and community vibrancy.
  • Access to YLW: Whether you travel frequently for work or leisure, living near the airport is a major plus.
  • Family-Friendly Environment: Close to parks, trails, schools, and new amenities, University Heights is an ideal place to raise a family.
  • Strong Investment Value: As Kelowna continues to grow north, this area remains a smart long-term investment, with appreciation potential driven by ongoing infrastructure and development.
  • Custom-Build Opportunities: Unlike more established neighbourhoods, here you can build a home that fits your exact lifestyle needs, without the compromise.

Why Work with Josh Miko?

shops and restaurants near ubco

With the amount of growth and development happening in the University District, buyers need more than a generalist. They need someone who knows the land, understands the builder options, and can navigate the unique nuances of a new-build purchase. That’s where Josh Miko comes in.

Josh has built a reputation as a trusted REALTOR® in the Kelowna market, and his deep knowledge of University Heights gives his clients an unmatched advantage.

Here’s what sets him apart:

  • On-the-Ground Expertise: Josh stays current with development phases, builder reputations, and lot availability within University Heights.
  • Builder Relationships: Whether you’re considering a spec home or a full custom build, Josh can connect you with reputable local builders to ensure a smooth experience.
  • Strategic Advice: From choosing the best lot to suit your lifestyle to helping you consider resale value, Josh brings a strategic mindset to every transaction.
  • End-to-End Support: Building a home can be complex. Josh guides clients through zoning, permits, timelines, and financing considerations—all with professionalism and transparency.

Build the Lifestyle You Want, With the Right REALTOR® By Your Side

If you’re thinking about building in Kelowna, few areas offer the same mix of location, value, and future potential as University Heights. And when it comes to understanding this growing community with confidence, Josh Miko is the REALTOR® you want in your corner.

Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a relocating professional, or an investor seeking long-term value, reach out to Josh today to learn more about available lots, builder options, and how to get started.

Contact Josh Miko of the Chamberlain Group today to explore new build opportunities in University Heights. Your future home in Kelowna’s University District is waiting.

/by

Government Push for More New Houses for Sale in West Kelowna BC

houses-for-sale-in-west-kelowna

West Kelowna is one of the fastest-growing communities in BC. With the ballooning population, there’s no doubt that housing is a hot topic these days. Not too long ago, I wrote about the interim housing needs assessment and how several houses for sale in West Kelowna BC are needed to accommodate its growth. However, the provincial government seems to be setting ambitious targets for the timeline of these new homes. But as many housing experts note, it’s not just about building homes as fast as you can. At the end of the day, West Kelowna needs to ensure that it’s building communities that make sense for its residents.

What’s the Hold up on the New Homes?

A proposed 117-unit townhouse development in Glenrosa was denied at a recent city council meeting. While some might see this as a setback, it’s actually an opportunity to highlight what makes West Kelowna such a great place to live. The city council’s decision ensured that new homes come with the infrastructure and services that residents need. Roads, schools, parks, and emergency services all play a crucial role in making a neighbourhood feel like home. Without them, rapid development can create more problems than it solves.

Council members emphasized that smart growth is the key. There’s a strong desire to work with the province to secure necessary upgrades, from better roads to reliable utilities. One of the major concerns was Glenrosa’s limited road access, particularly in the event of an emergency like a wildfire. West Kelowna has seen firsthand how crucial safe evacuation routes are. City officials are committed to making sure residents aren’t put in harm’s way. While the proposed development might have added much-needed housing, the council took the responsible route by prioritizing safety and infrastructure before moving forward.

For buyers and investors, this is good news. A community that plans carefully and invests in the right infrastructure is a community that will continue to thrive. West Kelowna remains an attractive destination for families, professionals, and retirees alike, and with smart planning, its future looks brighter than ever. The housing market here is strong, and as these discussions continue, we can look forward to growth that enhances our city.

Contact me Today About Houses for Sale in West Kelowna BC

If you’re thinking about making West Kelowna your home, now is a great time to explore your options. Contact me today and let’s work together to find the perfect property for you in a community that values thoughtful growth and long-term sustainability!

/by

Make Westside Kelowna Real Estate Green With These Programs

west-kelowna-green-energy-programs-for-home-owners.

Making your home more energy-efficient means more than just a slash through your utility bills. Investing in energy-efficient fixtures and power can help you make an impactful change toward a more sustainable future. As a homeowner of Westside Kelowna real estate, you have access to some fantastic programs that can help make these upgrades more affordable. Whether you’re thinking about adding better insulation, upgrading to energy-efficient windows, or installing solar panels, there are grants, loans, and rebates available to help offset the costs. So, without further ado let’s take a peak at the key programs you should know about!

Federal & Provincial Energy-Efficient Home Improvement Programs

The Canada Greener Homes Initiative is a federal program designed to help homeowners make their homes more energy-efficient. It offers grants of up to $5,000 and interest-free loans of up to $40,000 to cover the costs of improvements like better insulation, energy-efficient heating, and renewable energy systems. To qualify, you’ll need to complete an EnerGuide home evaluation, which helps identify areas where your home can be improved.

The Canada Greener Homes Grant provides between $125 and $5,000 to assist with specific upgrades, such as high-performance windows, better insulation, and more efficient heating systems. Plus, the grant covers $600 toward your EnerGuide home evaluation, which you need to qualify for the grant. With updates to the program on the horizon, even tenants may soon be eligible!

For larger-scale projects, the Canada Greener Homes Loan is also a good option. Homeowners can access interest-free loans between $5,000 and $40,000, with 10 years to repay. This is perfect for bigger investments like solar panels or comprehensive insulation upgrades. Like the grant, an EnerGuide home evaluation is required to qualify.

For those residing in Westside Kelowna real estate, you also have access to the BetterHomesBC program. This provincial initiative offers rebates and incentives for energy-efficient upgrades like new windows, improved insulation, and heat pumps. One of the best parts is that you can stack rebates from multiple sources (including utility providers) to maximize your savings. Plus, they provide an energy coach service to help you through the process.

Upgrade Westside Kelowna Real Estate Before You List!

Making your home more energy-efficient is a smart move, both financially and environmentally. If you’re considering buying or selling in Westside Kelowna real estate, having an energy-efficient home can boost its value and appeal. Need advice on how energy efficiency impacts home value? Let’s chat! Reach out today, and we’ll find ways to maximize your home’s potential.

/by