The Okanagan Valley has long been prized for its breathtaking views, laid-back lifestyle, and four-season appeal. But as more homebuyers search for a retreat that offers permanence and not just a vacation, the region is seeing a shift. High-end resort-style communities are redefining the standard of home ownership in BC’s prized wine country, offering an elevated blend of comfort, convenience, and curated amenities designed for year-round living. 

Movala in Kelowna and Somerset Heights in Peachland are two of the most compelling examples of this emerging trend. While these developments differ in scale and setting, they share a common vision: to deliver thoughtful, luxury-driven homes that reflect a new standard of residential excellence, right in the heart of the Okanagan. 

From Vacation Destination to Full-Time Address 

The Okanagan has traditionally attracted vacationers, investors, and retirees—but that profile is evolving. According to Taylor Musseau, our EVP of Sales & Marketing and Partner at MLA Canada, the shift is being driven in part by broader economic uncertainty, changes to provincial legislation, and a recalibration of buyer priorities. 

"The macroeconomic climate has been anything but stable in the last 24 months," she explains. "From the dissolution of short-term rentals to rising interest rates, a struggling government and now a tariff war, the world around us has changed. The investor-buyer who once fuelled the Okanagan market has dried up." 

In their place, Musseau says, a more lifestyle-driven buyer has emerged. "We are starting to see significantly more engagement from locals who aren’t as impacted by interest rates or national events—people who want to stay in the same market but downsize to a lock-and-leave, highly amenitized lifestyle." 

These aren’t just retirees, either. The demographic includes active professionals, semi-retired couples, and even families with flexible work arrangements who see the Okanagan as a primary home base with quality-of-life appeal. Buyers are looking for long-term liveability: a home that blends luxury and functionality, with features that enable travel, security, and convenience in one fell swoop. 

The New Luxury: Amenities, Access, and Intentional Design 

Luxury resort-style communities offer more than scenic views and spacious layouts. Today’s discerning buyers are also focused on access to shops and recreation, security, and above all, long-term comfort—and they’re less interested in kitschy offerings or impractical opulence. 

"Location, location, location. That’s always number one," says Musseau. "Being walkable to the beach, dining, groceries, and daily amenities is incredibly important. Within the development, we’re seeing buyers prioritize safety and security, thoughtfully laid out spaces, storage, and technology." 

This aligns with a broader shift in the Okanagan market toward end-user-focused development. With the expansion of BC’s Speculation and Vacancy Tax to cover areas like Peachland in 2025, buyers are more inclined to purchase properties they will live in, rather than leave vacant or use them solely as short-term rentals. Developers are responding with slightly larger floor plans, more curated amenity packages—gyms, rooftop lounges, co-working spaces—and secure access systems that enable owners to lock up and leave without worry. From underground parking to pet-washing stations, luxury is now defined by how easily a home fits into a modern, on-the-go lifestyle. 

Spotlight on Movala: Lifestyle and Location on Kelowna’s Gyro Beach 

Located in Kelowna’s coveted South Pandosy neighbourhood, Movala is a lakeside community that combines high-end design with everyday practicality. It has attracted a wide range of buyers, from downsizers seeking elevated design and security to younger professionals drawn to its amenity-rich environment and direct proximity to the beach. 

"Movala was incredibly well thought-out in terms of amenities and lifestyle—there truly is something for everyone," says Musseau. "We’ve seen strong demand from buyers who prioritize both indoor and outdoor space and those who want to enjoy the convenience of the shops in the commercial spaces below or within the surrounding neighbourhood." 

The project includes standout resort-style features across its nearly 1 acre of amenities like a pool and hot tub, al fresco dining, entertainment lounge, games room and even a guest suite, making it a year-round destination for full-time residents and long-term investors alike. 

Learn more about Movala’s waterfront residences at movala.ca. 

Spotlight on Somerset Heights: Elevated Living in Peachland  

In contrast to Kelowna’s vibrant take on lakeside living, Somerset Heights in Peachland offers a slower pace of life with equally luxurious features. The development introduces upscale townhome living to an area that’s largely untouched by large-scale development—giving it both a sense of scarcity and intriguing investment appeal. 

"We love that Somerset gives you access to the water in a quieter environment," Musseau says. "It’s very easy to reach for buyers coming off the highway from Vancouver, and it offers a slowed-down pace of life with all the modern conveniences just minutes away." 

With rooftop terraces, elevators, and lake views, Somerset Heights offers a rare blend of single-family-style living and premium amenities. The next phase will include single-level lakeview homes, catering to buyers who value thoughtful design, privacy, and simplicity. 

Explore Somerset Heights at https://liveatsomerset.ca/.  

The Next Era of Okanagan Real Estate Starts Here 

Both Movala and Somerset Heights signal a clear shift in the Okanagan market—one that prioritizes quality over quantity, and lifestyle over speculation. They reflect a growing appetite for homes that enable long-term living while offering the flexibility, design, and prestige expected in luxury real estate. 

"The success of these projects is a clear indicator that the market still has a pulse," says Musseau. "More product catering to end-users and locals has been needed. If you build high quality and well-thought-out developments like Somerset and Movala, you position yourself to come out on top even in challenging markets." 

Backed by the region’s long-term fundamentals—rapid population growth, a diversified economy, and continued demand from both retirees and lifestyle-focused professionals—the luxury market in the Okanagan is well-positioned for resilient, sustainable growth. As buyers become more selective, it will be the projects that pair location with lifestyle, and design with functionality, that lead the way forward for generations to come.