Born and raised in the heart of the Cariboo, I’ve watched this market evolve — not just as a REALTOR®, but as someone whose roots, family, and life are woven into this region. With a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and 15 years of real estate experience, I bring a blend of data-driven insight and community-first service to every client interaction.

Whether you’re buying your first home, selling acreage, or investing in local property, 2026 presents a unique moment in the Cariboo market — one that rewards informed, strategic decisions backed by solid expertise.

Enbridge Sunrise Expansion Project

According to the 100 Mile Free Press, Enbridge held community roundtable discussions in late 2025 about the proposed Sunrise Expansion Project — a much-anticipated expansion of the T-South natural gas pipeline system that runs through the South Cariboo.

Here’s what is important to highlight:

• Construction Jobs:
  Enbridge has indicated it could employ more than 600 workers for pipeline construction in the Cariboo Regional District, with additional jobs tied to compressor station work in the region.

• Peak Employment:
  Across the full pipeline system expansion (which includes Cariboo and other regions), the project could employ more than 2,500 workers at peak construction and potentially contribute billions of dollars to the Canadian economy — a strong driver for regional labour demand.

• Local Priorities:
  Local officials expressed the importance of these opportunities in the context of recent job losses — for example, the *100 Mile West Fraser lumber mill closure — and the potential for skilled workers in the area to find meaningful employment in pipeline construction and related services.

• Community Impact Planning:
  Enbridge has also been working on socio-economic effect plans that include job opportunities for local workers and contractors, workforce housing considerations, and community engagement.

Hydro Transmission Line & Yellowhead Mine Linkages

Proposed Yellowhead Mine project near Vavenby — including plans for a 230 kV BC Hydro transmission line from 100 Mile House to power the mine.

While these reports didn’t publish specific job numbers yet, local officials and project representatives noted that:

• Such infrastructure can open opportunities for labour in powerline construction and long-term operations.

• Locals could benefit not just from the mine itself but from construction work on the transmission line, which typically requires skilled trades, heavy equipment operators, and support services — especially during peak build phases.

• Community leaders pointed out that keeping young families and workers in the region has been a priority since the OSB mill closure, and these projects could contribute to local employment continuity.

Your Local Expert: Now Taking New Clients

After 15 years helping families, investors, and local homeowners navigate real estate across the Cariboo, I’m excited to announce that I’m opening my books to take on new clients.

Here’s what I bring to your real estate journey:

✅ A tailored experience shaped by deep local roots and a formal marketing background
✅ Professionalism and responsiveness — I answer the phone, return messages promptly, and guide every negotiation skillfully
✅ A strategic approach grounded in real market data and trend forecasting
✅ A true partner who cares about your goals — whether it’s maximizing sale value or finding the perfect home

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or simply exploring opportunities in 2026, let’s talk. My commitment is to make your real estate experience informed, successful, and personally rewarding.

📞 Michelle Lewthwaite Personal Real Estate Corporation
250-644-1100

In January 2026, the 100 Mile House area saw 18 total sales, with 13 residential homes and 5 bare land propertieschanging hands. This marks a solid start to the year, especially given that early winter months typically move at a slower pace. The mix of sales — including a meaningful number of bare land transactions — suggests buyers are not only buying homes but also planning for future builds and investment in our region. Provincially, British Columbia’s market continues to show resilience with increasing activity compared to last year, and many markets are reporting rising sales and stable prices as buyer confidence improves. We’re also seeing a broader country movement trend, where buyers from larger urban centres are increasingly choosing rural and lifestyle communities like the South Cariboo for affordability, space, and quality of life. Combined with anticipated local economic drivers such as infrastructure investment and jobs tied to major projects in the region, this mix of local and provincial momentum points toward a balanced and promising market as we head into spring.

New Listings

In January 2026, we saw 49 new listings come to market in the 100 Mile House area, including 20 bare land properties and 29 residential homes. Interestingly, this level of new inventory is exactly the same as January 2025, and even mirrors January 2019, highlighting a consistent pattern in how our local market begins the year. This stability in new listings reflects steady seller confidence and aligns with broader provincial trends, where inventory levels have been gradually improving while buyer activity strengthens. Across BC and much of Canada, balanced inventory is helping support stable pricing and healthier, more sustainable market conditions. Locally, the strong presence of bare land listings also continues to reflect long-term confidence in the South Cariboo, as buyers look to secure land for future development and lifestyle investments.

Days on the Market

Properties that sold in January 2026 averaged just 38 days on the market, a notable improvement from 71 days in January 2025 and even faster than 45 days in January 2019. This shorter timeline indicates stronger buyer engagement and increased decisiveness, especially for well-priced properties. This trend mirrors what we are seeing provincially and across Canada, where renewed buyer confidence and stabilizing interest rates are helping homes sell more efficiently. Locally, this is an encouraging sign that demand remains healthy in the 100 Mile House area as we move toward the spring market.

Sale Price

The average selling price in January 2026 was $390,772, however this figure is influenced by the number of bare land sales. When looking specifically at residential homes, the average sale price was $479,384, providing a more accurate reflection of true housing values in our market. This aligns with what we are seeing provincially, where home prices have remained generally stable with modest upward pressure as buyer confidence improves. The continued strength in residential pricing locally reinforces that the 100 Mile House area remains a desirable and attainable market, particularly as buyers across BC and Canada continue to look toward smaller communities for affordability, lifestyle, and long-term value.

Market Update

Did we do something GREAT together this past year? I'm just catching my breath! If you have a quick moment I would be honoured if you would take a moment to leave me a google review! I know it's a big ask - I always look for reviews when looking for a service or product and it's honestly the best way for future clients to find me! CLICK HERE!
 

SO THANK YOU -  I APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!

New to the Cariboo?
Have you checked out the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre Downtown 100 Mile House? This is an excellent touchbase for new families to the community - drop in to learn about childcare options, community programs, events and social resources. 

Website: http://cariboofamily.org

Cariboo Real Estate Market in 2026: Stability, Growth & Opportunity

Born and raised in the heart of the Cariboo, I’ve watched this market evolve — not just as a REALTOR®, but as someone whose roots, family, and life are woven into this region. With a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing and 15 years of real estate experience, I bring a blend of data-driven insight and community-first service to every client interaction.

Whether you’re buying your first home, selling acreage, or investing in local property, 2026 presents a unique moment in the Cariboo market — one that rewards informed, strategic decisions backed by solid expertise.

Cariboo Market Trends: What the Data Shows

Even as provincial and national markets feel shifts, the Cariboo has shown relative stability and modest growth through 2025 and into early 2026:

📊 Assessed Property Values Rising
In most Cariboo communities, BC Assessment’s 2026 notices (reflecting market value as of July 1, 2025) show typical assessed values in many Cariboo communities ranging from flat to about +14%, depending on the area.For example:

• Williams Lake: +5% typical home assessment

• Fort St. James: +14%

• Bella Coola & Wells: +8% each

• 100 Mile House: flat, indicating stability in that segment

📈 Regional Sales Data (BC Northern Real Estate Board)
Across the broader northern region — which includes the Cariboo — the annual average home price climbed about 4.1% in 2025 compared with 2024, even as December prices softened slightly from year-ago levels.

Across the BCNREB board area, total sales dollar volume increased in 2025 compared with 2024, even as the average price in December 2025 was slightly lower than December 2024.

📉 Inventory & Activity Patterns
While active listings remain below long-term averages — suggesting comparatively tight supply — total sales held steady above long-run norms throughout 2025, a sign that demand persists even in a balanced environment.

These statistics tell a clear story: Cariboo isn’t experiencing dramatic booms or busts — it’s balancing growth, demand, and affordability, a trend many buyers and sellers prefer over volatile markets.

2026 Market Outlook: What We Can Expect

Looking ahead, broader forecasts from credible industry groups provide context for what 2026 may mean for buyers and sellers in the Cariboo:

📌 Sales Activity to Rebound

Across British Columbia, industry forecasts anticipate a measured recovery in home sales in 2026, after a modest slowdown in parts of 2025. This is linked to a broader economic stabilization and potential easing of borrowing costs.

📌 Price Growth Remains Modest

At the provincial level, organizations such as the BCREA project moderate price increases in 2026 — roughly ~4% on average — driven by renewed buyer confidence and better alignment between supply and demand.

📌 Lifestyle & Regional Demand

Smaller and more lifestyle-oriented markets like the Cariboo are expected to benefit from ongoing demand for space, value, and community living, particularly from buyers relocating from larger urban centres seeking affordability and quality of life.

In practical terms for Cariboo buyers and sellers in 2026:

🔹 Buyers — You’ll find value in diverse property types, from family homes and acreage to recreational retreats. Balanced inventory means less pressure than overheated markets but still requires smart positioning and timing.

🔹 Sellers — Properties are moving in a market where stable demand and modest price growth can work in your favour — especially with strategic pricing and marketing.

Your Local Expert: Now Taking New Clients

After 15 years helping families, investors, and local homeowners navigate real estate across the Cariboo, I’m excited to announce that I’m opening my books to take on new clients.

Here’s what I bring to your real estate journey:

✅ A tailored experience shaped by deep local roots and a formal marketing background
✅ Professionalism and responsiveness — I answer the phone, return messages promptly, and guide every negotiation skillfully
✅ A strategic approach grounded in real market data and trend forecasting
✅ A true partner who cares about your goals — whether it’s maximizing sale value or finding the perfect home

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or simply exploring opportunities in 2026, let’s talk. My commitment is to make your real estate experience informed, successful, and personally rewarding.

📞 Michelle Lewthwaite Personal Real Estate Corporation
250-644-1100

Sales

In December, 12 properties sold in the 100 Mile House area. For comparison, December 2019 recorded 22 sales, while December 2025 saw 16. This brief slowdown can be attributed to the announcement of our third and final mill closure. West Fraser ceased operations in December, which naturally caused both buyers and sellers to pause as they waited to see what would unfold. While this type of news can create short term uncertainty, we have been through transitions like this before and I am pleased to report that the sky is not falling.

Our community’s foundation is built on tourism, recreation, and lifestyle driven real estate. The lakes, outdoor amenities, and slower pace of life continue to be powerful draws for buyers coming to the Cariboo. We are deeply empathetic to the families who have had to make significant changes as a result of the closure, and we recognize the personal impact this has had locally.

From an economic and marketplace standpoint, demand for Cariboo real estate remains steady. Property values continue to track in line with provincial market trends, and buyer interest in recreation and lifestyle properties remains strong. The brief November and December hiccup caused by initial shock and uncertainty is already easing, and we are well positioned to move into an active and healthy spring market.

New Listings
In December, we saw 36 new listings hit the MLS. This figure is slightly higher than in years past, in part due to some families making immediate job-related moves to new communities. It’s important to note that many of these homes have already sold, with new families moving in and embracing life in the Cariboo. Change is never unfamiliar to our region — this community has always proven itself resilient and adaptable through economic shifts, and this season is no different.

For sellers considering a move in 2026, now is the time to prepare. The spring market is traditionally our busiest season, and homes that are ready early consistently stand out. I recommend using the coming weeks to tidy and declutter, complete small repairs, refresh paint where needed, and ensure your home shows its best. Being list-ready for February allows you to beat the spring rush, capture early buyer attention, and position your property for maximum exposure and value.

Preparation is key, and a little work now can make a significant difference in sale price and time on market.

Days on the Market
The average days on market in December was 76. For comparison, December 2024 averaged 80 days, and the previous year came in at 74 — placing us directly in line with normal seasonal trends. Longer days on market at this time of year are expected. Winter in the Cariboo naturally brings fewer active buyers, holiday distractions, shorter daylight hours for showings, and weather conditions that can limit travel. Simply put, December is traditionally a slower, more thoughtful decision-making period for both buyers and sellers.

What’s important to note is that this is not a sign of weakening demand — it is seasonal behaviour. As we move toward late January and February, buyer activity historically begins to climb. Families start planning spring moves, recreation property buyers begin preparing for summer use, and new inventory brings fresh energy to the marketplace. This shift typically results in shorter days on market and stronger competition for well-presented homes.

The winter slowdown is temporary. The spring market ahead is active, engaged, and full of possibility.

Sale Price
In our 100 Mile House market, the average selling price sits around $495,000, with raw land averaging about $132,000, homes on acreage around $545,000, and properties on lots under 1 acre still very attainable at $583,750. These values reflect the affordability and lifestyle appeal our community offers compared to larger urban markets. By contrast, BC’s MLS average price was about $948,296 in September 2025, and BCREA forecasts an average price of about $995,600 for 2026, depending on the forecast — with the province expected to see modest price growth of about 4 % through 2026 as market activity stabilizes and sales recover into spring. 

Why the provincial context matters:

• Throughout BC, housing activity softened in 2025 due to broader economic headwinds, including national sales dips and buyer caution, but analysts expect sales and activity to rebound in 2026 as interest rates settle and spring momentum returns. 

• Price growth in the province is forecast to be modest rather than dramatic, with balanced conditions and steady demand outside the major metro markets. 
  This balanced outlook supports confidence that markets like 100 Mile House — where affordability and lifestyle are strong draws — will continue to attract buyers.

What this means for our local market:
Your property values here aren’t tied to the volatility of Metro prices because our buyer pool is often motivated by lifestyle, recreation, and long-term affordability. This helps maintain stable demand even when larger markets fluctuate.

Market Update

Did we do something GREAT together this past year? I'm just catching my breath! If you have a quick moment I would be honoured if you would take a moment to leave me a google review! I know it's a big ask - I always look for reviews when looking for a service or product and it's honestly the best way for future clients to find me! CLICK HERE!
 

SO THANK YOU -  I APPRECIATE YOUR SUPPORT!

New to the Cariboo?
Have you checked out the Cariboo Family Enrichment Centre Downtown 100 Mile House? This is an excellent touchbase for new families to the community - drop in to learn about childcare options, community programs, events and social resources. 

Website: http://cariboofamily.org