January 2026 - 100 Mile House Real Estate Market Update – Cariboo Housing Trends, Prices & Forecast

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!
 

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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