If your dream home includes elbow room, starry nights, and space for gardens, toys, or animals, acreage living in the Central Okanagan might be your perfect fit. This quick guide covers the big picture—what to expect, where to look, and how to shop smart—without getting lost in technical jargon.
Why people choose acreage
- Privacy & quiet: Fewer neighbours, more birdsong.
- Room to play: Shops, RV parking, hobby vineyards/orchards, serious gardens.
- Lifestyle: Farm animals, trails, outdoor entertaining, and those Okanagan views.
What counts as “acreage”?
In local lingo, “acreage” usually means anything larger than a typical city lot. Some are compact (around 0.5 –2 acres) and live like a large suburban property; others stretch well beyond 5 acres and feel like farm or ranch. The key is usable land (flat, sunny, accessible) versus slopes, gullies, or treed areas you’ll keep natural.
Where to look (at a glance)
- Southeast Kelowna: Estate-style acreages, orchards, vineyards, and a true country feel just minutes to town. Great for people who want beauty and convenience.
- North Glenmore & Glenmore: Pockets of small acreages close to schools, shops, UBCO, and the airport. A nice balance of rural and urban.
- Ellison: Classic farm and hobby-farm territory with comparatively flatter land and a friendly rural vibe near the airport.
- Joe Rich: Forested, larger parcels along Highway 33. Think privacy, wildlife, and a “cabin-in-the-woods” feel—still commutable to Kelowna.
- Also worth a look: Lake Country (Oyama/Carr’s Landing) for view acreages; parts of West Kelowna Estates/Glenrosa for mixed rural opportunities.
Tip: Drive the area at different times of day. Commutes, sun exposure, and road conditions (especially in winter) can change how a property feels.
Services & upkeep (the “real life” stuff)
Water: Some acreages are on municipal/community systems; many rely on private wells. Plan for basic testing (quality and reliability) and, if needed, treatment like a softener or UV unit.
Sewer: Most acreages use septic systems. They’re common and manageable—just budget for routine maintenance and know where the tank/field sits before you plan a pool, patio, or shop.
Power, gas & internet: Double-check availability and costs for upgrades. Rural fibre is expanding but still varies by pocket.
Access & snow: Longer driveways need plowing and maintenance. Ensure turnarounds for trailers and delivery trucks.
Insurance & safety: Acreages near forested areas benefit from FireSmart steps (clearing brush, metal roofs, etc.). Insurers like to see that you’ve thought about wildfire mitigation.
Zoning, the ALR & “Can I…?”
Every parcel sits in a zoning category that spells out what you can build and do (suites, shops, animals, home-based businesses). Many local acreages also fall in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR), where the priority is agriculture. That often means: yes to farming and agri-tourism (within guidelines), mindful rules around extra dwellings, and permits for certain activities.
Takeaway: If your dream includes a carriage house, short-term rentals, a big shop, or agri-tourism, confirm the rules first so your plans and the property truly match.
Budgeting beyond the purchase price
- Maintenance: Mowing/brush control, tree care, fence and driveway upkeep.
- Water/septic care: Periodic testing, pump-outs, and filter replacements.
- Future projects: Shops, barns, greenhouses, irrigation, or landscaping—get rough quotes early.
- Equipment: Even a modest acreage may benefit from a ride-on mower or a plow attachment.
What to look for at viewings
- Sun & snow: Where does the light hit? Where does snow linger?
- Drainage: After rain, where does water go? Look for soggy spots or erosion.
- Usable zones: Map out where a future shop, garden, or play area could sit.
- Neighbouring uses: Farms, venues, kennels—great to know in advance.
- Noise & access: Proximity to highways, the airport, or seasonal road conditions.
- Home Floorplan: The property may be nice but does the home have a floorplan that works for your lifestyle needs?
A simple due-diligence checklist
- Water & septic basics (what you have, where it is, how it’s maintained).
- Zoning/ALR fit (suites, animals, shops, home-based business).
- Structures & permits (what’s permitted matches what’s built).
- Access & safety (driveway, snow plan, wildfire mitigation).
- Land usability (flat areas, sun, drainage, future expansion spots).
- Rough costs (near-term maintenance and any “Day 1” upgrades).
Is acreage right for you?
If you love fresh air, privacy, and a hands-on lifestyle, acreage living is incredibly rewarding. If you’d rather outsource yard work and be steps to downtown coffee shops, a large city lot or townhome may suit you better. There’s no wrong choice—just the right fit for your season of life.
Let’s find the right piece of land
I help buyers match their wish-lists with the realities of wells, septic, zoning, and the ALR across Southeast Kelowna, North Glenmore, Ellison, Joe Rich, Lake Country, and West Kelowna. If you want a curated list of current acreages (and a clear plan for due diligence), I’m happy to help.
Friendly note: This article is general information for the Central Okanagan. Regulations and policies change and vary by location—always verify details with the municipality/Regional District, the Agricultural Land Commission, and qualified well/septic professionals.
I would love to be your Real Estate Agent of Choice!
EVERYONE needs a home to live in. As a result, I continue to be confident in the Canadian Real Estate Market. I recommend taking a peek at our current listings on the market.
Do not hesitate to contact me directly by email or phone to discuss all your real estate needs!
If you’re looking to purchase a home and are wanting a REALTOR® to represent you, call or text 250.808.3125 or email nicolemcwilliamsproperties@gmail.com. You can also find out more about your real estate journey on my website nmcrealestate.ca.
