Kelowna on the move with new Mission Group homes

Long known and loved for its friendly outlook and lakeside setting, Kelowna is a city in dynamic transition. Located in the heart of wine country, today’s Kelowna is far more than an inviting vacation destination – although it’s still a popular holiday spot, too. Now it’s a sophisticated, modern city offering every urban amenity and a lifestyle that’s tough to beat. No wonder many Vancouverites who’ve grown weary of skyrocketing housing prices are discovering Kelowna is a great investment in their future.

Live, Work, Play

“Many people don’t realize it, but Kelowna has a $1.3-billion tech industry – that’s a lot of job potential,” says JoAnne Adamson, vice-president of sales and marketing at Mission Group. “It’s also home to UBC Okanagan, a state-of-the-art campus that’s consistently ranked among the top 40 in the world. We have a thriving arts and culture community, and there’s a growing beer and cider industry to complement the existing wineries and agri-tourism.”

Getting there is easy, too. The Kelowna International Airport is one of the busiest in Canada and continues expanding year after year.

“It’s about a 45-minute flight to Vancouver, so commuting is actually faster than if you’re taking the ferry to Vancouver Island, which takes over an hour and a half,” Adamson points out. “With increasing numbers of professionals telecommuting or using virtual offices, you really can enjoy all the benefits of living in the Okanagan and work with companies anywhere in the world.”

Amazing Investment

Whether you want to live here yourself or purchase a revenue property, Kelowna’s attractive pricing is appealing to savvy buyers. “Where are you going to find a brand-new two- or three-bedroom condominium overlooking protected greenspace starting at less than $500 per sq. ft. in the Lower Mainland?” Adamson says, referencing Mission Group’s Urbana project on the edge of downtown.

From an investment standpoint, the benefits of lower pricing snowball rapidly – lower down payment, less property transfer tax, smaller mortgage. “And since Kelowna’s vacancy rate is just 0.2 per cent – one of the lowest in Canada – many investors are achieving positive cash flow immediately,” Adamson adds.

Mission Group’s president, Randy Shier, believed so strongly in Kelowna’s potential that in 2004 he moved from Vancouver to begin building homes there. With two new communities being enthusiastically embraced by buyers from the Lower Mainland, it’s clear many others are now following in his footsteps.

ELLA: Sophisticated and Connected

Located in the trendsetting Bernard District neighbourhood, Ella boasts a sleek, architectural design and modern interiors that bring Yaletown sophistication to downtown Kelowna. Homes in this 20-storey tower are large – many offering more than 1,300 sq. ft. of luxurious living. Add expansive, full-height window walls, spacious balconies and sweeping views of the city, lake and mountains, and it’s easy to understand why relocating from Vancouver or right-sizing from a single-family home is a compelling option. Plus, thanks to a WalkScore of 97, as well as cycle routes in every direction, you’ll likely find yourself leaving your car at home more often.

Urbana: Hip and Happening

Now selling, Urbana is a four-storey, wood-frame residence that’s the third and final phase of the Central Green master-planned community. Red brick accents, heritage-style architecture, and contemporary interiors with nine-ft. ceilings, air conditioning and open-concept floorplans are wowing buyers looking for a unique, downtown location and exceptional value. Best of all, Urbana will be adjacent to an upcoming, five-acre City-owned park – one of the largest urban parks in Kelowna – with trails, an off-leash area for your four-footed family members, community gardens and a large heritage tree.