It felt like nothing was selling in the Outback this year, but the numbers tell a different story. While buyer inquiries and showings seemed quieter than in previous years, a closer look at the sales revealed that activity had started to pick up. For buyers and owners of these vacation-style properties, 2026 may not have been a weak year. It may simply have been a year when buyers took more time to make decisions.

Laura Reners of RE/MAX Vernon Salt Fowler reviews the Outback’s year-to-date sales, compares them with previous years, and shares what the sales activity and buyer behaviour may tell us about the local recreational property market.

Looking Back at Outback Sales History

Before 2017, resale activity in the Outback was limited, with only one to three sales in some years as the community was still developing. Around 2017, the market became more established, resale activity grew more consistent, and buyers became more familiar with the community.

The annual resale figures shared in the video were 12 sales in 2017, 10 in 2018, 11 in 2019, 16 in 2020, 15 in 2021, 17 in 2022, 13 in 2023, 10 in 2024, and 13 in 2025.

In 2026, the biggest difference Laura noticed was not necessarily the number of sales, but how buyers approached their decisions. Many liked the Outback and felt it offered what they were looking for, but wanted to wait and see how the economy and interest rates developed before committing to a vacation property.

There had also been an expectation that more Canadians might choose to vacation closer to home rather than travel south, potentially creating additional demand for recreational properties. However, that anticipated increase did not materialize. Buyers continued to come from Alberta, as they traditionally do, but there was no additional wave of demand.

A similar pattern was seen at The Strand, another vacation property in Vernon. Sales activity felt unusually quiet before beginning to pick up toward the end of August. Laura believes this suggests buyers had not disappeared. Instead, many were waiting until they felt more confident.

Outback Property Sales in 2026

Unit 159: The Highest Sale of the Year

The highest sale discussed was Unit 159, a ridge home that sold for $2 million after 124 days on the market. The property had nearly 2,800 square feet of living space, five bedrooms, four bathrooms, sweeping lake views, two boat slips, smart home automation, and extensive high-end finishes. It had also been relisted and was not typical of the usual Outback property.

The sale demonstrated that demand remained at the luxury end of the market, although buyers were taking their time. Laura notes that the property's time on and off the market reflects how selective luxury buyers can be.

A Newer Duplex: $1.2 Million

The second-highest sale was one of the newer duplexes, which sold for $1.2 million after 14 days back on the market. The property had previously been listed, and GST would also have applied.

Laura points out that buyers can still move quickly when they find a property with modern finishes and strong lake views. Although some of the newer duplexes took longer to sell, they continued to attract buyers.

A Forest Cabin That Sold in Five Days

One forest cabin sold in just five days. The property had undergone extensive updates, including granite countertops, new cabinetry, appliances, flooring, and an electric fireplace. It also included private moorage in Buoy.

For Laura, this sale illustrates an important trend: buyers were not avoiding the market altogether. Well-prepared properties that were priced appropriately could still attract quick offers.

Unit 35: $685,000

Unit 35 sold for $685,000 after only 22 days on the market. Its desirable location within the resort, partial lake views, mountain views, and oversized parking were among the features highlighted in the video.

The sale was another example of buyers acting quickly when a property offered the features and location they wanted.

Unit 57: $610,000

Unit 57 sold for $610,000 after 134 days on the market. This forest cabin included a detached casita and was fully furnished.

Laura emphasizes that the time it took to find the right buyer is significant. Buyers were taking longer to make decisions, but a property offering perceived value at the right price could still sell.

Unit 87: $596,500

Unit 87 sold for $596,500 after 72 days on the market. This fully furnished townhouse featured a primary suite and offered the type of lock-and-leave vacation property many Out