Are you a landlord aiming to secure a reliable tenant for your Kelowna rental property while optimizing your rental income?
Are you a renter looking for the very best apartment listings, or the cheapest possible rent?
There’s an optimal time of year for all of these scenarios, and it’s all based on supply and demand.
This blog walks you through the seasonal economic trends in the Kelowna rental market to help you understand the best time of year to fill vacancies and the best month to rent an apartment.
Let’s start by looking at the demand side of Kelowna’s local rental market.
Seasonal Demand Trends in the Kelowna Rental Market
We know from our own Google Search Console data at propertymanagementkelowna.com that “kelowna rentals” is by far the most popular search term for people looking for houses and apartments for rent.
According to Google Trends data, search volume for the query “kelowna rentals” peaks in July and bottoms in December.
We see this trend play out every single year since the start of Google trends data in 2004. This timing is influenced by several factors that are deeply ingrained in Canada’s rental market.
- The academic calendar – which runs from September to April – causes students to seek rental accommodations before the fall semester.
- Families with children also prefer to move during the summer vacation to minimize disruptions to their children’s schooling.
- Summer is also a common time for job changes, relocations, and career transitions.
- Weather conditions also play a role. Relocating during the summer is far easier and safer than during Canada’s cold, snowy, and icy winter months.
Next let’s look at the supply side.
Seasonal Supply Trends in the Kelowna Rental Market
In Canada, most leases roll over in the summer months – specifically July, August, and September.
- Many landlords anticipate the increase in students seeking rental accommodation and time their lease renewals accordingly.
- Some landlords prefer lease rollovers in the summer months so they can perform property maintenance, repairs, and renovations in warmer weather.
- By aligning their maintenance with peak demand season, landlords can increase their curb appeal between tenants and command higher rental fees.
From a market perspective, the summer rental market experiences higher supply and higher demand, leading to increased competition among both tenants and landlords.
The winter sees lower supply and lower demand, leading to a slower season with more opportunities for negotiation.
Spring and fall offer a more balanced and less hectic market for both parties.
The Best Seasons To Rent A Home in Kelowna
Based on these supply and demand factors, here’s what landlords and tenants should expect – season by season.
Spring (March to May)
Landlord Pros:
- Spring marks the beginning of the rental season with an increasing number of tenants actively searching for properties.
- The surge in demand gives landlords an opportunity to set slightly higher rental rates.
- Spring lease expiries make outdoor maintenance tasks like landscaping, painting, and repairs easier. Landlords can enhance curb appeal and make improvements that command higher rental rates.
Landlord Cons:
- Compared to summer, spring offers a narrower pool of potential renters. Finding new tenants can be a challenge.
Tenant Pros:
- Spring weather in Kelowna is conducive to moving. Tenants can avoid cold winter weather and the blistering hot summer weather.
- You’ll see a wider range of available properties due to lease expirations, giving you more choices.
- You’ll have slightly more negotiation leverage than you would during the competitive summer season.
Tenant Cons:
- More tenants are searching for homes, leading to more competition and higher rents.
- Spring is the peak season for home sales in the real estate market. If your landlord decides to sell, you may have to relocate quickly.
Summer (June to August)
Landlord Pros:
- Summer is the peak demand season, which means you can attract a large pool of potential tenants and reduce your risk of vacancies.
- Kelowna hosts students attending Okanagan College and UBC Okanagan, making summer an ideal time for student-focused rentals like shared houses, or rooms for rent.
Landlord Cons:
- High competition for rental space means you have to stand out in a crowded market.
- Summer leases tend to experience higher turnover, possibly leading to more frequent maintenance and repairs.
- You have to spend your summer holidays managing lease turnovers, tenant screening, and walkthroughs.
Tenant Pros:
- You’ll have a wider variety of properties available for rent in summer.
- It’s an ideal time for students seeking individual rooms for rent or month-to-month leases.
- Warm weather makes it easy to move.
Tenant Cons:
- Rents may be higher due to the increased demand for the same apartment or house from competing tenants.
- Landlords have more options, reducing your negotiation leverage.
- Tenants have to make quick decisions and secure properties swiftly.
Fall (September to November)
Landlord Pros:
- Fall attracts long-term renters, providing stability.
- Demand decreases slightly, but you’ll still be able to find quality tenants.
- You have a window of opportunity to complete maintenance and repairs before winter.
Landlord Cons:
- Fewer tenants actively searching compared to summer.
Tenant Pros:
- Lower competition may allow for slower decision making, and better rental terms.
- Cooler fall weather is nicer for moving compared to peak summer heat.
Tenant Cons:
- Fewer listings available compared to summer.
Winter (December to February)
Landlord Pros:
- Winter tends to attract committed, long-term renters.
- Fewer tenants move during cold months, so you’re more likely to retain existing tenants.
Landlord Cons:
- Tenant searches slow down due to the holidays, meaning you’ll have fewer applicants and may need to accept a lower rental rate with conditions favoring the tenant.
- If you’re planning to make major repairs between lease turnovers, snow and icy conditions make them challenging.
Tenant Pros:
- Lower demand and reduced competition may lead to favorable rental terms, more affordable rates, and more negotiation leverage with your rental agreement.
- Due to rent control in BC, if you secure a low rental rate you’ll be able to renew at your rate plus the maximum allowable rent increase for the following year.
Tenant Cons:
- There are fewer properties on the market to choose from.
- Winter weather complicates moving.
Summary: Supply & Demand Trends for Kelowna Rentals
If you’re a renter looking for the best place to live, and budget is no issue, consider renting during summer for a larger apartment inventory and convenient moving conditions.
If you’re a renter looking for the best possible price, consider searching during winter for potentially lower rents and reduced competition in your apartment search.
If you’re a landlord looking for the best possible tenants and the highest possible rate, listing your property during summer can attract a large pool of potential tenants and command higher rental rates. However, you’ll have to deal with a deluge of phone calls from prospective tenants during your summer holidays.
At the end of the day, your own personal circumstances are the most important factor to consider in renting a home.
Vantage West Property Management in Kelowna
For landlords in Kelowna, Vantage West Property Management offers a hassle-free solution to maximize rental income – without the burdens of tenant screening and hands-on property management.
Our dedicated team works year-round, ensuring your property is filled with quality tenants and managed efficiently. To take the risk out of managing your property, we offer a 2-year Guaranteed Rents program.
With 2 consecutive Consumers’ Choice Award wins for best property manager, we’re one of the Okanagan’s top property managers.
We’re dedicated to providing responsive and professional service to both landlords and tenants, ensuring a positive rental experience. From cozy apartments to spacious houses, we have a variety of properties available in Kelowna and surrounding areas.
Browse our properties for rent and schedule a showing with us, or contact us to help you find the perfect apartment or house for rent.