Invermere and Columbia Valley Real Estate Market Update: September 2026
September 2026 brought a noticeable increase in real estate sales across the Columbia Valley, while inventory remained elevated and average prices continued to rise. According to September market data compiled from the Association of Interior REALTORS®, the market recorded 48 sold listings, 69 new listings and 403 active listings at the end of September.
The numbers show a market with more sales activity, higher average sale prices and fewer days on market, while buyers continue to have a significant amount of inventory to choose from.
For buyers and sellers in Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont, Radium Hot Springs, Panorama, Canal Flats and surrounding Columbia Valley communities, the September numbers provide some useful insight into where the market is heading.
September Sales Increased 20% Year over Year
One of the strongest numbers in the September report is the increase in completed sales. There were 48 sold listings in September 2026, compared with 40 in September 2025. That represents a 20% increase in monthly sales. The September result is also above the 12-month average of 38 sales per month, indicating that September was a relatively active month for completed transactions. Year to date, however, the picture is more measured. There have been 369 sales in 2026 compared with 433 during the same period in 2025, representing a 14.78% decrease.
This is an important distinction: September showed stronger sales activity, while the year-to-date market remains below last year’s pace.
New Listings Remain Strong, but Slightly Below Last Year
September brought 69 new listings to the Columbia Valley market, compared with 72 in September 2025. That represents a modest 4.17% decrease in new listings year over year. There were still enough new properties coming onto the market to provide buyers with considerable choice. Year to date, the market has recorded 744 new listings, compared with 820 during the same period in 2025, a decrease of 9.27%.
For sellers, this means there is still competition from other properties, but the flow of new listings has moderated compared with last year.
Average Sale Price Climbed to $566,380
The September 2026 average sale price was $566,380, up from $525,526 in September 2025. That’s an increase of 7.77% year over year. The average list price also increased, reaching $600,052, compared with $559,110 last September, an increase of 7.32%. Year to date, the average sale price is $573,230, compared with $535,861 in 2025, representing a 6.97% increase. These numbers show that while the number of transactions is lower year to date, average prices have moved higher.
It is important to remember that average price can be influenced by the type and mix of properties sold during a particular month. The average therefore provides a useful market indicator, but it does not mean every property has increased in value by the same percentage.
Homes are Selling Faster than they were Last Year
One of the most significant improvements in the September numbers is days on market. The average time to sale fell from 120.18 days in September 2025 to 98.85 days in September 2026. That’s a substantial 17.74% decrease. In practical terms, properties that sell are moving through the market faster than they were a year ago. Year to date, the average days on market is 90.93 days, compared with 100.73 days in 2025, a 9.74% decrease.
For sellers, this is an encouraging indicator that appropriately positioned properties can attract buyers and reach a sale more quickly than the previous year.
Buyers are Negotiating, but Properties are Selling at 93.33% of List Price
The September average sale-to-list price ratio was 93.33%, slightly higher than 92.98% in September 2025. That’s a 0.38% improvement. This means that, on average, properties that sold in September changed hands at approximately 93% of their final list price. Year to date, the average sale-to-list ratio is 94.30%, compared with 94.42% in 2025.
For buyers, this continues to demonstrate the importance of understanding current pricing and comparable properties. For sellers, accurate pricing remains an important part of attracting serious buyers and converting a listing into a completed sale.
Inventory Remains one of the Biggest Market Stories
At the end of September, 403 properties were in active inventory. That compares with 400 active properties at the same time last year, a relatively small 0.75% increase.
However, the more significant number is months of supply. September ended with 10.61 months of inventory, compared with 9.11 months in September 2025. That’s an increase of 16.44%. A higher months-of-supply figure means buyers continue to have considerable choice across the Columbia Valley. The report shows 454 properties in starting inventory, with 69 new listings added during September, creating 523 total inventory units during the month. Of those, 48 sold, 42 moved to other off-market status, and 403 remained active at month end.
For buyers, this level of inventory creates opportunities to compare properties, locations and pricing. For sellers, it reinforces the importance of strong presentation, accurate pricing and a marketing strategy that gets a property in front of the right buyers.
Year-to-Date Market Numbers tell a more Balanced Story
Looking beyond September alone gives buyers and sellers a broader perspective.
Through September 2026:
- 369 sold listings — down 14.78% from 433
- 744 new listings — down 9.27% from 820
- $573,230 average sale price — up 6.97%
- $608,773 average list price — up 7.01%
- 94.30% average sale-to-list ratio
- 90.93 average days on market — down 9.74%
- 403 active listings — up 0.75%
- 10.61 months of supply — up 16.44%
Taken together, these numbers point to a balanced market with elevated inventory and stronger pricing, rather than a market defined by rapidly increasing transaction volume.
What does the September 2026 Market mean for Buyers?
For buyers, September’s 403 active listings and 10.61 months of supply provide meaningful choice. The combination of higher inventory and a 93.33% September sale-to-list ratio suggests buyers should continue to carefully evaluate pricing and comparable properties rather than assume every listing will sell at or near asking price. At the same time, the 20% year-over-year increase in September sales and the reduction in average days on market show that good properties can still attract buyers and move through the market.
The opportunity for buyers is to be informed, prepared and strategic.
What does the September 2026 Market mean for Sellers?
For sellers, the numbers reinforce the importance of getting the fundamentals right. There are 403 active properties competing for buyers, while September brought another 69 new listings to the market. However, the positive side of the report is that 48 properties sold in September, up 20% from last year, while average days on market dropped almost 18%. That suggests buyers are active, but they have choices.
A well-priced property, strong presentation and effective marketing can help a listing stand out in a market where buyers have time to compare their options.
The Bottom Line: September brought Stronger Sales, Higher Prices and More Choice
September 2026 was a month of mixed but meaningful signals for Columbia Valley real estate. Sales increased 20%. Average sale prices increased 7.77%. Days on market decreased 17.74%. Active inventory increased slightly, while months of supply climbed 16.44%. The result is a market where buyers have substantial choice, while sellers still have opportunities when their property is priced and marketed appropriately.
At Maxwell Rockies Realty, we believe the best real estate decisions start with understanding the numbers behind the market. Whether you’re considering buying, selling or simply want to understand what’s happening in Invermere, Windermere, Fairmont Hot Springs, Radium Hot Springs, Panorama, Canal Flats, Edgewater, and the Columbia Valley, local market data can help you make a more informed decision.
The market is always changing. The numbers tell the story.
Posted by Chris Raven on
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