BC Real Estate! Are Short Term Rentals Coming Back

Join us today as we unpack two important topics shaping real estate conversations right now: interest rates and short-term rentals.We’ll start by looking at how recent international events can influence interest rates, the broader economy, and buyer and seller confidence. The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25% on March 18, 2026, while also noting that conflict in the Middle East has increased volatility in global energy prices and financial markets, adding uncertainty to the economic outlook. We’ll also take a closer look at the changing short-term rental landscape in British Columbia, including the recent Kelowna change. The province announced that Kelowna’s early opt-out takes effect June 1, 2026, allowing the city to move away from the provincial principal residence requirement. At the same time, Kelowna is still regulating short-term rentals locally through business licensing and eligible properties that have been rezoned to the city’s STR sub-zone. In this episode, we’ll discuss: how global uncertainty can affect rates and market psychology the history of short-term rental regulation in B.C. why the province created a registry and stronger enforcement rules how provincial policy and local bylaws work together what Kelowna’s pilot shift may mean for investors, homeowners, and housing supply If you are a buyer, seller, investor, or homeowner trying to make sense of today’s market, this is a conversation worth following.