If you’ve been watching the Prince George real estate market in 2025 and wondering when things might finally steady out, here’s some good news: the 2026 outlook from Re/Max Canada suggests momentum is coming back. After a year of economic uncertainty, shifting mortgage rates, and a lot of “wait-and-see” energy from buyers and sellers, next year is shaping up to offer more balance — and more opportunity — in Northern BC.

Home sales expected to rise across Canada (and felt in Prince George)

Re/Max Canada’s 2026 Housing Market Outlook is forecasting national home sales to climb 3.4 per cent. When national confidence strengthens, it tends to ripple into local markets like Prince George, College Heights, Hart Highlands, and the broader Northern BC region. More buyers entering the market means more activity, more showings, and more movement across all price ranges.

The Leger survey behind the report shows that 10 per cent of Canadians plan to buy a home in the next 12 months. Half of those are first-time homebuyers — a massive jump from 7 per cent earlier this fall. That’s a big indicator of renewed confidence, and first-time buyers are historically a major driver of mid-range home sales in Prince George.

Inventory continues to rise — good news for homebuyers in Prince George

Canada saw 189,000 homes listed at the end of October, up 7.2 per cent year-over-year. More inventory means less competition, fewer bidding wars, more negotiating room, and a less stressful home-buying process. In Prince George — where neighbourhoods like Westgate, Lower College Heights, Aberdeen, and Starlane often move quickly — that additional supply can open doors for buyers who felt squeezed out earlier in the year.

For sellers, rising inventory means pricing strategically matters more than ever. With more listings available, accurate pricing, professional marketing, and local expertise can make the difference between sitting on the market and selling smoothly.

Shifting buyer profiles in 2025 — and what they mean for 2026

This past year, families, retirees, and new Canadians made up a larger share of home purchases across the country. That trend mirrors what we’ve seen here in Prince George: relocations for work, retirees downsizing into ranchers and condos, and families seeking more space.

In 2026, first-time buyers are expected to re-enter the market more strongly as interest rates and inflation stabilize. That’s historically good for affordable and mid-range neighbourhoods around Prince George, from Spruceland to Lakewood to Pineview.

Prices may soften slightly — creating opportunity

Re/Max Canada is projecting a 3.7 per cent dip in average prices for 2026. While every community is different, balanced conditions often lead to more favourable market entry points for buyers. For sellers in Prince George, homes that are well-prepared, well-marketed, and accurately priced will continue to move — especially detached homes, acreages, and family-friendly properties.

Why the 2026 real estate market matters for Prince George homeowners

• More inventory gives buyers real choice
• A rise in national home sales signals renewed confidence
• A softer price trend could unlock the door for first-time homebuyers
• Motivated buyers drive healthier, steadier local market activity
• Prince George continues to offer strong value compared to major BC cities

For anyone planning to buy or sell real estate in Prince George, 2026 is shaping up to be a year where timing, strategy, and local expertise matter — and where opportunities open up for families, downsizers, investors, and first-time buyers.

If you’re thinking about buying a home, selling a home, relocating to Prince George, downsizing, upgrading, or investing in Northern BC real estate, now is the time to start planning. The earlier we look at your goals, the better we can position you for the 2026 rebound.

Reach out anytime — let’s build a plan that works for you.

jasonlukehomes@gmail.com
250-301-9960

Everything You Should Know About Buying Vacant Land in Canada (Prince George Edition)

If you’ve spent any time exploring the Prince George real estate market, you already know this: land is the real treasure. Homes can be updated, expanded, downsized, or knocked down altogether, but the land beneath them? That’s where the long-term value sits. Whether you’re eyeing a private acreage in Beaverly, a future build site near College Heights, or a rural retreat outside of Prince George, understanding how vacant land works in Canada can save you time, stress, and a whole lot of guesswork.

Here’s a friendly, plain-language guide to help you navigate buying vacant land in Canada, with plenty of PG flavour along the way.

Raw land versus vacant land
In simple terms, raw land hasn’t been developed at all. No utilities, no driveway, no past structures. Vacant land may still have services at the lot line, or could be a site where a previous building was removed. Around Prince George, you’ll find both: everything from untouched forested parcels west of town to serviced lots on the edge of new subdivisions.

Setting your budget
Buying land comes with its own flavour of financing. Construction mortgages, land loans, and HELOC options all look different from a traditional home purchase. In northern BC, many lenders want to know your full build plan up front, especially in areas like Salmon Valley or Pineview where wells, septic, and power distance can affect cost. Always budget a cushion for early site work, tests, and carry costs while you prepare your build.

Choosing the right micro-location
Land shopping in Prince George isn’t the same as shopping in Ontario or Saskatchewan. Here, you might be asking questions like:

• How steep is the driveway in winter?
• Is the access road maintained by the RDFFG or private owners?
• What’s the soil like for septic?
• Are utilities close or kilometres away?

Look closely at growth corridors around Westgate, Hart Highlands, and the Blackwater corridor. Check municipal plans, road upgrades, and development proposals that can influence long-term value.

Pre-screen before you drive out
PG is big. Really big. Save time by reviewing satellite imagery, municipal GIS maps, and zoning layers before you take a drive. Look for flags like wetlands, slopes, unmaintained seasonal roads, or unclear access points. Doing this early helps you avoid spending afternoons touring lots that simply won’t work for your goals.

Build your team early
Buying land is a team sport. A land-savvy REALTOR®, a lawyer, a surveyor, and septic and well professionals can save you from major headaches later. Around Prince George, conditions change quickly from neighbourhood to neighbourhood — a soil profile in Ness Lake is very different from one in Miworth. The right experts make sure the dream you’re picturing is actually possible.

Confirm zoning and permitted uses
Never rely on the listing description alone. Zoning in Prince George and the Regional District determines:

• Minimum lot size
• Setbacks
• Secondary suite rules
• Agricultural vs residential uses
• Whether you can run certain types of businesses
• RV, modular, or mobile-home regulations

If you're planning a multi-generational layout, a senior-friendly home, or an investment build, knowing the zoning from day one matters.

Verify legal access
One of the biggest issues in rural areas around PG is access. Ensure the lot connects legally to a public road, or that a registered right-of-way exists. Without legal access, lenders often won’t finance the land and insurers may decline coverage. Never skip this step.

Checking utilities
This part can make or break your budget. Ask:

• How far is the nearest power pole?
• Are fibre-optic services available?
• What does the area use for water — drilled wells or community supply?
• Has the land passed a recent perc test for septic?

Costs vary wildly depending on location. A lot closer to the city may be more expensive upfront, but cheaper to service long-term.

Site constraints
Northern BC terrain is beautiful, but it has personality. Look for:

• Floodplain indicators
• Areas with shallow bedrock
• Steep slopes needing engineered foundations
• Potential environmental sensitivity

A simple geotechnical opinion early on gives you a clear picture of what building will really involve.

Get a current survey
Never assume the posts you find on the ground are correct. A fresh survey helps you confirm property size, boundaries, and any encroachments. This protects you during both development and future resale.

Understanding total project cost
Buying land is only step one. Add up clearing, driveway prep, well drilling, septic installation, hydro extension, grading, and permits. Prince George has a wide range of land types — a beautiful $120,000 rural lot could require $80,000 in servicing before your foundation even goes in.

Offer conditions that protect you
A well-written offer should include conditions for financing, zoning confirmation, surveys, septic tests, well yield, environmental review, and legal access. These aren’t “nice to have.” They’re the difference between a great investment and a risky one.

How vacant land is valued
Value typically reflects:

• Road access and maintenance
• Lot size
• Distance to utilities
• Whether land is raw or partly serviced
• Buildable area
• Local demand trends in communities like Prince George, Quesnel, Terrace, and Dawson Creek

Vacant land as an investment
Vacant land can be a stable long-term investment. Some PG landowners lease out space for storage, hay production, contractor staging yards, event parking, or agricultural use. The flexibility is part of the appeal.

The big picture
Buying land in Canada — especially in northern BC — can be incredibly rewarding. You choose the layout, the design, the accessibility, and the lifestyle. Whether you’re dreaming of a downsizing-friendly single-level home, a multi-generational setup, or a place to build something from scratch, vacant land offers freedom that a finished home sometimes can’t.

As your Prince George senior relocation specialist and full-service REALTOR®, I’m here to walk you through every step, from those first satellite map checks to standing on the soil of your future build site. When you’re ready, let’s explore the options together.

jasonlukehomes at gmail dot com
250-301-9960

#PrinceGeorge #remax #remaxhustle #realtor #realtorPG

Prince George is already known as the heart of Northern BC — a transportation crossroads, an education hub, and a growing centre for industry and innovation. But a new proposal from Australian energy company Fortescue could put our city on the global map in a whole new way.

The company has submitted plans to build a major green hydrogen and ammonia plant right here in Prince George. If approved, this facility could position PG as a premier hydrogen hub for Canada and an important player in the clean-energy transition.

For anyone watching the Prince George real estate market, economic trends, or long-term community growth, this proposal is a big deal — and it adds another layer of opportunity for home buyers, sellers, and investors looking toward the future of Northern BC.

WHAT THE PROJECT INCLUDES

Fortescue’s proposal outlines:

• A 1,000-megawatt green hydrogen facility located in the Willow Cale Industrial Park
• Up to 140,000 tonnes of hydrogen and 700,000 tonnes of ammonia produced annually
• Approximately 250 construction jobs and 100 permanent positions after completion
• Hydrogen made through electrolysis using renewable energy
• Ammonia production for use in transportation, shipping, agriculture, and clean-energy sectors

This is not a small pilot project — it is industrial-scale clean-energy production, the kind usually seen in major global ports and energy regions.

For Prince George, that means long-term economic growth, stable employment, and increased interest from industries looking to invest in Northern BC.

WHY THIS MATTERS FOR PRINCE GEORGE

Prince George has already been identified as an ideal location for hydrogen development thanks to:

• Our strong rail connection to the Port of Prince Rupert
• Local expertise in resource industries
• Nearby clean-energy projects
• Support from the Province of BC and the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation
• Existing hydrogen projects such as Hydra Energy’s refuelling station

Fortescue’s project would add a huge anchor to that emerging network.

This could mean more skilled workers moving to the city, more demand for housing, more commercial investment, and a continued shift toward diversified and sustainable economic growth. For home buyers, that often translates into increased long-term stability. For sellers, it adds confidence and attention to the Prince George housing market. For investors, it signals future value.

THE ROLE OF THE LHEIDLI T’ENNEH FIRST NATION

A meaningful part of this project is the ongoing collaboration with the Lheidli T’enneh First Nation. Fortescue and LTFN signed a Memorandum of Understanding in 2021 and are now drafting an Impact and Benefits Agreement that supports training, jobs, and long-term community opportunity.

This kind of partnership is increasingly seen as essential for responsible development in Northern BC — and it strengthens the long-term success of the project and the region.

WHAT THIS MEANS FOR OUR REAL ESTATE FUTURE

A major clean-energy facility of this scale can influence the local housing market in several ways:

• Job creation boosts demand for both rentals and homes for purchase.
• Long-term economic stability attracts families, skilled workers, and businesses.
• Infrastructure improvements raise overall community value.
• National and international attention can elevate Prince George’s profile for new residents and investors.

For anyone planning a move, downsizing, upsizing, or relocating to Prince George, these large-scale projects offer confidence. They show that our city is growing, diversifying, and planning beyond the next decade.

PRINCE GEORGE’S NEXT ERA

This project is still in review, but the direction is clear: Prince George is stepping into a new era of clean technology, green energy, and sustainable economic growth.

From renewable diesel to hydrogen trucking to major industrial innovation, our community is becoming one of the most exciting places in Western Canada for development.

And for residents — current and future — that means opportunity, stability, and a city that continues to evolve with the times.

If you’d like to talk about what this kind of growth means for your home, your neighbourhood, or your next move in Prince George, I’m here to help.

Jason Luke
Senior Relocation Specialist
250-301-9960
jasonlukehomes at gmail dot com