Giuseppe Gaspari
REALTOR® | Okanagan Real Estate Specialist
Helping families find their perfect Okanagan home since 2018
Last updated: February 2026
Why Buy a Condo Near UBCO?
Here's the situation: UBC Okanagan has over 11,000 students. The on-campus residences hold about 3,000. That leaves 8,000+ students looking for off-campus housing every September. And enrollment keeps growing—UBCO's added nearly 2,000 students in the past 5 years.
The math is simple: not enough supply, consistent demand. But the University District isn't just about student rentals. It's become one of Kelowna's most affordable areas for newer condo construction, with good access to Knox Mountain trails and the Mission Creek Greenway. Young professionals who work on campus, retirees who want single-level living, and families priced out of the Mission are all moving in.
Who Buys UBCO Condos?
- Parents buying for kids attending UBCO (build equity instead of paying rent)
- Investors targeting student rental market (consistent demand)
- First-time buyers priced out of downtown (affordable entry)
- Young professionals who want newer builds at lower prices
- Faculty/staff who want to live near work
Whether you're buying for your student, as an investment, or as your own home, the UBCO area offers a compelling value proposition.
UBCO Area Condo Prices in 2026
The University District offers some of Kelowna's most accessible condo prices, especially for newer construction:
$300,000 - $375,000
Student-Friendly Entry
Perfect for student living or entry-level investment. Typically 1-bedroom units in newer buildings, some with den/flex space. Most are walking distance to campus.
- • 1 bed or 1 bed + den
- • 500-700 sq ft typical
- • In-suite laundry common
- • Underground parking included
$375,000 - $450,000
Best Value Range
The sweet spot for families or roomate situations. 2-bedroom units with proper layouts, often with two bathrooms. Good for renting to multiple students.
- • 2 bed, 2 bath common
- • 800-1,000 sq ft
- • Better building amenities
- • More privacy-focused layouts
$450,000 - $550,000
Premium & Townhomes
Larger units, premium finishes, or townhome-style living. These appeal more to families and young professionals than student renters due to higher rents.
- • 2-3 bedroom layouts
- • 1,000-1,400 sq ft
- • Some with private outdoor space
- • Premium location or finishes
Looking for UBCO area condos?
I'll send you new listings near campus as they hit the market.
Best Locations Near UBCO
"Near UBCO" covers several areas with different pros and cons:
Academy Way / University District
Closest to Campus | Purpose-Built Student Area
The most walkable to UBCO—literally 5-10 minutes on foot to campus. These buildings were designed with students in mind: lots of 1-bedroom + den layouts, bike storage, transit stops right outside. Route 97 runs frequent service to downtown. This is ground zero for UBCO rentals.
North Glenmore
Short Drive | More Established
5-10 minute drive to campus. More established neighbourhood feel with grocery stores and services. Appeals to families and those wanting distance from student life.
Rutland (North End)
Most Affordable | 10-15 min Drive
Best prices near UBCO. Older buildings but good value for investors targeting rental yield. Easy highway access to campus via Highway 97.
Along Transit Routes
Bus-Friendly | Various Prices
Students without cars often rent along bus routes to campus. Route 97 connects downtown to UBCO. Buildings near transit stops command rental premiums from students.
Buying a Condo for Your UBCO Student
The Math: Buy vs Rent for 4 Years
Renting
- Monthly rent (1BR):$1,500
- Over 4 years:$72,000
- Equity built:$0
Buying ($350K condo)
- Down payment (20%):$70,000
- 4-year costs (mtg + strata):~$90,000
- Equity after 4 years:*~$100K+
*Simplified example. Assumes modest appreciation and principal paydown. Plus you can rent out extra bedrooms or after graduation. Consult a financial advisor for your specific situation.
Tips for Parents Buying UBCO Condos
UBCO Condos as Investment Properties
Why Investors Like UBCO Condos
The Demand Side
- • 11,000+ students, growing annually
- • Limited on-campus housing
- • International students with parental backing
- • Graduate students (longer tenure)
- • Faculty/staff rental pool
The Numbers
- • 1BR rents: $1,400-$1,700/month
- • 2BR rents: $1,800-$2,300/month
- • Furnished premium: +$200-300/month
- • Vacancy rate: Very low (Sept-Apr)
- • Cap rates: 4-6% typical
Investment Strategies
Traditional Long-Term
Rent to students on 12-month leases. Lower turnover, stable income. Best for hands-off investors who want simplicity.
School Year + Summer
8-month student lease (Sept-Apr), then summer rentals or Airbnb. More work but potentially higher returns.
By-the-Room
Rent 2-bedroom to two separate students. Higher gross rent but more management. Check strata rules first.
Furnished Premium
Fully furnish and market to out-of-province/international students. Commands $200-400/month premium.
Living Near UBCO: Lifestyle & Amenities
The University District is still developing—it's not downtown Kelowna. But here's what's actually here now:
On Campus
H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre is open to the public ($60/month for non-students). It's got a gym, climbing wall, pool, and drop-in fitness classes. The campus also has a Starbucks, Tim Hortons, and a few food spots. Library access if you know someone with a student card.
Shopping
Save-On-Foods is 5 minutes away in North Glenmore. Walmart, Costco, and Canadian Tire are all within 10 minutes. Orchard Park Mall (the big one with H&M, Sephora, etc.) is 15 minutes. Not walkable, but easy drives.
Outdoor Recreation
Knox Mountain Park is 10 minutes away—free hiking with summit views. Mission Creek Greenway runs along the valley (great for running and biking). Big White Ski Resort is 50 minutes. Myra Canyon trestles are 30 minutes. It's Kelowna—the outdoors are kind of the point.
Commute
15-20 minutes to downtown Kelowna via Highway 97. 10-15 minutes to Kelowna Airport (YLW). Easy highway access means you're not stuck—you can get anywhere in the city quickly. Just don't expect to walk to Bernard Avenue for dinner.
The Growing Community
The University District is designed to grow with UBCO. Expect more amenities, transit improvements, and community spaces as the area develops. Early buyers benefit from growth potential.
Explore More Kelowna Condo Options
Frequently Asked Questions About UBCO Condos
How much do condos cost near UBCO?
Condos near UBCO range from $300,000-$500,000 for most units. Entry-level 1-bedrooms start around $300,000, while larger 2-bedroom units with better finishes reach $450,000-$500,000. The University District is more affordable than downtown Kelowna while offering strong rental demand.
Is buying a condo near UBCO a good investment?
UBCO condos are popular with investors due to consistent student rental demand. The university has 11,000+ students and limited on-campus housing. Rental vacancy rates are low, especially for furnished units during school year. Many investors rent to students September-April and do summer rentals or Airbnb in summer months.
What is the University District in Kelowna?
The University District refers to the area surrounding UBC Okanagan campus in north Kelowna. It includes Academy Way developments, parts of Glenmore, and the rapidly developing area along John Chicken Road. The district is designed to be walkable and transit-accessible for students.
Can I walk to UBCO from University District condos?
Many University District condos are within 10-15 minute walk of campus. Buildings along Academy Way are closest. Condos in nearby Glenmore or Black Mountain are a short drive (5-10 minutes) or bus ride. The district is designed with pedestrian and cycling infrastructure connecting to campus.
Should I buy a condo for my child attending UBCO?
Many parents buy condos for their UBCO students. The math often works: a 4-year degree at $1,500/month rent = $72,000 gone. Buying builds equity, and you can rent rooms to other students to offset costs. After graduation, keep it as a rental or sell. Consult a financial advisor for your specific situation.
What amenities are near UBCO condos?
The University District is rapidly developing. Currently you'll find grocery stores (Save-On-Foods, Walmart nearby), restaurants, coffee shops, and the H2O Adventure + Fitness Centre. The area is more suburban than downtown but has improving amenities as the district grows.
Are UBCO condos good for non-students?
Yes, the University District appeals beyond students. Young professionals appreciate affordable prices and newer construction. Families like the proximity to schools and outdoor recreation. Retirees enjoy the quieter pace with urban amenities. It's a growing community, not just student housing.
What are strata fees like for UBCO condos?
Strata fees in the University District typically range from $200-$350 per month. Newer buildings have lower fees initially but may increase as they age. Most buildings include heat, hot water, and basic amenities. Some have gyms or common spaces that add to fees.
Ready to Buy Near UBCO?
Whether you're a parent, investor, or first-time buyer, I'll help you find the right condo near campus.