May 2026 Market Update: Invermere and Columbia Valley Real Estate Holds Steady, With Softer Pricing and Slower Pace
The Invermere and Columbia Valley real estate market remained active in May 2026, but compared with May 2025, the numbers point to a cooler, more selective market. Sales were slightly down, new listings were lower, prices softened, and homes took longer to sell, while inventory stayed relatively elevated.
What Happened in May
In May 2026, there were 57 sold listings, down 5.0% from 60 in May 2025. New listings also dipped to 120, down 8.4% year over year from 131. Pending activity showed a much sharper decline, with pending listings falling from 72 to 34, a 52.78% drop, which may signal more caution from buyers or a slower pipeline into June.
Pricing Trends
Pricing was one of the clearest signs of market adjustment in May. The average list price fell to 527,223 from 656,648 last year, a decline of 19.71%. The average sale price also dropped, from 622,172 to 497,718, down 20.0%. Despite that, the average sale-to-list ratio remained strong at 94.59%, showing that properly priced homes are still achieving close to asking.
Inventory And Supply
Inventory remained a major factor in the market balance. Monthly inventory came in at 417, down 7.54% from 451 in May 2025, and months of supply was 10.28, down from 10.87. That still represents a well-supplied market, especially compared to the tight inventory conditions typically seen in a seller’s market. Total inventory value was 321,884,889, which underscores the scale of available housing stock in the region.
Time On Market
Homes are taking longer to sell than they did a year ago. Average days on market rose to 69.77 from 61.42 in May 2025, an increase of 13.6%. That suggests buyers are taking more time, negotiating more carefully, or waiting for the right price and property mix. For sellers, presentation, pricing, and marketing strategy matter more than ever.
Year To Date View
Looking at the year-to-date numbers, the market shows a mixed picture. Sold listings are down 14.67% year over year, and new listings are down 13.77%. At the same time, average sale price is up 3.39% year to date, and average list price is up 2.90%, which suggests that while fewer homes are moving, overall pricing has remained relatively resilient. Year-to-date days on market has also risen to 94.70, indicating a slower overall pace than last year.
What This Means For Buyers And Sellers
For buyers, this market offers more choice and a bit more negotiating room than last year, especially with inventory still above 10 months of supply. For sellers, success depends on realistic pricing, strong staging, and a marketing plan that reaches the right audience quickly. Homes that are well-positioned continue to sell near list price, but overpriced listings may sit longer and attract fewer offers.
Conclusion
May 2026 shows a Columbia Valley market that is active, but no longer moving at the same pace as last year. Lower sales, softer prices, and longer days on market point to a more balanced and competitive environment. For anyone thinking about buying or selling in Invermere, Windermere, Panorama, Radium, or the surrounding communities, this is a market where local expertise and the right pricing strategy can make a meaningful difference.
Thinking About Making a Move?
At MaxWell Rockies Realty, we are here to help you navigate this evolving market with confidence. Whether you’re searching for your dream home, a vacation property, or looking to sell, local expertise makes all the difference.
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