Should You Appeal Your 2026 BC Assessment in Kelowna?
Every January, homeowners open their 2026 BC Assessment and ask the same question:
“Should I appeal this?”
Appealing sounds easy — but in reality, most appeals fail.
You have until February 2 to file an appeal with BC Assessment, and many homeowners rush in without knowing what actually works… and what doesn’t.
This guide helps you decide if an appeal makes sense — or if it’s a waste of time.
When Appealing Your BC Assessment Does Make Sense
An appeal works best when you can prove a factual error or a clear value gap — not just a feeling.
Good reasons to appeal include:
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❌ Wrong size, bedrooms, or bathrooms
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❌ Finished space listed as unfinished (or vice versa)
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❌ Basement, suite, or addition recorded incorrectly
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❌ Strong sold homes BELOW your value (same style, same street, same time)
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❌ Condos with clearly worse location (parking, view, floor level, noise)
👉 These are data problems, not opinions.
(Local Kelowna examples can be added here later.)
When Appealing Is a Waste of Time
Most appeals fail for these reasons:
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❌ Using active listings instead of sold homes
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❌ “My neighbour says their value is lower”
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❌ Emotional arguments (“This feels too high”)
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❌ Unique or luxury homes (waterfront, custom builds)
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❌ Renovation costs instead of market value proof
BC Assessment values data — not frustration.
Condo vs Townhome vs Detached: Appeal Reality
Not all home types appeal the same way.
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Condos → ✅ Highest success rate
(Many near-identical units = easier comparisons) -
Townhomes → ⚠️ Mixed results
(Depends on strata, layout, and upgrades) -
Detached homes → ❌ Hardest to win
(Lot value, renovations, and uniqueness matter more)
The more standardized the home, the better your odds.
What Actually Wins BC Assessment Appeals
Successful appeals usually include:
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📅 Sales close to July 1, 2025 (the assessment date)
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📍 Micro-location matches (same street or complex)
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🧮 Apples-to-apples comparisons (same size, age, finish)
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📂 Clear evidence package, not screenshots
Evidence Checklist:
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Sold prices (not listings)
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Sale dates
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Unit or lot similarities
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Documented errors (if any)
A Simple Kelowna Appeal Decision Checklist
Answer YES or NO:
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⬜ Is my home size or layout recorded wrong?
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⬜ Do I have 2–3 strong sold comps below my value?
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⬜ Are those sales close to July 1, 2025?
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⬜ Is my home not unique or highly upgraded?
2+ YES answers? → An appeal may be worth it.
Mostly NOs? → Likely not worth the time.
Call to Action
Not sure? I can help you sanity-check your assessment and the sales behind it — no pressure, just clarity.
📅 Book a quick review here → https://calendly.com/sellingkelownarealestate
Mark Coons, BBA, CE
REALTOR® | eXp Realty Kelowna
Team Lead, Selling Okanagan Group
Relocated to Kelowna in 2018
📞 778-744-0872
📩 [email protected]
