Why Osoyoos, BC gets so much U.S. attention
Osoyoos is a warm, lakefront town in the South Okanagan, a few minutes from the U.S. border. It’s a mix of desert sunshine, clear water, vineyards, orchards, and a small-town pace that feels very different from big resort cities.
The important part for Americans: it sits in a region that stayed open to non-resident buyers when other places closed. That combination of lifestyle and legal access is rare.
What people come here for
- Lake and vineyard views instead of high-rise towers
- Quiet streets and walkable daily life
- Warm weather by Canadian standards
- Easy cross-border access for driving or flying
- A town that still feels like a community, not just a resort
The guide goes into the “why” in more detail — including where else in the region Americans can buy.
What changed in 2023 — and why it confused everyone
In 2023, Canada introduced new rules restricting non-residents from buying certain kinds of residential property. Headlines were dramatic, and many Americans heard some version of “Canada banned foreign buyers.”
The full story is more complicated. The rules depend on:
- Where the property is located
- How the local area is classified
- How long the rules are in place
Some high-profile markets tightened; others, including parts of the BC Interior, remained open. That nuance is what most news coverage left out.
What the guide explains (that this page doesn’t)
- How the rules draw lines on the map
- Why some towns are closed and others open
- Where Osoyoos sits in that picture
- Key questions to ask before you fall in love with a listing
- First-step checklist for U.S. buyers
The goal is not to scare you off, but to give you a clear, realistic picture so you can plan confidently.
Get The Okanagan Is Open: A Free Guide for U.S. Buyers
The Okanagan Is Open is a short, plain-language guide I wrote for Americans who are curious about owning a home in the BC Interior, especially Osoyoos.
Inside, you’ll find:
- A clear overview of how the current rules affect U.S. buyers
- Why some regions are closed and others (like ours) are open
- Common mistakes and myths I see online
- A practical “what to do first” checklist
Enter your details and I’ll send the guide straight to your inbox.
Who’s behind this?
I’m Lauren Towers, a REALTOR® with Royal LePage Desert Oasis Realty in Osoyoos, BC. A big part of my work is helping U.S. and out-of-town buyers understand this market in realistic, human language.
I keep my client list intentionally small so there’s space for real conversations and thoughtful decisions. No pressure, no scare tactics, just clear information and next steps.
- Answer your early questions by email or Zoom
- Explain local market dynamics and price ranges
- Pre-screen listings so you do not waste time
- Provide detailed video tours if you cannot be here in person
- Connect you with cross-border legal and tax professionals
Want to talk it through?
If you’re further along than “just curious,” we can skip straight to a real conversation. Tell me a bit about your situation — where you live now, what you’re hoping to find, and your rough timeline — and I’ll let you know what’s realistic.
Lauren Towers
REALTOR® | Royal LePage Desert Oasis Realty
Royal LePage Desert Oasis Realty
8512 Main St, Osoyoos, BC V0H 1V0
Office: (250) 495-2606