2026 BC Assessment Is Live — What It Means for West Kootenay Homeowners

The 2026 BC Assessment values are now available, giving homeowners across British Columbia — including here in the West Kootenay — an updated look at their property’s assessed value. These assessments are based on market conditions as of July 1, 2025, and are primarily used to help calculate property taxes.

👉 You can look up your property here:
🔗 BC Assessment 2026 – Official Site
https://www.bcassessment.ca/

What’s Happening in the West Kootenay?

According to a recent Nelson Star article, property values across the West Kootenay–Boundary region saw modest changes this year. Nelson continues to hold the highest average assessed values in the region, while communities like Nakusp experienced some of the larger percentage increases. Overall, the data points to a relatively stable market with small, localized shifts rather than dramatic swings.

🔗 Read the full article here:
https://www.nelsonstar.com/2026/01/02/nelson-property-values-highest-in-west-kootenay-nakusp-sees-biggest-increase/

Assessment Value vs. Market Value — Not the Same Thing

It’s important to understand that BC Assessment values often do not reflect current market value.

Assessments are based on sales data from many months earlier and don’t account for recent changes in interest rates, buyer demand, or inventory levels. In a market that’s shifting — like we’ve seen in the West Kootenay — real-world sale prices can differ significantly from assessed values.

Market value is what a buyer is willing to pay today, not what a property was likely worth last summer. That’s why assessments are best used as a taxation and reference tool, not a pricing guide for selling or buying a home.

What This Means for Homeowners

• A higher assessment does not automatically mean higher property taxes

• Homes regularly sell above or below assessed value

• Your home’s true value depends on current market conditions, location, and buyer demand

Curious What Your Home Is Actually Worth?

If you’re wondering how your BC Assessment compares to today’s real market value, we are always happy to help.  We can look at recent local sales and give you a realistic, no-pressure snapshot of what your home might sell for right now.

📩 Reach out anytime at info@nelsonproperty.com — no obligation, no sales pitch, just clear information.