The Real Monthly Cost of Owning a Strand Lakeside Condo (2026)

By Sean Phillips, REALTOR®, Strand resident · September 26, 2026

Short answer: At The Strand Lakeside, your biggest monthly cost after the mortgage is the strata fee, about $440 to around $1,250 a month depending on the size of the home. That fee already covers natural gas, water, sewer, garbage, snow removal, landscaping and the pool, hot tub and beach. On top of it you'll pay property tax, your own contents insurance, hydro, internet and cable, and moorage if you want a boat slip.

When buyers compare The Strand with another condo or a lakefront house, the strata fee can look high. The fairer comparison is the total cost of running the home each month. Here's how I walk buyers through it.

What does the strata fee cover?

Strata fees at The Strand bundle in far more than most Vernon condos:

• Natural gas for heat, fireplaces and barbecues
• Water, sewer, garbage and recycling
• Snow removal and weekly landscaping in summer
• The private beach, seasonal heated pool and year-round hot tub
• Heated underground parking and secure building entry
• An on-site caretaker and professional management (Accent Property Management)
• Building insurance, maintenance and contributions to the contingency reserve fund

As a rough guide, one-bedroom homes pay about $440 to $490 a month, two-bedroom homes around $730, and townhomes, lofts and the largest corner homes roughly $780 up to about $1,250. The full breakdown is in what Strand strata fees cover.

What costs are not included?

1. Property tax. Your bill depends on the home's BC Assessment value and the City of Vernon's rates. Every listing shows last year's taxes, and most owners who live here can claim the BC Home Owner Grant to reduce it.
2. Hydro (electricity). Each home has its own electricity account. Ask the seller for the last 12 months of bills, since usage varies with size, orientation and how warm you like it.
3. Internet and cable. You choose and pay for your own provider.
4. Home insurance. The strata insures the building, but you need your own policy for contents, improvements, liability and the strata deductible. See my guide to BC condo insurance and strata deductibles.
5. Moorage. If your home doesn't come with a slip, you can rent one from another Strand owner for the season or buy slip rights, which have recently sold for about $55,000 to $75,000 or more. See how the Strand marina works.
6. Special levies. Large projects are usually paid from the reserve fund, but owners can vote for a special levy. Read the last two years of minutes and the depreciation report before you buy.

How do I build my own monthly budget?

Here's the simple worksheet I use with buyers:

• Mortgage payment (from your lender or my mortgage calculator)
• Strata fee (from the Form B for that exact home)
• Property tax ÷ 12, less the Home Owner Grant if you'll live here
• Hydro (average of the seller's last 12 months)
• Internet and cable
• Contents and deductible insurance ÷ 12
• Moorage, if you're renting a slip

I'd rather give you real numbers for a specific home than print an average that doesn't fit it, so ask me and I'll pull the Form B, tax history and utility details for any Strand listing you're considering.

How does The Strand compare with owning a lakefront house?

With a detached waterfront home, you'd pay separately for gas, water, sewer, garbage, yard care, snow clearing, pool service, dock maintenance, exterior repairs and full building insurance, plus your own time. At The Strand those are either in the fee or handled by the strata. For many of my buyers, that lock-and-leave simplicity is the whole point.

Can rental income offset the cost?

It can. Every home at The Strand qualifies for short-term rental, provided you hold a City of Vernon short-term rental business licence, register with the provincial short-term rental registry and carry insurance that covers a commercial rental. Long-term rentals are allowed too. Rental income isn't guaranteed, so build your budget so it works without it. Details are in renting out a Strand condo.

Frequently asked questions

How much are strata fees at The Strand Lakeside?

About $440 to around $1,250 a month in 2026, depending on the size of the home. Confirm the exact fee on the Form B for the home you're considering.

Is natural gas included in Strand strata fees?

Yes. Natural gas for heat, fireplaces and barbecues is included, along with water, sewer, garbage, snow removal and landscaping.

What utilities do Strand owners pay themselves?

Hydro, internet and cable, plus your own contents and liability insurance.

Does the strata fee include a boat slip?

No. Slips are owned separately and can be bought or rented only between Strand owners.

More guides to The Strand and Okanagan Landing

• The Strand vs Mandalay vs Silverton vs Tuscan Terraces: Okanagan Landing Complexes Compared
• Selling Your Strand Lakeside Condo: A Neighbour's Guide to Getting Top Dollar
• Strand Lakeside Amenities: Beach, Pool, Hot Tub, Marina and More
• The Strand Lakeside FAQ: 50 questions answered

Have a question about The Strand?

I'm Sean Phillips, a REALTOR® with Coldwell Banker Executives Realty. I live at The Strand full time and specialise in Okanagan Landing waterfront. For current listings and recent sales, visit 7343okanaganlanding.ca.

Text Sean: 778-363-0542

Call or text Sarah, my 24/7 info line: 604-227-4810

This article is general information as of fall 2026, not legal, tax or financial advice. Rules, fees and conditions change, so always confirm details with the appropriate professional or authority before making a decision.

General information only, not legal, tax or financial advice. Confirm details for your situation with the appropriate professional.