What do I need to know before buying rural property in 100 Mile House, BC?

If you’re thinking about buying rural property in 100 Mile House, you’re probably excited — and a little nervous.

Most of the buyers I talk to are coming from the Lower Mainland. They’ve worked hard, built equity, and are ready for space, privacy, and a slower pace of life. But almost every one of them says the same thing early on:

“We just don’t want to make a costly mistake.”

Here’s the truth:
Buying rural property in the South Cariboo is very different from buying in the city. The risks aren’t obvious online, and generic advice doesn’t apply out here.

In this guide, I’ll walk you through what you really need to know before buying rural property in 100 Mile House, so you can move forward with confidence instead of guesswork.

Rural property is a completely different game than city real estate

One of the biggest mistakes buyers make is assuming rural property works the same way as city or suburban homes.

In the city, you’re mostly comparing:

• Price

• Layout

• Neighborhood

• Commute

In rural areas like 100 Mile House, Bridge Lake, and Interlakes, the real questions are different:

• How reliable is the water source?

• What kind of septic system is in place?

• Is the property accessible year-round?

• What can (and can’t) you legally do with the land?

• Will this property still be attractive to buyers if you sell later?

These details don’t always show up on Realtor.ca — but they matter a lot.

The 7 biggest things city buyers need to understand before buying rural property

1. Wells are normal — but not all wells are equal

Most rural properties around 100 Mile House rely on private wells, and that’s not a bad thing — as long as you understand what you’re buying.

Key things buyers need to know:

• Drilled vs. dug wells

• Flow rate and recovery time

• Seasonal water considerations

• Water quality testing

I’ve seen buyers fall in love with a property before realizing the well won’t support the lifestyle they want. This is something you want clarity on before removing conditions.

2. Septic systems are a fact of life — and inspections matter

If you’re used to city sewer, septic systems can feel intimidating. They don’t have to be — but they do require understanding.

What matters:

• Type of septic system

• Age and maintenance history

• Soil conditions

• Whether the system matches current usage

Skipping proper checks here can lead to very expensive surprises. A rural-savvy approach makes all the difference.

3. Access and road maintenance are often overlooked

Not all roads are created equal.

Some rural properties are on:

• Provincial highways

• Maintained municipal roads

• Private or shared roads

• Unmaintained roads

Buyers need to understand:

• Who maintains the road

• Winter access realities

• Snow removal expectations

• Emergency vehicle access

Year-round living requires a different level of planning than a seasonal cabin.

4. Zoning, ALR, and land use rules can limit your plans

Many buyers assume acreage means freedom — but zoning rules still apply.

Important considerations:

• Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR) restrictions

• What buildings are permitted

• Rules around secondary dwellings

• Hobby farming vs. commercial use

Understanding land use before you buy prevents disappointment later.

5. Internet and cell service aren’t a given

This surprises a lot of city buyers.

Some properties have:

• Strong internet options

• Limited or no cell service

• Satellite-based solutions only

If you plan to work remotely or stay connected, this needs to be checked early — not after you fall in love with a property.

6. Lakefront, lake access, and “near the lake” are very different

In the Interlakes area, these terms are often misunderstood.

• Lakefront: Direct frontage, higher cost, higher demand

• Lake access: Public access nearby

• Near a lake: Lifestyle benefit, but no guaranteed easy access

Each comes with different price points, resale demand, and lifestyle realities.

7. Resale still matters — even if this feels like your forever home

I hear this all the time:

“We’re never selling.”

Life changes. Health changes. Family needs change.

Smart rural buying means:

• Thinking about future buyer appeal and affordability

• Avoiding features that severely limit resale

• Choosing properties that balance lifestyle and long-term value

Client story: “We almost bought the wrong property”

A couple relocating from the Lower Mainland once told me, “If you hadn’t slowed us down, we would have made a huge mistake.”

They loved a rural property right away — it had views, privacy, and acreage. But after digging deeper, we uncovered:

• Water limitations that didn’t match year-round living

• Access concerns in winter

• Zoning restrictions that conflicted with their long-term plans

We paused, reassessed, and found a property that fit both their lifestyle goals and practical needs.

Their words after moving in:

“We feel so relieved knowing we did this the right way.”

That’s always the goal.

Common mistakes I see rural buyers make

• Falling in love before doing proper due diligence

• Assuming rural means cheaper and easier

• Skipping inspections specific to rural properties

• Underestimating winter, access, and maintenance realities

• Relying on agents who aren't from the area

These costly mistakes are avoidable with the right guidance.

Is rural living in 100 Mile House right for you?

Rural living is incredible — for the right people.

It’s a great fit if you:

• Value space and privacy

• Enjoy outdoor living

• Want a slower pace

• Are comfortable planning ahead

It’s not ideal if you:

• Need city-level convenience daily

• Don’t want to manage property upkeep

• Expect everything to “just work” without involvement

An honest conversation upfront saves a lot of stress later.

Frequently asked questions

Is financing rural property harder in BC?
It can be, depending on property type, size, water, and access — but many buyers are successful with proper planning.

How far is medical care from rural areas?
100 Mile House offers essential services, with larger facilities within driving distance.

Are rural properties harder to insure?
Some are, especially lakefront, log homes or older homes — insurance needs to be reviewed early.

Do rural properties take longer to resell?
Some do, which is why choosing the right property matters even if you plan to stay long-term.

Final thoughts: clarity beats rushing

Buying rural property should feel exciting — not overwhelming.

If you’re considering a move to 100 Mile House, Bridge Lake, or the Interlakes, the smartest first step isn’t rushing to buy. It’s getting clear on what actually matters for your lifestyle and future plans.

If you want a calm, no-pressure conversation about your options, I’m happy to help you think it through.

Amanda Oldfield
Amanda Oldfield Realtor – Exp Realty
96 Hwy 97, 100 Mile House, BC
250-318-5202