The Blog

Victoria’s real estate market is known for its year-round activity, but summer brings a unique rhythm—and a lot of opportunity for both buyers and sellers. With longer days, lush landscapes, and balanced market conditions, this season can offer some of the smoothest and most strategic timing for making a move.

☀️ Why Summer is a Smart Time to Sell

Your Home Looks Its Best
Landscaping is in full bloom, patios and decks feel like extra living space, and natural light floods every room. These details make for beautiful listing photos and strong first impressions during showings.

Buyers Are Motivated
Many buyers aim to move before the fall, especially families trying to settle in before the new school year. That sense of urgency can work in your favour.

More Eyes on Your Listing
With longer days, open houses and evening showings are easier to schedule. People are also more likely to browse online listings during the relaxed pace of summer holidays.

Balanced Market Conditions
This year, we’re seeing a healthy supply of new listings, giving buyers more choice—and sellers a real shot at finding serious, qualified buyers without the chaos of bidding wars.

🏡 Why Summer Works for Buyers Too

Inventory Is High
According to the May 2025 stats, we’ve seen the highest number of new listings since May 2008. That’s a big deal—it means more options, less pressure, and a greater chance of finding your ideal match.

Interest Rates Are Holding Steady
With rate hikes off the table (for now), buyers have a clearer picture of what they can afford—and more predictability when budgeting for the long term.

Less Competition in Some Areas
While popular family neighbourhoods may still see strong demand, other micro-markets—like downtown condos or rural properties—may have softer activity, which could create room to negotiate.

You Can Take Your Time
More daylight, fewer weather-related delays, and flexible summer schedules make it easier to book showings, walk the neighbourhood, and really feel into a home before you buy.

🛠 Pro Tip: Know Your Micro-Market

Whether you’re buying or selling, it's important to remember: Victoria isn’t one market—it’s many. Your experience in Fairfield will be different than in Langford, and a downtown condo plays by different rules than a family home in Cordova Bay.

As I’m a REALTOR® who lives and works here, I can help you understand your exact slice of the market, and build a strategy that makes sense for your goals.

🌿 Thinking of Making a Move This Summer?

I’d love to help you navigate this season with confidence and clarity. Whether you’re planning to list soon, casually exploring what’s out there, or just want to stay informed, let’s chat about what makes sense for you.

📩 Reach out anytime for a personalized summer market snapshot.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
Instagram | Facebook  
Get the newsletter!

Victoria’s real estate market held a steady course this May, continuing the balanced trend we’ve been seeing throughout 2025. A total of 758 properties sold in the Victoria Real Estate Board region, just slightly below May 2024, and a significant 18.1% increase over April 2025.

What’s fueling this consistency? A healthy mix of rising inventory and stable interest rates has created a more comfortable experience for both buyers and sellers. While this market may not make dramatic headlines, it’s offering something even better: predictability.

🏡 Quick Stats for May 2025:

• Total Sales: 758 (up 18.1% from April 2025; down 0.7% from May 2024)

• Single-Family Home Sales: 401 (up 0.5% from last year)

• Condo Sales: 221 (down 6% from last year)

• Active Listings: 3,716 (up 11.3% year-over-year; highest since 2008)

• Benchmark Home Price (Victoria Core):

  • Single Family: $1,326,600 (+1.3% from May 2024)

  • Condo: $564,100 (–0.9% from May 2024)

👀 If You’re a Buyer Right Now…

This may be one of the most comfortable buyer markets Victoria has seen in years. With inventory at its highest since 2008, you’ve got more options, less pressure, and better odds of negotiating terms that work for you. Prices are relatively stable, and interest rates haven’t seen major movement recently, making it easier to plan your finances long-term.

➡️ Tip: If you’ve been waiting for the right moment to re-enter the market or move up/downsize, this kind of stable, balanced market can give you an edge, especially with more listings to compare.

🏠 If You’re a Seller Right Now…

The good news? Homes are still selling, and we're seeing the highest number of monthly sales since May 2024. But with more listings hitting the market, it’s crucial to make your home stand out, both online and in person. The days of skipping prep work and getting multiple offers instantly are less common.

➡️ Tip: Pricing strategically, staging thoughtfully, and working with an agent who understands your hyper-local market will help you attract the right buyer in this more balanced environment.

Final Thoughts

As Board Chair Dirk VanderWal said, "It might be boring to report on—but this kind of market is much more comfortable for buyers and sellers to navigate than what we’ve seen in recent years."

Whether you're curious about your home's value or thinking about a summer purchase, I'm happy to walk you through what’s happening in your specific area or price point.

📩 Reach out anytime for a custom market snapshot or to talk about your next steps.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
Instagram | Facebook  
Get the newsletter!

Summer is officially here—and whether you’re enjoying your forever home or planning to list later this year, now’s the time to give your space a seasonal refresh. Staying on top of maintenance not only protects your home’s value but also helps you enjoy it more fully during the sunny months.

Here are five essential tasks to consider this June:

🧽 1. Power wash outdoor surfaces
Decks, patios, siding, and even walkways benefit from a fresh blast to remove moss, pollen, and dirt. Don’t forget to check your driveway for oil stains or grime buildup.

🍃 2. Clean out your gutters
Even in summer, clogged gutters can cause trouble during unexpected downpours. If you’re not up for the ladder work, many local services offer quick cleanings.

🔨 3. Inspect your roof
A sunny day is ideal for a quick look at your roof—missing or cracked shingles, worn flashing, or signs of moss should be addressed now before the fall.

🌼 4. Refresh your garden beds & mulch
Trim back overgrowth, add a pop of colour with new annuals, and top up your mulch to conserve water during drier weeks.

💧 5. Tune up your irrigation system
Sprinkler or drip system? Ensure everything is working efficiently—leaks and uneven coverage can lead to high bills or stressed plants.

🌸 Bonus Section: Living in a Condo or Townhouse? Here's Your Spring/Summer Checklist

Even if your strata handles exterior maintenance, there are a few smart seasonal tasks you can take on to keep your unit in tip-top shape:

🪟 Check and clean your windows & screens
Use a mild detergent and a soft cloth to remove dirt and dust buildup. Fresh screens let in the breeze without the bugs.

🌬 Service your HVAC or A/C units
If your unit has in-suite heating/cooling, book a filter replacement or maintenance check before the hottest days arrive.

🧺 Clean your dryer vent
Lint buildup is a serious fire hazard and can reduce your dryer’s efficiency—ask your strata if you’re unsure where the exterior vent is.

🪴 Add summer life to your balcony or patio
Container plants, herbs, or a cozy chair go a long way in making your outdoor space feel like a seasonal retreat.

✨ Thinking of selling this year?

Buyers notice the little things. Seasonal maintenance and fresh curb appeal (yes, even for townhomes and condos) can help your home stand out in photos and showings. Want a personalized list to get ready? Just reply or send me a message—I'd be happy to help.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
Instagram | Facebook  
Get the newsletter!