Why Fall Can Be a Smart Time to Buy a Home in Victoria, BC

When people think about buying a home, spring and summer usually come to mind. But here on Vancouver Island, fall offers unique advantages that can make it an ideal season to house-hunt. If you’re considering a move, autumn could be the right time to find your next home—on your terms.

Less Competition, More Opportunity

By fall, the rush of summer buyers has slowed down. With fewer people competing for the same properties, you’ll often have more room to negotiate and a better chance of securing the home you want.

Motivated Sellers

Homes that remain on the market into fall often belong to sellers eager to close before the holidays or year-end. That motivation can work in your favour—whether through price adjustments, flexible timelines, or covering some closing costs.

See the Home in Real Conditions

Victoria’s mild but rainy fall weather can highlight things you wouldn’t notice in summer. From drafty windows to soggy lawns, autumn showings give you a clearer picture of how a home really performs.

Faster, Smoother Closings

With fewer transactions in the pipeline, lenders, inspectors, and lawyers typically have more availability. That can mean a less stressful, faster closing compared to the busy spring market.

What to Look for When Buying in Fall

When viewing homes this season, pay attention to:

• Roof & Gutters – Look for missing shingles or clogged gutters after fall rains.

• Heating System – Ask for furnace or heat pump maintenance records.

• Windows & Insulation – Drafts are easier to notice when temperatures drop.

• Drainage – Check for pooling water near the foundation.

• Lighting – Shorter days make natural light and good indoor lighting even more important.

• Neighbourhood Atmosphere – Fall brings quieter routines, so you’ll get a true sense of traffic, noise, and community feel.

The Bottom Line

Buying a home in fall isn’t just about timing—it’s about opportunity. With motivated sellers, less competition, and the chance to see how a property performs in real West Coast weather, autumn can be one of the smartest seasons to make your move.

✨ Thinking about buying this fall in Victoria or the surrounding communities? Let’s connect—I’ll guide you through the process and help you find a home that fits your next chapter.

🏡 Click here to book a buyer consult or browse active listings now → search

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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As summer winds down, the Victoria real estate market followed a familiar seasonal trend—slowing slightly in August but maintaining overall stability. A total of 525 properties sold across the region, down 3.7% compared to August 2024 and 22.8% fewer than July 2025.

Condominium sales dipped by 16% year-over-year, with 152 units sold, while single-family homes saw a modest increase of 6.3%, with 268 sales.

The number of active listings at the end of August sat at 3,600, down slightly from July but up 12.8% compared to the same time last year. This boost in available inventory gives buyers more choice than they’ve had in years.

Price trends were relatively steady:

• Single-family home benchmark (Victoria Core): $1,308,100, up 1.6% year-over-year but down a bit from July.

• Condominium benchmark (Victoria Core): $551,300, down 1.4% year-over-year and from July’s value.

What This Means for Buyers

For buyers, this is a more balanced and less pressurized market than what we saw several years ago. With more inventory and stable interest rates, you have time to carefully evaluate homes, negotiate, and make decisions without the intense bidding wars of the past. Fall could bring fresh listings as sellers who prepared over summer enter the market, giving you new opportunities to explore.

What This Means for Sellers

If you’re selling, pricing strategically is key. While demand remains steady, buyers have more options and more time to compare. Homes that are well-prepared and marketed properly are still moving, but expectations around timelines should be realistic. With fall historically being a busier season than late summer, now is an excellent time to list if you’ve been waiting.

The Bottom Line

Victoria’s market is steady, balanced, and entering a season that traditionally sees more activity. Whether you’re considering buying or selling this fall, the conditions are favourable for making thoughtful, well-planned moves.

✨ Thinking about making a move this fall? Let’s connect—I’ll walk you through the numbers, help you understand where opportunities lie, and guide you toward your next home or sale.

👉 Start your fall home search or request a market evaluation here.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR® 
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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Why Fall Can Be the Perfect Season to Sell Your Home

When it comes to real estate, spring and summer are often considered the busiest seasons. But fall has its own unique advantages for sellers—especially in Victoria, where the market stays active well into the cooler months. If you’ve been thinking about selling, autumn may be the right time to put your home on the market.

Advantages of Selling in Fall

Serious Buyers Are Still Out There
By the time fall rolls around, many buyers who held off during summer vacations or didn’t find the right fit earlier in the year are still motivated to purchase. They often want to settle before the holiday season or new year begins.

Less Competition
With fewer homes listed compared to the spring rush, your property can stand out more easily in the fall. Reduced inventory means serious buyers are more likely to focus on your home.

Cozy Curb Appeal
Fall offers natural opportunities to showcase your home’s warmth and comfort. A tidy yard with autumn colors, seasonal décor, and inviting lighting can create a welcoming atmosphere that resonates with buyers.

Faster Closings
With fewer transactions than peak season, lenders, inspectors, and lawyers often have more flexibility in their schedules—helping your deal move smoothly and quickly.

What to Expect When Selling in Fall

• Buyers Move with Purpose: Many fall buyers are on a deadline, making them more decisive.

• Seasonal Prep Matters: Clear leaves, keep gutters clean, and maximize natural light to make your home shine.

• Pricing Is Key: Buyers are savvy. Strategic pricing that reflects market conditions will attract more interest.

• Showings May Be Different: With shorter days, expect more evening or weekend showings. Good lighting becomes extra important.

The Bottom Line

Selling your home in the fall doesn’t mean missing out on opportunities—it can actually work in your favour. With motivated buyers, less competition, and a season that naturally highlights the comfort of home, autumn is one of the most underrated times to list your property.

✨ Thinking of selling this fall in Victoria or the surrounding communities? Let’s chat—I’ll help you prepare your home, price it strategically, and market it to the right buyers.

👉 Book your complimentary home evaluation today.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Coldwell Banker Oceanside
250.415.5656
YourVanIsleHome.com
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