July brought a familiar rhythm to Greater Victoria real estate. Sales activity stayed close to where it has been all summer, inventory continued to build, and buyers kept taking their time with the growing number of options in front of them. If June's numbers pointed toward a market finding its footing, July confirms it.

What sold in July

A total of 673 properties sold across the region in July, down just 1% from July 2025 and down 6.4% from June's 719 sales, a typical seasonal slowdown as summer settles in. Single family home sales actually rose, up 4.1% year over year with 331 sold. Condominium sales told a different story, down 7.1% year over year at 209 units, and townhome sales softened further, down 15.5% year over year with 82 sold. Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Fergus Kyne called it a solid month, noting that sales came in above the five year average for a typical July.

What inventory is doing

There were 3,847 active listings at the end of July, down 5.1% from June but still up 3.9% from this time last year. That gives buyers meaningfully more to choose from than they had a year ago and something worth sitting with. With this much choice available, some buyers are taking longer to decide, and a few are even feeling a little overwhelmed by the options in front of them. That is exactly where having someone in your corner who knows the market makes a real difference, helping you focus on what actually matters for your situation instead of getting lost in the noise.

Single family home prices by area

Single family benchmarks eased slightly across most of the region. The Victoria Core benchmark sits at $1,311,000, down 2.8% from July 2025 and down 1.2% from June's $1,326,500. The Westshore single family benchmark is $1,034,200, essentially flat year over year at down 0.3%, and up 1.1% from last month, making it one of the more stable pockets of the region right now. The Peninsula benchmark is $1,275,100, down 1.1% from last year. Across Greater Victoria as a whole, the single family benchmark is $1,170,200, down 1.6% year over year.

Condo prices by area

The condo market continues to see the most softening. The Core condo benchmark is $548,600, down 2.2% from July 2025. The Westshore condo benchmark sits at $493,600, down 1.8% year over year and down 2% from June alone. The Peninsula remains the outlier in the best possible way, with a condo benchmark of $618,900, up 1.2% from last year, the only area still moving in a positive direction. For anyone considering a condo purchase in the Core or Westshore, there is genuine room to negotiate right now.

Townhome prices by area

Townhomes are the one segment holding steady and even gaining ground. The Greater Victoria townhome benchmark is $795,900, up 0.8% year over year. The Core benchmark sits at $857,300, up 1.9% from last year. The Westshore townhome benchmark is $721,000, flat year over year. The Peninsula townhome benchmark is $842,100, up 0.7% from last year. Even with fewer townhomes changing hands this month, the ones that are selling are holding their value well.

What this means if you are buying

With inventory up nearly 4% from a year ago and condo sales down significantly, buyers have room to be selective, especially in the condo segment. That said, more choice can cut both ways. If you have been feeling a little overwhelmed scrolling through listings, that is normal, and it is exactly the kind of moment where a second set of eyes helps you separate what is genuinely a good fit from what just looks good in photos.

What this means if you are selling

Single family homes and townhomes are still performing well, particularly on the Peninsula, while condos are facing more competition for buyer attention. Pricing accurately from the start matters more in a market like this one, where buyers have the luxury of comparison. A home that is priced right and presented well is still finding a buyer, often quickly.

The market in plain terms

Greater Victoria remains in balanced territory, where neither buyers nor sellers hold a significant advantage overall. What is more useful than that headline number is understanding your specific segment. Single family and townhome sellers are in a healthier position than condo sellers right now, and buyers across every category have more time and more options than they have had in years.

Whether you are buying, selling, or your mortgage is coming up for renewal

Market shifts like these do not just affect people actively house hunting. If your mortgage is coming up for renewal in the months ahead, it is worth understanding how today's rates and your options compare to when you first signed. I work closely with Paul Macara, a mortgage broker I trust completely, and I am always happy to make that introduction, whether you are buying your first home, selling and moving on to the next one, or simply want to know where you stand before a renewal date arrives. There is no pressure and no obligation, just a clear picture of your options.

If you would like to talk through what any of this means for you specifically, reach out any time.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
call/text: 250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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Every sold sign tells a story, and this one is a favourite of mine. I recently represented the buyer on a bright, one level townhome in The Meadows, a gated 55+ community just a stone's throw from Sidney by the Sea. Two patios, a double garage, and everything on one floor. It’s the kind of home that makes downsizing feel less like giving something up and more like gaining something back.

But this post is not really about that townhome. It’s about what happened before the sold sign went up, because that is where the real work lives.

Downsizing Is Rarely Just About Square Footage

When someone comes to me thinking about their next chapter, the conversation almost never starts with a list of must haves. It starts with a feeling. Maybe the stairs have become a chore. Maybe the garden feels like more responsibility than joy these days. Maybe family is scattered and a smaller, simpler home closer to community feels like the better fit for this stage of life. Whatever the reason, there is usually some grief tucked in alongside the excitement, and I think that deserves to be honoured rather than rushed past.

My job is to slow things down enough that my clients can think clearly. We talk through what daily life will actually look like in a new place, not just what the listing photos suggest. For a community like The Meadows, that means walking through practical questions together. What are the strata rules around pets and rentals? Is there a depreciation report, and what does it tell us about the building's health? How close is it really to the shops, the water, and the parts of Sidney that make it feel like home rather than just a postal code? These are the questions I ask on behalf of every client, every time, because the answers matter far more than the finishes.

Having Lived It Myself Changes How I Guide Others

I’ve lived in twenty six homes over the course of my life, including the move that brought me from Toronto to Victoria. I know what it feels like to stand in a new kitchen and wonder if you made the right choice. That experience shapes how I work with people who are relocating to Vancouver Island or right sizing into a new stage of life here. I am not just pointing you toward a property. I’m helping you picture your mornings there, your walk to the shops, the neighbours you might meet at the clubhouse.

That is why so much of my practice is built around connection, not just closings. I want my clients to feel rooted in their new neighbourhood from day one, whether that means introducing them to a local business I trust or simply being honest about what a community is really like to live in, not just to visit.

If You Are Wondering What Is Next

If any of this sounds familiar, if you have been quietly wondering what right sizing could look like for you, I would love to talk. There is no pressure and no script. I also put together a smart downsizing guide that many of my clients have found helpful as a gentle starting point, and you are welcome to grab a copy any time at yourvanislehome.com.

Congratulations to my clients on their beautiful new home in The Meadows. Here is to the next chapter, and to feeling settled in it.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
call/text: 250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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One of the questions I hear most often, whether I am working with someone relocating to the Island or a client rightsizing into their next chapter, is whether to buy the home that is already done or the one with good bones and room to make it your own. It is rarely a simple answer, and the right choice depends as much on your finances as it does on the house itself.

This month's Mortgage Minute is from my trusted mortgage partner, Paul Macara. Paul works with my clients to make sure the numbers behind a purchase actually support the life they are planning, and his take on this question is one of the clearest I have read. I will let him take it from here.

(Article by Paul Macara, Mortgage Agent)

Every home search eventually runs into the same question:

Do you pay more for the house that already has the dream kitchen, finished basement, and updated bathrooms? Or do you buy the one that needs some work and make it your own over time?

It can be a harder decision than it first appears.

A move-in-ready home may come with fewer surprises, but it can also mean stretching your budget closer to its limit. A home that needs renovations may offer more room to customize, but the costs, timelines, and disruption can be difficult to predict.

The Appeal of a Move-In-Ready Home

For many buyers, the appeal of a finished home is certainty.

You know more about what you're getting. You may avoid months of renovation projects, contractor meetings, and unexpected delays. There's also less pressure to start spending money immediately after closing.

That certainty can be especially valuable for busy professionals, growing families, or anyone who simply wants to unpack and enjoy their new home.

The financial side still deserves careful thought, however. A higher purchase price can mean a larger mortgage payment, higher property taxes, and less room in the budget for furniture, emergencies, travel, or future life goals.

Where Renovations Can Make Sense

A home that needs work can be an opportunity, particularly if it's in a great location or the improvements can be completed gradually.

It may allow you to enter the market at a lower price point, build equity through improvements, and create a home that truly reflects your style and needs.

Renovations work best when the costs are realistic and there is enough flexibility in the budget to handle surprises. Timelines can stretch, materials and labour can cost more than expected, and not every improvement adds dollar-for-dollar value.

Buyers also need to think carefully about how the work will be funded, whether through savings, a line of credit, refinancing later, or a mortgage option that allows for improvements.

Compare the Full Cost, Not Just the Purchase Price

Before making an offer, it's worth comparing both paths clearly: the cost of buying a more finished home versus the cost of buying a lower-priced home and completing the work needed.

That comparison should include more than the purchase price.

• Monthly payments

• Available cash after closing

• Renovation costs

• Financing options

• Future flexibility

A home that needs work can be a fantastic opportunity, but only if the numbers still leave you comfortable after closing.

The best house isn't always the one that looks perfect on day one, it's the one that fits your financial goals and lifestyle for years to come.

If you are contemplating a purchase or renovation, let's review your full financial picture and connect you with any professionals needed to make the best decision for your personal situation.

Thank you, Paul, for such a clear and practical look at a question so many of my clients wrestle with. Connect with him here: Paul Macara, Mortgage Agent (250) 857-4741 paul@macaramortgages.com macaramortgages.com

Whether you are drawn to a home that is ready on day one or one you can shape into your own over time, the right answer starts with understanding both the numbers and the neighbourhood. That is where I come in. If you are thinking about a move anywhere in Greater Victoria, the Saanich Peninsula, Sidney, or the Westshore, I would love to help you weigh your options and find the home that truly fits your next chapter. Reach out anytime for a no pressure conversation about what is possible.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
call/text: 250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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Summer arrived on Vancouver Island and so did a shift in the mood of the market. June closed with 719 total property sales across Greater Victoria, just slightly ahead of May and part of a steadier, more measured pace that has been building throughout the second quarter of 2026. If you have been watching and waiting to understand what this market is actually doing, June's numbers give us a clearer picture than we have had in some time.

The headline is this: inventory is high, buyers have choices they have not had in years, and the market is rewarding preparation on both sides of the transaction. That is good news whether you are looking to buy or thinking about what your next move looks like.

What sold in June

A total of 719 properties changed hands across the region in June, down 5.5% from June 2025 but essentially flat compared to May. Single family home sales came in at 388, down 3.5% year over year. Condominium sales continued to soften significantly, with 182 units sold, a decrease of 26.9% compared to June of last year. Townhome sales bucked that trend, coming in at 94, up 25.3% year over year. That townhome number is worth noting, particularly for anyone in the middle of a downsizing decision or looking for a low maintenance option on the Peninsula.

What inventory is doing

There were 4,054 active listings on the market at the end of June, up 0.6% from May and 7.3% higher than this time last year. That level of inventory means buyers are spending more time comparing properties and looking carefully at value before committing. It also means that sellers who present and price their homes well are the ones standing out in a market where there is real competition for attention.

Single family home prices by area

Single family benchmarks are holding relatively firm across most of the region, though there are meaningful differences depending on where you look. The benchmark for a single family home in the Victoria Core sits at $1,326,500, down 0.6% from June 2025. The Westshore single family benchmark is $1,023,400, down 1.8% year over year. The Peninsula continues to hold its ground with a benchmark of $1,282,000, up 1.3% from last year. That Peninsula resilience is something I have been watching closely, and it continues to reflect steady, genuine demand in that area.

Condo prices by area

The condo market continues to soften across most of the region. The benchmark for a condo in the Victoria Core is $549,200, down 1.9% from June 2025 and continuing a gradual decline from May's reading of $551,400. The Westshore condo benchmark sits at $503,900, down 0.5% year over year. The Peninsula condo benchmark is $629,700, up 1.7% from last year, making it the one area where condo values are still moving in a positive direction. For buyers considering a condo purchase, particularly in the Core or Westshore, there is more room to negotiate right now than there has been in several years.

Townhome prices by area

Townhome benchmarks are relatively stable. The Greater Victoria townhome benchmark sits at $782,300, down 1.5% year over year. In the Core, the benchmark is $841,200, down 0.5% from last year. The Westshore townhome benchmark is $712,900, down 1.8% year over year. The Peninsula townhome benchmark sits at $826,800, down 1.3% from last year. Despite those modest year over year decreases, townhomes are selling with more consistency than condos right now, and the volume increase of 25.3% in June tells a meaningful story about where buyer interest is concentrated.

What this means if you are buying

With more than 4,000 active listings and condo sales down nearly 27% year over year, buyers in this market have options and negotiating room that simply did not exist two or three years ago. You have time to compare, ask questions, and find something that genuinely fits your life rather than settling because inventory was thin. That said, well priced homes in the right condition are still moving. Working with someone who knows which sub-markets are active and which are sitting longer will make a real difference in how confidently you move through this process. If you are not yet connected with a mortgage professional, this is a good time to do that. I am happy to make a personal introduction to someone I trust.

What this means if you are selling

This market is not forgiving of overpricing. Buyers are comparing properties carefully, they are taking their time, and they have enough options that a home priced above its current market value will simply be passed over. The good news is that well priced, well presented homes are selling. If you are thinking about downsizing and wondering what your current home is worth in this environment, a conversation with me is a useful starting point. I can give you an honest picture of value and help you think through the timing of both sides of that move.

The balanced market in plain terms

The sales to active listings ratio for June puts our market firmly in balanced territory, meaning there is neither strong upward nor strong downward pressure on prices overall. What that number does not capture is how differently the sub-markets are behaving. Condos in the Core and Westshore are softer. Detached homes and condos on the Peninsula are holding their value better than most. Townhomes are moving with more consistency than the condo segment. Understanding which of these markets you are operating in is the most important piece of information you can have right now.

If you would like to talk through what any of this means for your specific situation, I am always happy to have that conversation. No pressure, no pitch. Just an honest look at where things stand.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
call/text: 250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
Instagram | Facebook

There's a question I hear more than almost any other from clients who are thinking about moving to Vancouver Island. It comes up toward the end of conversations, almost like an afterthought, but it never really is. The question is: where should we stay when we come to look?

It sounds practical, and it is. But what's behind it is something bigger. The trip to Vancouver Island is often the moment everything becomes real. It's when you stop imagining the move and start actually picturing it. Where you stay, how you wake up, whether you can walk somewhere for coffee, whether the town feels right at seven in the morning before you've seen a single house — all of that shapes what you come home with.

For a long time I gave my clients the best guidance I could. But I didn't have a place I could point to and say: go here, I trust this completely, this is the right base for the trip you're about to take.

That changed when I walked into The Sidney Pier Hotel.

The Sidney Pier sits right on the waterfront in Sidney, at the edge of Beacon Avenue and the marina. It's a short walk to the bookshops, bakeries, and coffee spots that make this town so easy to fall in love with on a first visit. The building is modern and thoughtfully designed, with a spa on site and a restaurant downstairs. It doesn't feel like a place you pass through. It feels like a place you settle into.

I should mention: the hotel has just completed a full reimagining of the suites. New finishes, new furnishings, and a feel that's warmer and more considered than before. The bathrooms are spa-inspired and well-appointed. The kitchens and kitchenettes are beautifully fitted out. It's the same stunning waterfront location — the views haven't changed — but the experience inside has been genuinely elevated. If you've stayed here before, it's worth coming back with fresh eyes.

I've partnered with The Sidney Pier Hotel to offer my relocation clients a special rate on three specific room types as part of working with me.

The Townview Suite is a spacious studio with a king bed, a full kitchen, and west-facing views over the heart of Sidney. It's the room for clients who like to cook their own breakfasts and spread out a little. The Seaport or Courtyard King is a comfortable, well-appointed guestroom with everything you need, offering views of either the courtyard or the town of Sidney. And the Coastal King or Queen is a beautifully designed room with courtyard or Beacon Avenue views, with select floors offering a private furnished balcony — one of the loveliest places to have your morning coffee while you think through the homes you saw the day before.

I make the reservation personally. There's no code or link — you just reach out to me and we sort it out together as part of working with me.

Sidney is a town that tends to make the decision for people. You arrive not quite sure, you walk Beacon Avenue, you sit somewhere with a coffee and watch the ferries move across the water, and then you know. I wanted my clients to have a place that helps that happen. The Sidney Pier Hotel is that place, and with the newly reimagined suites, it's better than ever.

If you're thinking about a move to the Saanich Peninsula and want to know more about how this works, reach out. I'm always happy to talk through what the process looks like from start to finish.

Find out more and view those dreamy suites right here.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
call/text: 250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
Instagram | Facebook

Feeling overwhelmed by clutter? Here’s a realistic spring cleaning and decluttering guide for 2026, plus downsizing tips for homeowners in Victoria, BC.

Spring cleaning hits differently when you’re no longer just cleaning. At some point, it becomes about simplifying. Creating space. Making life easier. Letting go of the things you no longer use, need, or even enjoy maintaining.

And honestly? I’m hearing this from so many people right now across Victoria, Sidney, Central Saanich, and the WestShore.

People are tired of feeling buried in stuff. Tired of managing homes that no longer fit the season of life they’re in. Tired of opening closets, garages, and spare rooms filled with things they haven’t touched in years.

Spring is often when it finally catches up with us. The light changes, the weather improves, and suddenly you start noticing everything.

The overflowing storage room. The kitchen drawers. The guest room that quietly became a holding zone. The house that maybe feels a little bigger than you actually need now. And while a deep clean helps, what many people are actually craving is a reset.

Start With Decluttering — Not Organizing

One of the biggest mistakes people make is buying bins and organizers before they’ve decided what actually deserves to stay. 

You don’t need better storage for things you no longer use. Start smaller than you think. One drawer. One shelf. One closet. You do not need to tackle the entire house in one weekend. The people who make the most progress are usually the ones who stop trying to make it perfect.

A few simple questions can help:

• Would I buy this again today?

• Have I used this in the last year?

• Is this adding value to my daily life?

• Am I keeping this out of guilt?

• Would someone else benefit from this more than I am?

And if you’re downsizing in the next few years — even casually thinking about it — this process becomes incredibly valuable. Every item you let go of now is one less thing you or your family have to manage later.

Why So Many People Are Downsizing Right Now

I’ve noticed a huge shift over the past couple of years. For many homeowners, especially downsizers and retirees, the conversation isn’t only about money. It’s about lifestyle.

People want:

• Less maintenance

• More freedom to travel

• Single-level living

• Walkability

• Lower stress

• Space that feels manageable and comfortable

• More time enjoying life instead of maintaining a property

And honestly, I get it. Victoria and Vancouver Island have so many incredible options now for people looking to simplify without sacrificing quality of life.

Some people want a condo near coffee shops and the ocean. Some want a quiet 55+ community. Some want a townhome with less yardwork. Some want to stay close to family while reducing expenses and upkeep.

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But what I’ve learned is this: Most successful downsizing moves start long before the home hits the market. They start with the emotional and physical process of simplifying.

The “Maybe Later” Pile Is Usually the Problem

If you’ve started decluttering before, you probably know exactly what I mean. The donation pile happens. The garbage pile happens. But then there’s the “maybe later” pile. That pile is usually where momentum disappears.

If you’re stuck, try creating only these categories:

• Keep

• Donate

• Sell

• Recycle or toss

That’s it.

The less overthinking involved, the easier the process becomes. And no — you do not need to become a minimalist. You just want your home to feel lighter.

A Few Often-Forgotten Spring Cleaning Areas

Once the clutter is reduced, cleaning becomes dramatically easier. 

Some areas people often forget:

• Baseboards and trim

• Window tracks

• Bathroom fans

• Kitchen cabinet fronts

• Under sinks

• Behind appliances

• Outdoor furniture

• Garage shelving

• Entryway closets

• Expired pantry items

A clean, simplified space genuinely affects how a home feels. Not just visually — emotionally.

Thinking About Downsizing? Start Earlier Than You Think

One thing I always tell clients: Downsizing is rarely just a real estate decision. It’s a life transition. And the people who feel the least stressed are usually the ones who begin planning earlier. Even if your move is still one, two, or three years away.

Starting now gives you time to:

• Declutter gradually

• Understand your options

• Learn neighbourhoods and housing types

• Prepare financially

• Reduce overwhelm

• Make decisions thoughtfully instead of reactively

You don’t need to rush. In fact, you probably shouldn’t.

My Downsizing Resources

Over the last few years, I’ve helped many people navigate downsizing and relocation here on Vancouver Island. And because it can feel overwhelming, I created resources to help make the process easier.

You can explore my downsizing resources here:

Smart Downsizing Guide

And if you’re starting to think about simplifying, relocating, or exploring what your next chapter could look like, I’m always happy to chat. No pressure. No hard sales. Just honest conversations and thoughtful planning.

Because sometimes spring cleaning turns into something bigger. Sometimes it becomes the first step toward creating a home — and lifestyle — that fits you better now.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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