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.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
call/text: 250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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Spring is typically one of the busiest times of year in real estate, but 2026 is shaping up a little differently.

While activity usually picks up through April, May, and June, many buyers this year are taking a more cautious, wait-and-see approach. Sales activity has been softer compared to last year, and while new listings have increased slightly, overall inventory is still below long-term averages. This creates a bit of a mixed market.

Buyers have more choice than they did during the peak pandemic years, but not enough to dramatically improve affordability. At the same time, sellers are navigating a more thoughtful and selective group of buyers.

To help make sense of what’s happening from a financing perspective, I'm sharing some insights from Paul Macara, a trusted mortgage partner I regularly refer clients to, as he had some thoughts on what this market really means for buyers and homeowners.

A Market That Feels Uncertain on Both Sides

Right now, many buyers are holding off in hopes that interest rates or home prices will come down further.

And while prices have softened in some areas — including parts of British Columbia — those declines haven’t fully offset the impact of higher borrowing costs.

In other words, even though the market may feel “slower,” affordability hasn’t necessarily improved as much as some buyers expected.

At the same time, conditions aren’t the same everywhere. Some areas are still experiencing competitive conditions, while others are seeing more balance.

More Activity Doesn’t Always Mean Better Affordability

One of the biggest misconceptions right now is that a more active spring market automatically means better opportunities for buyers.

But as Paul explains, that’s not always the case. Higher interest rates continue to impact purchasing power, and even with slightly lower home prices, monthly payments can still feel significantly higher than they did just a few years ago.

That’s why understanding the full picture, not just price, is so important.

Why Strategy Matters More Than Timing

In a market like this, trying to perfectly “time” the market can actually work against you. Instead, it’s more important to have a clear strategy. That means understanding:

• What you’re comfortable spending monthly (not just what you qualify for)
• How different interest rate scenarios could affect your payments
• How long you plan to stay in the home
• What flexibility you may need in your mortgage

Market conditions can shift quickly, especially with ongoing changes tied to inflation, interest rates, and broader global factors.

Waiting for the “perfect moment” can sometimes mean missing opportunities that already align with your goals.

The Value of the Right Mortgage Advice

This is where having the right guidance can make a real difference.

Working with an experienced mortgage professional allows you to explore different options, understand your numbers clearly, and build a plan that works for your current situation, while still giving you flexibility for the future.

I regularly connect my clients with Paul Macara of Macara Mortgages with The Mortgage Group, who takes a very thoughtful, educational approach to helping homeowners and buyers navigate decisions like these.

Thinking About Making a Move This Spring?

Whether you're buying your first home, relocating, or planning your next move, having a clear financial strategy is key in today’s market.

If you'd like an introduction to Paul for a personalized mortgage review, feel free to reach out as I’d be happy to connect you.

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
250-415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
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The Greater Victoria real estate market is moving through spring with steady momentum—but what’s shaping today’s market isn’t just housing activity. It’s also the broader economic environment.

In April 2026, a total of 643 properties sold, up 11.1% from March and essentially flat year-over-year. At the same time, inventory climbed to 3,710 active listings, giving buyers more choice and helping create more balanced conditions overall.

The Bigger Picture: Interest Rates and the Economy

A key driver right now is the decision by the Bank of Canada to hold its overnight rate at 2.25%. Ok, but what does this mean to me… a buyer or seller?

When rates are rising quickly, buyers often pull back due to uncertainty and affordability concerns. When rates are falling, activity tends to surge. But when rates hold steady—as they are now—it creates something different: confidence and predictability.

For buyers, this means you can make decisions without worrying about sudden changes to your borrowing power. For sellers, it means the pool of active buyers becomes more stable and consistent. At the same time, the economy is still adjusting.

Unemployment has edged slightly higher in parts of Canada, and while this varies regionally, it contributes to a more cautious mindset among buyers. Household expenses—from groceries to insurance to utilities—remain elevated compared to previous years, which also impacts how buyers approach affordability.

The result isn’t a slowdown—it’s a shift in behaviour.

If you’d like to understand this further, I’m happy to connect you to my trusted mortgage partners. They can review your whole financial picture and help you understand what rates you would qualify for. Just let me know.

A Balanced Market Is Taking Shape

Right now, Greater Victoria is in what many are calling a “Goldilocks” market.

Prices have remained relatively stable:
Single-family homes benchmark around $1,339,100
Condominiums around $558,300

These small year-over-year adjustments, combined with recent monthly increases, reflect a market that is stabilizing rather than correcting sharply.

Inventory is up, buyer interest is steady, and conditions are landing in that middle ground where neither side has a strong advantage.

What This Means If You’re Buying in Victoria

If you’re buying right now, this is one of the more strategic windows we’ve seen in recent years. Seriously.

You have more choice across property types and price points
You’re less likely to face intense bidding competition
You can plan more confidently with stable interest rates

However, affordability still matters. With higher day-to-day expenses and borrowing costs compared to past years, buyers are being more selective—and that’s actually creating better long-term decisions.

What This Means If You’re Selling in Victoria

For sellers, the opportunity is still strong—but execution matters.

Homes that are priced appropriately and presented well are attracting attention
Buyers are taking their time, but they are still active and ready when the right property comes up
Overpricing or under-preparing a home can lead to extended time on market

This is no longer a market where everything sells quickly regardless of strategy. It’s a market where thoughtful positioning wins.

Why Local Expertise Matters More Right Now

Victoria is not one single market—it’s a collection of micro-markets. Real estate here is like the weather!

Sidney, Langford, Saanich, and Victoria proper are all behaving differently
Condos, townhomes, and single-family homes are each responding differently to current conditions
Even within neighbourhoods, pricing and demand can vary significantly

This is why understanding your specific segment of the market is key to making the right move.

The Bottom Line

We’re in a rare moment where housing and the economy are aligning in a way that supports balanced, informed decision-making.

Stable interest rates
Increasing inventory
Measured buyer confidence

Whether you’re buying or selling, success right now comes down to strategy—not timing the market perfectly.

If you’re curious what’s happening in your neighbourhood—or how to position yourself in this market—I’m always happy to talk it through.

👉 Reach out anytime for a conversation
👉 Or request your home value to see where you stand in today’s market

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

A More Balanced Spring Market Takes Shape

As we move into spring, the Greater Victoria real estate market is following a familiar seasonal pattern—activity is building, inventory is rising, and conditions are becoming more balanced.

A total of 579 properties sold in March 2026, which is 24.5% higher than February, but 5.5% lower than March 2025. This tells us the market is active, but without the urgency and pressure we saw in previous years.

Breaking it down further:

• 285 single-family homes sold (down 2.4% year-over-year)

• 164 condominiums sold (down 18.8% year-over-year)

At the same time, inventory continues to expand.

There were 3,261 active listings at the end of March, up 12.3% from February and 7.9% higher than March 2025—giving buyers more choice and helping create more balanced conditions overall.

Home Prices: Holding Steady with Subtle Shifts

Pricing in Victoria remains relatively stable, with small year-over-year adjustments and slight month-over-month gains.

• The benchmark price for a single-family home in the Victoria Core is now $1,330,200, down 1.1% year-over-year, but up from February

• The benchmark price for a condominium is $553,800, down 0.8% year-over-year, also increasing from the previous month

This tells us we’re not in a declining market—we’re in a stabilizing one.

The Economic Backdrop: Why This Matters

The real estate market doesn’t operate in a vacuum—and right now, the broader economy is playing a major role.

In mid-March, the Bank of Canada held its overnight rate steady, signaling a cautious approach as inflation continues to cool.

What this means:

• Borrowing costs are stable for now

• Buyers are gaining confidence to re-enter the market

• Sellers are seeing more serious, qualified buyers

At the same time, Canada is experiencing one of the largest mortgage renewal waves in decades.

Many homeowners are now:

• Renewing into higher rates

• Reassessing monthly affordability

• Exploring refinancing options

• Considering downsizing or lifestyle changes

What This Means If You’re Buying

This is one of the most balanced markets we’ve seen in recent years.

Buyers now have:

• More inventory and selection

• More time to evaluate properties

• Greater ability to include conditions

• Less pressure to compete

That said, desirable and well-priced homes are still moving quickly.

The opportunity right now:
Make informed, thoughtful decisions—without the pressure of a peak market.

What This Means If You’re Selling

The market is active—but buyers are more selective.

Today’s buyers are:

• Price-conscious

• Well-informed

• Less willing to overlook issues

Homes that are:

• Well-prepared

• Strategically priced

• Clearly positioned

…are still selling successfully.

The key right now:
Pricing and presentation matter more than ever.

What This Means If You’re Renewing or Refinancing

This is one of the biggest shifts happening in the market right now.

If you’re approaching a mortgage renewal, you may be facing higher rates than your previous term.

This is a good time to explore:

• Refinancing strategies

• Adjusting amortization

• Accessing equity

• Downsizing to reduce monthly costs

Having a plan early can make a significant difference.

A Note for Downsizers

This current market creates a unique opportunity for downsizers.

With more inventory available and less competition, you have:

• More choice when it comes to condos and townhomes

• More time to explore options

• Greater ability to coordinate your sale and purchase

At the same time, well-maintained homes in established neighbourhoods continue to attract strong interest.

For many, this is an ideal moment to:

• Simplify your home and reduce maintenance

• Unlock equity

• Move closer to amenities, family, or community

The Bottom Line

We’re in a more stable, opportunity-driven market—not a chaotic one.

That’s good news.

It means:

• Buyers can plan more carefully

• Sellers can still achieve strong results—with the right strategy

• Homeowners have options, even in a shifting rate environment

Thinking About Your Next Step?

Whether you're buying, selling, or planning ahead for a renewal, I’m here to help you navigate your next move with clarity and confidence.

👉 Reach out anytime for a conversation
👉 Or request your home value to see where you stand in today’s market

Jacqueline Ross, REALTOR®
Your Van Isle Home
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
Instagram | Facebook

Helping you find home — and community — here in Victoria, BC.

As 2025 wrapped up, the Victoria real estate market closed the year with steady fundamentals, balanced pricing, and inventory levels that continue to shape buyer and seller behaviour heading into 2026.

According to the Victoria Real Estate Board market report released January 2, 2026, a total of 367 properties sold in December, down 12.8% from December 2024 and 18.6% fewer than November 2025. As expected for the holiday season, activity slowed, particularly in the condominium segment.

December 2025 Sales Breakdown

Condominium sales declined 21.5% year over year, with 106 units sold. Single family home sales were more stable, decreasing just 2.6% from December 2024, with 186 homes sold. While December activity softened, it followed a relatively consistent year overall.

2025 in Review

Across the full year, 6,918 properties sold in 2025, representing a modest 0.36% increase compared to 2024. This reinforces what many buyers and sellers experienced firsthand: a market that remained active, but far more balanced than in previous peak years.

Victoria Real Estate Board Chair Fergus Kyne noted that inventory played a key role throughout 2025, with the second-highest number of new listings on record entering the market. Increased choice allowed buyers more time and flexibility, while sellers benefited from clearer pricing expectations and more predictable timelines.

Inventory Levels: What They Tell Us

At the end of December, 2,544 active listings were available across the region. While that represented a 19.3% drop from November (a typical seasonal decline), it was still 11.1% higher than December 2024. This higher year-over-year inventory continues to support a more measured, informed market for both sides.

Pricing Trends Across Property Types

Benchmark prices showed some divergence depending on location and housing type:

• The Victoria Core single family home benchmark declined 4.7% year over year to $1,255,000, and was down 1.7% from November.
• Condominium benchmark values increased slightly year over year to $549,900, though they dipped 0.6% from November.

Regionally, single family home values softened in the Victoria Core, while parts of the Westshore saw modest gains. Condo prices remained relatively flat across most areas.

What This Means If You’re Buying Right Now

For buyers, today’s market offers more choice, less urgency, and better negotiating conditions than we’ve seen in years. Higher inventory levels mean buyers can take time to compare options, assess value, and make decisions that align with long-term goals rather than short-term pressure. Winter also tends to bring more motivated sellers, which can create opportunities for well-prepared buyers.

What This Means If You’re Selling Right Now

For sellers, success in this market depends on pricing accuracy, presentation, and strategy. Buyers are paying close attention to value and condition, and well-presented homes that are priced appropriately continue to perform well. Understanding micro-market trends by neighbourhood and property type is key, especially as we move toward the spring market.

Looking Ahead to 2026

Inventory levels will continue to play a major role in shaping market conditions this year. Whether you’re planning to buy, sell, or downsize, having a clear understanding of local pricing trends and buyer behaviour will help you move forward with confidence.

Whether you’re planning to buy or sell in 2026, I’d love to walk you through what this market means for your specific plans. Reach out to me at anytime 250-415-5656.

Jacqueline Ross
REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Oceanside Real Estate
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
www.YourVanIsleHome.com
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Helping you find home — and community — here in Victoria, BC.

As we move along in December, the Victoria real estate market shows a clear shift in pace. Sales slowed in November, inventory remained healthy, and the overall tone of the market leaned toward patience — offering more breathing room for buyers and a steady, balanced environment for sellers.

Here’s what you need to know.

Home Sales Down Compared to Last Year

A total of 451 properties sold across the Victoria Real Estate Board region in November 2025. This reflects:

• 18.1% fewer sales compared to November 2024 (551 sales)

• 26.9% fewer sales than October 2025

• Yet still higher activity than November 2022 and 2023, when sales dipped below 400

Sales varied by property type:

• Condo sales: 119 units sold (down 36% year-over-year)

• Single-family homes: 241 sold (down 8.4% year-over-year)

The Board notes this year-over-year comparison looks dramatic only because 2024 experienced an unusual late-year sales rally, which is not the norm for Victoria.

Inventory Eases, But Choices Remain Strong

At the end of November, there were 3,152 active listings, representing:

• 7.9% fewer listings than October 2025

• 11.1% more listings than November 2024

Buyers still have plenty of selection, but inventory is tightening slightly as we enter the winter season — a typical trend for Victoria.

Market Tone: Balanced, Patient, and Price-Sensitive

2025 VREB Chair Dirk VanderWal describes the November mood as “one of patience.”

• Buyers are taking their time.

• Sellers who price accurately and present their homes well are still seeing results.

• The market remains balanced, without the urgency of the early 2020s.

Different neighbourhoods and property types perform differently, so understanding where your home sits on the buyer–seller spectrum is key.

Benchmark Home Prices: Stable With Mild Movement

Single-Family Homes (Victoria Core)

• November 2024: $1,313,900

• November 2025: $1,276,700 (-2.8% year-over-year)

• Slight dip from October’s benchmark of $1,280,100

Condominiums (Victoria Core)

• November 2024: $542,100

• November 2025: $553,100 (+2% year-over-year)

• Up from October’s benchmark of $549,000

Condo values continue to hold steady, while single-family pricing shows mild softening — a trend aligned with broader affordability patterns.

What This Means for Buyers

• You have time and choice, especially compared to recent years.

• Well-priced homes still move quickly, particularly in the Core, Sidney, and Saanich East.

• If you're planning to buy in early 2026, now is a great moment to start conversations and get pre-approved before the January uptick.

What This Means for Sellers

• Presentation and pricing matter more than ever in a patient market.

• Buyers are thoughtful and selective — staging, photography, and market positioning are essential.

• A complimentary home evaluation can help you understand where your home sits in today’s balanced conditions.

I Can Help You Navigate This Market

Whether you’re planning to buy or sell in 2026, I’d love to walk you through what this market means for your specific plans.

➡️ Reach out anytime for a personalized market review or home evaluation 250-415-5656.

Jacqueline Ross
REALTOR® | Coldwell Banker Oceanside Real Estate
(250) 415-5656
jac@yourvanislehome.com
www.YourVanIsleHome.com
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Get the newsletter!

Helping you find home — and community — here in Victoria, BC.