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Spring Real Estate on Vancouver Island: What Buyers and Sellers Should Expect This Season

Spring is traditionally when the real estate market across Victoria, British Columbia and the West Shore wakes up and 2026 is shaping up to follow that pattern.

Over the past few weeks, I’ve been seeing a noticeable shift: more listings are coming online, open house traffic is picking up, and buyers who were sitting on the sidelines over the winter are starting to move with more confidence.

But this isn’t the same market we saw a few years ago. Today’s environment is more balanced, which creates opportunities for both buyers and sellers – if you approach it strategically.

Inventory Is Rising (Which Is Healthy)

Areas like Sooke, British Columbia, Langford, British Columbia, and Cordova Bay, British Columbia are seeing a steady increase in available homes compared to earlier in the year.

For buyers, that means:

  • More selection
  • Less pressure to make rushed decisions
  • Greater ability to compare properties

For sellers, it means something equally important: pricing correctly from the start matters more than ever. Homes that launch at the right price are still selling quickly, while overpriced listings tend to sit and require reductions.

Serious Buyers Are Still Active

Despite higher borrowing costs compared to the ultra-low rate years, demand in the Victoria region remains strong. This area continues to attract:

  • Professionals relocating from larger Canadian cities
  • Families seeking lifestyle and excellent schools
  • Buyers drawn to the outdoor access and coastal quality of life

Well-presented homes in desirable neighbourhoods are still seeing strong interest, and in some cases multiple offers, especially when the property is priced strategically.

Lifestyle Continues to Drive Demand

One of the biggest factors supporting our market is lifestyle. Whether it’s oceanfront walks, hiking trails, golf courses, or a short commute into downtown Victoria, the balance of nature and city convenience keeps drawing people here.

Neighbourhoods that offer walkability, proximity to schools, and access to the water remain especially desirable.

My Advice for Spring 2026

If you’re thinking about selling, the next 60–90 days are typically the strongest window of the year. Preparing your home properly and launching with a thoughtful pricing strategy can make a significant difference in both timing and final sale price.

If you’re buying, the increased inventory this spring will give you more options than we’ve seen in the past couple of years but the best homes will still move quickly.

The key right now is having a clear strategy before entering the market.

If you’re curious about what your home might be worth in today’s market, or you’re starting to explore buying this year, I’m always happy to have a conversation. Send me a text or email and we can set up a time to meet for a coffee – kirsten@martenhomes.ca

February in Greater Victoria: Homes, Neighbourhoods & What to Tackle Before Spring

February is one of those quiet, underrated months in Greater Victoria. The days are slowly getting longer, early spring bulbs are starting to poke through, and for homeowners, it’s the perfect time to get ahead before the busy spring season hits.

Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling, or just maintaining your home, here’s what’s happening locally this month – and what’s worth paying attention to.

What’s Happening Around Town

Family Day Weekend (Feb 15–17)
Across Victoria, Langford, and the Cowichan Valley, Family Day brings free and low-cost activities:

  • Local rec centres are offering open swims and skating
  • Libraries are hosting kids’ activities and workshops
  • Many neighbourhoods host small community events

Winter Markets & Local Shops
February is a great time to support local:

  • Winter farmers markets continue across the region
  • New cafés and small retailers tend to open quietly this time of year, which is perfect for discovering hidden gems before they get busy

Neighbourhood Snapshot

Langford
Still a favourite for young families thanks to walkable schools, playgrounds, and access to Langford Lake. Homes with larger lots and RV parking continue to attract strong interest, especially as buyers plan for spring.

Duncan & Cowichan Valley
Buyers are increasingly drawn to cul-de-sacs and family-oriented streets close to schools. Larger lots and homes with renovation potential are especially popular right now.

Victoria Core
Inventory remains tighter closer to downtown, but well-maintained family homes and townhomes continue to move steadily, even in the winter months.

Homeownership Tips for February

✔ Service your heat pumps or furnace
Before spring arrives, make sure filters are clean and systems are running efficiently.

✔ Check drainage and downspouts
With winter rain still coming, this is the month where drainage issues show up. Catching them now can save thousands later.

✔ Start decluttering early
If selling is even a “maybe” this year, starting now makes spring listing prep far less stressful.

✔ Book spring maintenance in advance
Painters, landscapers, and contractors fill up fast! February is the sweet spot to get on schedules.

Thinking About a Move This Year?

Spring markets don’t start in March – they start with planning in February. Whether you’re curious about your home’s value, neighbourhood trends, or what buyers are currently looking for, this is the ideal time to talk strategy.

If you have questions or just want to stay ahead of the market, I’m always happy to chat.

January 2026 Victoria Real Estate Market Update

Local Lifestyle, Neighbourhood Insights & What to Expect This Year

January in Victoria always brings a sense of clarity. The holiday rush is behind us, routines are settling in, and many homeowners and buyers are quietly planning their next move. While winter is traditionally a slower season, January is one of the most important months for setting the tone for the year ahead in Victoria real estate.

Here’s a look at what’s happening right now in the market, around our city, and in the neighbourhoods people are paying attention to.

Victoria Real Estate Market: A Thoughtful Start to the Year

The Victoria BC real estate market tends to ease into the new year rather than surge, and that’s exactly what we’re seeing. Buyers are active, but intentional. Sellers are watching closely and preparing rather than rushing.

Key themes I’m seeing this January:

  • Buyers are more selective and value-driven
  • Well-priced, well-presented homes still attract strong interest
  • Lifestyle and neighbourhood fit matter more than ever

For sellers, January is often about planning, deciding whether to list in late winter or early spring and using this quieter period to prepare properly. For buyers, it’s an excellent time to understand neighbourhood options without the pressure of peak-season competition.

Neighbourhoods to Watch This Month

Fairfield & James Bay

These neighbourhoods continue to appeal to buyers looking for walkability, character homes, and proximity to downtown and the ocean. January interest here is typically driven by long-term planners and people who know where they want to live but are just waiting for the right property.

Oak Bay

Oak Bay remains highly lifestyle-driven, with steady interest from downsizers and families prioritizing schools, walkability, and community feel. Inventory tends to be limited, so preparation is key for both buyers and sellers.

Langford & Westshore

The Westshore continues to attract families and first-time buyers looking for newer housing, space, and value. January is often when buyers begin seriously planning spring purchases in this area.

What This Means If You’re Buying

January is an excellent time to:

  • Narrow down preferred neighbourhoods
  • Get clear on budget and lifestyle priorities
  • Watch how homes are priced and how long they take to sell

Buyers who prepare now are far more confident (and competitive!) when the spring market picks up.

What This Means If You’re Selling

If 2026 is your selling year, January is about strategy:

  • Understanding your home’s current market position
  • Deciding when to list based on your goals
  • Preparing the property so you’re not rushed later

Homes that feel thoughtfully prepared almost always outperform those that feel last-minute.

What’s New Around Victoria: Restaurants & Local Shops

Victoria’s food and small business scene never truly slows down – even in winter!

This January, locals are buzzing about:

  • New café and casual dining openings downtown, particularly along lower Johnson and Fort Street, adding fresh energy during the quieter season
  • Continued expansion of local bakeries and specialty coffee spots, which remain a major draw for buyers prioritizing walkable neighbourhoods
  • Small, locally owned retail shops opening or expanding in Fernwood and Oak Bay Village, reinforcing the community-first feel these areas are known for

These kinds of neighbourhood amenities play a bigger role in real estate decisions than many people realize, especially for buyers relocating to Victoria.

Upcoming Winter Events & Festivals

Even in January, Victoria offers plenty to enjoy:

  • Chinatown Lunar New Year celebrations (late January / early February)
  • Winter farmers markets and pop-up artisan events
  • Live music, theatre, and gallery exhibitions across downtown and Fernwood

For many buyers considering a move here, seeing year-round community activity reinforces why Victoria remains such a desirable place to live.

January Homeownership Tips: Smart Seasonal Maintenance

This is a great month to stay ahead of home maintenance – especially if you’re thinking of selling later this year.

A few January reminders:

  • Irrigation systems: If you haven’t already, ensure systems are fully winterized to prevent freeze damage
  • Declutter early: Starting now makes spring preparation far less stressful
  • Small repairs matter: Loose railings, sticky doors, and minor cosmetic issues are easy to overlook but noticeable to buyers
  • Condo owners: Review strata documents early if selling this year as delays often happen when this is left too late

Taking care of these details now gives you options later.

Final Thoughts

Victoria’s real estate market continues to be shaped by lifestyle, community, and long-term livability, and that doesn’t change with the seasons. January offers breathing room, clarity, and opportunity for both buyers and sellers who want to move thoughtfully.

If you’re considering a move this year, having a plan and expert local insight makes all the difference.

BC Assessments Vs. What Your Home is Truly Worth

By Dustan Woodhouse

BC Assessment notices have arrived in the mail, giving some homeowners a big smile and a bit more spring in their step (increased property taxes aside), while others wilt and lament at a modest gain or decrease in assessed value. For a full understanding of the 2020 BC Assessment Report results, read this.

But hold on a sec. Neither this assessment document, nor either parties’ emotions, are tied to a current true market value. In fact, provincial property assessments can be significantly too high or too low. Values are determined in July of the previous year, and properties are rarely visited in person by provincial appraisers.

For this reason, provincial property assessments should never be solely relied upon as any sort of relevant indicator of true market value for the purposes of purchase, sale or financing.

Think of the assessed value instead as something akin to a weather forecast, spanning far larger and more diverse areas than the unique ecosystem that is your neighbourhood, your specific street, or your specific property. A weather forecast made the previous July, not the previous week. As this is when assessed values are locked in, a full six months prior to the notices being mailed out.

The BC Assessment Authority does offer some useful tools for a high-level view of the market. Go to http://evaluebc.bcassessment.ca/ and start typing an address. You’ll get a drop-down window where you can click on the address you want.

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