Greater Victoria real estate sales rose 12.6% year over year in August 2026, while healthy inventory and stable prices continued to support a balanced market.

The Greater Victoria real estate market remained active and balanced in August, with sales reaching their highest level for the month in five years. Buyers continued to benefit from a healthy selection of properties, while well-priced and well-presented homes attracted the strongest interest.

According to the Victoria Real Estate Board (VREB), 591 properties sold across the region in August 2026. That was a 12.6% increase from the 525 sales recorded in August 2025. Sales were 12.2% lower than in July 2026, reflecting a quieter pace compared with the previous month, but year-over-year activity showed encouraging momentum.

August 2026 Victoria real estate market at a glance

• 591 total property sales, up 12.6% from August 2025

• 309 single-family home sales, up 15.3% year over year

• 175 condominium sales, up 15.1% year over year

• 63 townhouse sales, down 4.5% year over year

• 3,662 active listings at month-end, up 1.7% from August 2025

• Active inventory was down 4.8% from July 2026

Home prices remain relatively stable

Benchmark prices in the Victoria Core continued to show modest movement rather than any dramatic shift.

The MLS® Home Price Index benchmark value for a single-family home in the Victoria Core was $1,301,800 in August. This was 0.6% lower than the $1,317,200 benchmark recorded in August 2025 and down slightly from $1,311,000 in July 2026.

For condominiums, the Victoria Core benchmark was $553,600, up 0.9% from $548,900 one year earlier and also higher than July's benchmark of $548,600.

The benchmark value for a Victoria Core townhouse was $856,300 in August.

These figures reinforce the overall picture of a stable market. Sales activity has improved from last year, but the available inventory is giving buyers enough choice to remain selective. As a result, pricing and presentation continue to play a major role in how quickly a property sells.

What does this market mean for sellers?

For sellers, the increase in year-over-year sales is positive news. There are active buyers in the market, but they are comparing homes carefully and are less likely to overlook an ambitious asking price or a property that does not show well.

Homes that are priced according to recent neighbourhood sales, current competition and their individual condition are best positioned to attract attention. Preparation also matters: thoughtful staging, professional photography, strong online marketing and easy showing access can make a meaningful difference.

In this type of market, simply listing a home and waiting is not always enough. A clear pricing and marketing strategy from the outset can help create stronger interest and reduce the risk of the listing becoming stale.

What does this market mean for buyers?

Buyers have more breathing room than they would in a highly competitive sellers' market. With 3,662 active listings across the VREB region at the end of August, many buyers have the opportunity to compare properties, review documents carefully and make informed decisions.

That does not mean every property will sit on the market or that buyers can expect a substantial discount. Well-priced homes in desirable locations can still attract quick interest. Buyers should have their financing organized, understand recent comparable sales and be ready to act when the right home becomes available.

A balanced market, but every neighbourhood is different

The broad Greater Victoria statistics provide useful context, but they do not tell the whole story. Conditions can vary significantly by municipality, neighbourhood, price range and property type. A single-family home in Colwood or Langford may experience a different level of demand than a downtown Victoria condominium or an Oak Bay character home.

If you are considering a move, the most useful information is a focused analysis of the homes that are directly competing with yours - or the recent sales most comparable to the property you hope to purchase.

The August figures suggest that Greater Victoria is entering the fall market from a position of stability: sales have strengthened compared with last year, inventory remains healthy and benchmark prices are moving only modestly. For both buyers and sellers, good preparation and a realistic understanding of local market value remain essential.

If you are thinking about buying or selling in Greater Victoria, contact Mark & Dana Berg for a personalized market evaluation or a closer look at current opportunities in your preferred neighbourhood.

Source: Victoria Real Estate Board, Victoria Real Estate Market Report and Statistics Package for August 2026, released September 1, 2026.

One of the most common questions we hear from homeowners and buyers is:

"Should I wait for the market to improve?"

It's a fair question. After all, buying or selling a home is one of the largest financial decisions most people will ever make. Naturally, everyone wants to make their move at the "perfect" time.

The reality is that successfully timing the real estate market is extremely difficult—even for experienced professionals.

The Market Is Always Moving

Real estate markets are influenced by many factors, including:

• Interest rates

• Economic conditions

• Consumer confidence

• Inventory levels

• Government policies

• Local employment trends

These factors can change quickly and often unexpectedly. By the time a trend becomes obvious in the news, the market has usually already begun to adjust.

Focus on Your Goals, Not Headlines

Instead of trying to predict exactly what the market will do next, it's often more productive to focus on your personal circumstances.

Ask yourself:

• Does my current home still meet my needs?

• Am I looking for more space or less maintenance?

• Has my family situation changed?

• Am I relocating for work or retirement?

• Am I financially prepared to make a move?

If the answer is yes, then the timing may already be right for you—regardless of what the headlines are saying.

Buyers Have Opportunities in Every Market

In a slower market, buyers often benefit from:

• More inventory to choose from

• Less competition

• More time to make decisions

• Greater negotiating power

In a competitive market, buyers may see prices rising, but they also gain the advantage of locking in a property before values potentially increase further.

Sellers Can Succeed in Any Market

Homes continue to sell in every type of market.

The key is proper pricing, strong marketing, professional photography, and presenting the property in its best possible light.

A well-prepared home that is priced appropriately will always attract more attention than one that is overpriced or poorly presented.

Think Long-Term

Real estate has historically rewarded people who focus on the long term rather than short-term fluctuations.

Whether you're buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or investing, the most important question isn't whether you've found the absolute bottom or top of the market.

The more important question is:

"Does this move make sense for my family and financial goals?"

Final Thoughts

No one has a crystal ball. Markets rise, fall, and adjust over time.

The homeowners and buyers who are happiest with their decisions are usually those who focus less on predicting the future and more on making informed decisions based on their personal needs and long-term objectives.

If you're wondering whether now is the right time to buy or sell in Victoria, Langford, Colwood, Sidney, or anywhere on the South Island, we'd be happy to discuss your specific situation and help you understand your options.

Every move is unique, and the best strategy is the one that works for you.

The Victoria real estate market is showing signs of a typical spring rebound, with activity picking up compared to February while remaining slightly below last year’s pace.

A total of 579 properties sold in March 2026, representing a 5.5% decrease year-over-year, but a notable 24.5% increase from February—a clear sign that the spring market is gaining momentum.

By property type:

• Single-family homes: 285 sales (down 2.4% year-over-year)

• Condos: 164 sales (down 18.8%)

• Townhomes: 88 sales (up 11.4%)

Inventory is also on the rise, with 3,261 active listings at the end of March—up 12.3% from February and 7.9% compared to last year. This increase in supply is creating more balanced conditions, giving both buyers and sellers the space to make thoughtful, well-informed decisions.

Home prices remain relatively stable:

• Single-family homes benchmark price: $1,330,200 (down 1.1% year-over-year)

• Condos benchmark price: $553,800 (down 0.8% year-over-year)

Overall, the market is transitioning into a more balanced phase. With steady demand and rising inventory, we are entering a window where strategy—not urgency—creates the best results.

Your Next Move, Thoughtfully Executed

In a market like this, results don’t happen by chance—they come from clarity, timing, and the right strategy.

Whether you’re considering selling, exploring opportunities, or simply want a clearer understanding of your position, we’re here to guide you with care and deliver results that align with your goals.

Connect with Mark and Dana for a private consultation.

Your next move deserves a plan built to perform.

Buying a home is one of the biggest financial decisions most people will ever make. The excitement of finding the right property, imagining your life in it, and preparing for a new chapter can sometimes make it tempting to rush through the process. However, one step that should never be skipped or taken lightly is the home inspection.

A professional home inspection provides a deeper look into the true condition of a property—beyond what is visible during a showing. It can reveal hidden issues, protect buyers from costly surprises, and give everyone involved in the transaction greater confidence moving forward.

What a Home Inspection Actually Does

A home inspection is a comprehensive evaluation of the major systems and structural components of a property. A qualified inspector typically examines:

• Roofing and attic spaces

• Foundation and structure

• Plumbing systems

• Electrical systems

• Heating and cooling systems

• Windows, insulation, and ventilation

• Exterior elements such as siding, drainage, and grading

The goal is not to “pass or fail” a home, but rather to provide an objective report about the property’s condition. Even newer homes can have defects or construction oversights that only a trained professional can identify.

For buyers, this information is invaluable. It allows them to make informed decisions, negotiate repairs or pricing, and plan for future maintenance.

The Hidden Value: Peace of Mind

Beyond the technical details, a home inspection provides something equally important—peace of mind.

Most buyers cannot easily identify structural issues, aging systems, or potential safety hazards. An inspection bridges that knowledge gap. Knowing the condition of the home allows buyers to proceed with confidence rather than uncertainty.

Even when issues are discovered, that information empowers buyers to make thoughtful decisions rather than face unpleasant surprises after moving in.

Choosing the Right Home Inspector

Not all home inspectors are the same. Choosing the right professional can make a significant difference in the quality of the inspection and the clarity of the report you receive.

Here are a few key things to look for:

Experience and Credentials

A reputable inspector should have proper training, certification, and a strong track record of inspections. Experience often helps inspectors recognize subtle warning signs that others might miss.

Clear, Detailed Reports

A good inspector provides a thorough report with photos, explanations, and recommendations. The goal is not just to identify issues but to help you understand them.

Willingness to Answer Questions

Great inspectors welcome questions during and after the inspection. They take time to explain findings so buyers fully understand what they are looking at.

Strong Reputation

Reviews, referrals, and recommendations from trusted real estate professionals can help identify inspectors who consistently provide high-quality service.

Why Skipping an Inspection Is Risky

In competitive markets, some buyers consider waiving the inspection to make their offer more attractive. While this strategy can sometimes strengthen an offer, it also introduces significant risk.

Hidden issues such as foundation problems, water damage, faulty wiring, or aging roofs can lead to thousands—or even tens of thousands—of dollars in unexpected repairs.

A home inspection is a relatively small investment compared to the financial protection it provides.

A Smart Step Toward a Confident Purchase

A home inspection is not just another step in the buying process—it is a crucial safeguard that protects buyers and ensures transparency in a real estate transaction.

Taking the time to hire a knowledgeable, reputable inspector allows buyers to understand exactly what they are purchasing and move forward with confidence.

In real estate, information is power. And a professional home inspection provides the kind of information that can make all the difference.