Your Monthly real estate update
Hello everyone, and welcome to October!
With the leaves changing and Halloween just around the corner, it’s a lovely time to enjoy everything Greater Victoria has to offer this time of year. As we settle into fall, there’s also been a noticeable shift in our local real estate market worth talking about.
The latest Victoria Real Estate Board numbers show that 463 properties sold in September, down 16.4% from the same time last year and 21.7% from August. Meanwhile, active listings rose to 3,811, an increase of 4.1% from the previous month. With sales slowing and more homes available, Greater Victoria has moved into buyer’s market territory for the first time since January 2015, outside of the unusual early months of the pandemic. While it’s too early to know whether this change will last, it does mean buyers may have more choice and room to negotiate than they’ve had in recent years.
In this month’s newsletter, I’m sharing a few ideas for enjoying Halloween around Greater Victoria, along with a closer look at what helps a home hold its value over time. Whether you’re thinking about buying, selling or simply looking after the home you already have, I hope you’ll find something useful.
With the market changing, it’s worth remembering that real estate is never one-size-fits-all. Neighbourhood, property type, condition and pricing can all make a difference, so understanding what’s happening in your own corner of Greater Victoria is a helpful place to start.
If you have questions about the current market, are curious about what your home might be worth, or would simply like to talk through your options, I’m always happy to help. There’s no need to have a plan in place before starting a conversation.
Wishing you a wonderful October filled with crisp autumn walks, cosy evenings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the season. Have a happy and safe Halloween!
Victoria Real Estate Market Update — September 2026
September saw a quieter month for the Victoria real estate market, with 463 properties sold, down 16.4% compared to September 2025 and 21.7% from August. Both single-family homes and condos experienced a drop in sales, with 239 single-family homes sold, down 17.3% year over year, and 137 condos sold, down 11%.
Meanwhile, inventory continued to climb, with 3,811 active listings at the end of September. That’s a 4.1% increase from August and 3.2% more than September last year. With more homes available and sales slowing, the Victoria Real Estate Board has identified a shift into buyer’s market territory, something we haven’t seen since January 2015 outside of the pandemic period.
It’s still too early to know whether this change will last, but it’s worth paying attention to as we head into fall. Buyers may have more room to explore their options, while sellers will want to be thoughtful about pricing and presentation. As always, every property and neighbourhood is different, so understanding the local market is key when deciding what comes next.
Read the full report HERE
Three Spooky Spots to enjoy Halloween in Greater Victoria this year!
Whether you’re after family-friendly fall fun or something a little more chilling, Greater Victoria has plenty of ways to get into the Halloween spirit. Here are three local favourites to add to your October plans!
Ghostly Walks, Downtown Victoria
Discover the city’s darker side with a guided walk through Victoria’s historic streets. With local ghost stories, mysterious happenings and plenty of eerie history, it’s a fun way to spend an autumn evening with friends or family.
Haunted Manor, Downtown Victoria
For something a little different, Haunted Manor puts a spooky twist on mini-golf. It’s a playful way to celebrate the season, whether you’re planning a date night, meeting friends or looking for an indoor activity on a rainy October day.
Halloween on the Boolevard, Uptown
If you’re looking for something the whole family can enjoy, Uptown’s Halloween celebration is worth checking out. With seasonal activities, music and trick-or-treating, it’s a fun way to get into the Halloween spirit without having to plan the whole day yourself.
However you choose to celebrate, I hope you have a fun, safe and spook-tacular Halloween!
FEATURE PROPERTIES
Experience the perfect blend of space and serenity nestled in Sooke’s sought after quiet, family-friendly Broomhill neighborhood. This spacious 4-bed plus den, 3-bath home sits on an impressive 0.3-acre lot, offering the ultimate Vancouver Island lifestyle. The main home features an open-concept living area anchored by a cozy wood stove, a kitchen with maple cabinets and updated appliances, and the peace of mind of a 5-year-old roof and new hot water tank. Step through elegant French doors onto your freshly stained back deck overlooking a private backyard oasis featuring cherry, crab apple, and dogwood trees—a dream canvas for any gardener with full irrigation system. With a 1-bedroom in-law suite on the lower level with separate entry, laundry & lots of storage, this versatile property is ideal for growing families or anyone wanting a mortgage helper. Enjoy the best of Sooke with world-class hiking, beaches, and local amenities just minutes away. Incredible value in today’s market!
Listed at $799,000.
Situated in the sought after Finnerty Cove/Arbutus area, this one level rancher is located on a rare oversized 0.33 acre corner lot. PRICED WELL BELOW ASSESSED, this rancher is a great investment opportunity! The large lot offers potential for a garden suite, custom expansion or future development; a valuable holding property in an area of executive homes near UVic and Cadboro Bay. This 3 bedroom, 1.5 bathroom home has been refreshed with updated flooring (in bedrooms), fresh paint and modern lighting throughout. The bathroom has been completely renovated offering a powder room and full 3 piece bathroom with extra storage and a walk in shower. A gas fireplace brings comfort to the living room while maple cabinets and stainless steel appliances complete the kitchen. The extra den off the dining area is the perfect flex space for separate dining, an office, or playroom. Outside, the massive lot offers 2 driveways, a carport and workshop. Move in ready, while you plan your future here!
Sold for $1,270,000.
Unbeatable value meets resort-style luxury at One Bear Mountain— unit 1110 is the best-priced 2-bedroom, 2-bathroom unit on the market in this premier high-rise! Perched on the 11th floor, this bright, modern condo offers high-end finishes, an open-concept layout, floor-to-ceiling windows, a cozy gas fireplace, & a 315 SqFt private balcony. Enjoy ultimate daily convenience with a dedicated parking space featuring EV charging and a separate secure storage locker for your gear. Experience world-class building amenities, including the famous 15th-floor rooftop pool, a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga studio, the Grenoble Sky Lounge, business center, and concierge service. Bring your pets (no size restriction) and don’t forget about the pet wash station and bike storage with tech bench to keep your gear in top shape. Set right against PGA-caliber golf, hiking, tennis facilities, & biking trails, this property delivers effortless luxury, incredible value, & elevated West Coast living.
Sold for $675,000
October 2026 Events
PumpkinFest at Galey Farms
Runs until November 1st
If you’re after a classic fall outing, PumpkinFest is a lovely way to spend an afternoon with family or friends. There’s a pumpkin patch, corn maze, train ride, wagon ride and plenty of seasonal fun for the kids. It’s a great option for enjoying autumn locally, and you can pick up a pumpkin while you’re there.
Ancient Egypt: Obsessed with Life
Runs Until January 3rd, 2027
If you haven’t visited the Royal BC Museum in a while, this is a great excuse. Explore an exhibition inspired by ancient Egyptian life, beliefs and traditions, with fascinating historical objects and stories to discover. It’s an interesting outing for locals and visitors alike, and a good option for a rainy autumn afternoon.
Find more info HERE!
What makes a home hold its value in Greater Victoria?
When it comes to real estate, it’s easy to focus on the purchase price, the kitchen finishes or the size of the backyard. But over time, a home’s value is influenced by much more than what’s inside its walls.
In Greater Victoria, where every neighbourhood has its own character, there are a few factors that can make a real difference.
Location still matters. Proximity to schools, parks, shops, public transit and everyday amenities can make a home appealing to a wide range of buyers. Walkability and access to outdoor spaces are particularly attractive features for many people looking to put down roots in the region.
A practical layout goes a long way. A beautiful home is lovely, but buyers also want spaces that work for everyday life. Functional kitchens, useful storage, flexible rooms and comfortable living areas can help a property appeal to people at different stages of life.
Maintenance and condition count. A well-maintained home can give buyers greater confidence and reduce concerns about immediate repair costs. This doesn’t mean every home needs a brand-new kitchen or a full renovation. Keeping up with necessary repairs and looking after the fundamentals can be just as important as cosmetic updates.
Outdoor space adds appeal. From a sunny patio to a manageable garden or a balcony with a view, outdoor areas can be a real bonus in Victoria. The key is finding a space that suits the home and the people who might live there.
The surrounding neighbourhood plays a role. Community feel, nearby amenities and the overall character of an area can influence buyer interest. Even within the same municipality, demand and property values can vary considerably from one neighbourhood to another.
Of course, no feature can guarantee that a home’s value will increase. Interest rates, housing supply, buyer demand and broader economic conditions all play a part. Real estate is local, and what buyers value can shift over time.
The takeaway? Looking after your home and making thoughtful improvements can help maintain its appeal, but it’s just as important to understand your property within the context of its neighbourhood and the wider market.
Whether you’re planning to sell soon or simply curious about your home’s long-term value, knowing what makes your property stand out is always a good place to start.