By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes

GREATER VICTORIA AND VANCOUVER ISLAND REAL ESTATE
If you are looking for Victoria BC homes under $800,000, wondering whether $600,000 can buy a comfortable first home, or searching for homes under $1 million in Greater Victoria, your options depend on more than your price limit.
The same budget can lead to a smaller central condo, a multi-bedroom townhome in the West Shore, or a detached home with a different commute and maintenance commitment. Location, condition, ownership structure and monthly expenses all influence what represents good value for you.In this guide, I compare real listing examples across Victoria, Saanich, Langford, Colwood and Sooke to help you understand what different budgets can offer, and which trade-offs deserve a closer look.
The goal is to find a home you can comfortably own, in a location that works for your life.Ready to see the options? Browse Greater Victoria homes for sale and use the price, area and property-type filters to focus your search.
Greater Victoria Homes by Budget: A Quick Comparison
The following properties were displayed as for sale on the linked listing pages when reviewed for this October 7, 2026 guide. They illustrate different housing choices rather than typical prices for an entire community. Prices, availability and fee can change; confirm current details before planning a viewing or making an offer.
Listing data is provided under copyright by the Victoria Real Estate Board and Vancouver Island Real Estate Board through the linked property pages. Measurements, fees, ownership details and listing information require verification. These properties are listed by various brokerages; their appearance here does not imply that I am the listing agent.
What Can You Buy for $600,000 in Greater Victoria?
A $600,000 price ceiling is worth exploring if you are buying your first home, downsizing or looking for a manageable residential property. The two examples above show how substantially condo choices can differ within this budget.Victoria condos under $600,000: central living in a smaller footprint
The Balmoral Road condo in Victoria is advertised at $389,000, with one bedroom and 494 square feet. The listing also identifies in-suite laundry and secure underground parking.For a buyer who wants a compact home, those everyday features may matter more than a larger floor plan. Before deciding, consider whether the living area, storage and bedroom accommodate your routine. If you work from home, test where your desk would go and how that affects the rest of the space.
An older building should also be evaluated through its maintenance records and strata documentation. Interior updates and building maintenance are separate considerations.
Saanich condos under $600,000: newer construction and flexible space
At $589,000, the North Dairy Road condo in Saanich East offers a different comparison: a 2020-built home with one bedroom, a den and two bathrooms.A den can be useful for a home office or hobbies, but it should not automatically be treated as a second bedroom.
Decide whether that layout meets your needs before comparing it with two-bedroom properties.
These examples show why affordable homes in Greater Victoria need to be evaluated individually. A lower purchase price may leave more financial room; a higher price may buy features you will use every day.
For a broader location comparison, read my guide to affordable places to buy near Victoria, BC.
What Can You Buy for $800,000 in Greater Victoria?
Buyers searching for Victoria BC homes under $800,000 should decide whether their priority is staying in the city itself or considering the wider region. Victoria is one municipality within Greater Victoria; expanding your search to Langford or Colwood changes the choices you can compare.Langford townhomes under $800,000
The three-bedroom townhome at 119–937 Skogstad Way is advertised at $689,900, with three bathrooms and 1,277 square feet. Its listing reports a monthly maintenance fee of $501.That fee belongs in your budget from the start. At the listed amount, it represents $6,012 a year, separate from your mortgage, property taxes and other costs. What it includes must be checked against the strata documents.
For buyers wanting separate bedrooms and a more house-like layout, a townhome can be a useful alternative to a condo. Check the stairs, bedroom arrangement, outdoor space and parking as carefully as the asking price.
Detached homes under $800,000: an example in Happy Valley
The single-family home at 3363 Turnstone Drive is advertised at $799,900, with three bedrooms, three bathrooms and 1,585 square feet.It demonstrates why buyers should check current listings before assuming detached living is outside their budget. It does not establish that all Langford detached homes fall within this price range, or that a detached home is automatically the better purchase.
Compare its location, lot, layout, condition and ownership details with the townhomes you are considering. Detached describes the physical building; title and any shared obligations should still be confirmed.
Explore Langford homes for sale to compare current options, then review my guide to buying a house in Victoria, BC for the steps from planning to possession.
What Can You Buy for $1 Million in Greater Victoria?
A budget approaching $1 million creates additional comparisons, but the advertised price is only part of the purchase decision. New construction taxes, closing expenses and ongoing ownership costs can change what fits within your limit.Colwood townhomes under $1 million: check whether GST is extra
The Royal Bay townhome at 42–3657 Quarry Street is advertised at $949,900 plus GST. Its listing identifies three bedrooms, three bathrooms, 2,026 square feet and an attached two-car garage.For a buyer looking for a larger new townhome, it offers a useful example. However, an asking price below $1 million is not the same as an all-in purchase cost below $1 million.
Confirm the tax treatment, any applicable rebate eligibility and closing costs with the appropriate professionals. Also confirm what appliances, upgrades and other items are included. The listing notes that photographs show a similar show home, so verify the finishes and layout of the actual property.
Browse Colwood homes for sale to compare new construction with resale condos, townhomes and houses.
Sooke-area homes under $1 million: space, land and a different routine
The East Sooke home at 6791 East Sooke Road is advertised at $990,000, with four bedrooms, three bathrooms and a 1.89-acre lot.This is a very different purchase from a Colwood townhome. If outdoor space and privacy matter to you, it may be a comparison worth exploring. Acreage also brings questions about access, landscaping, drainage, services and maintenance.
East Sooke should be assessed as its own location, rather than treated as interchangeable with central Sooke. Test the drive to your workplace and regular destinations at the times you actually travel. The listing also shows a $10 maintenance fee; investigate what that covers and the associated ownership arrangements.The best location is the one that works with both your finances and your weekly routine. Start with the features you need, then compare actual properties rather than broad assumptions about a community.

Victoria, Saanich, Langford, Colwood or Sooke: Where Should You Buy?
The best location is the one that works with both your finances and your weekly routine. Start with the features you need, then compare actual properties rather than broad assumptions about a community.

My Greater Victoria neighbourhood guide for home buyers can help you build a shortlist before scheduling viewings.
Compare Strata Fees, Condition and Monthly Ownership Costs
Two properties at the same price can place very different demands on your monthly budget.For a condo or strata townhome, examine fees alongside the operating budget, contingency reserve fund, depreciation report, meeting minutes, insurance and information about special levies. The Province of British Columbia’s guide to budgeting and strata fees explains that fees contribute to both operating expenses and the contingency reserve fund.
A low fee alone does not demonstrate better value. Understand what is included and how future maintenance is being planned. My Victoria condo and townhouse buyer guide introduces the documents and questions to review.
For a house, budget for the systems and exterior areas you will be responsible for maintaining. An attractive asking price deserves closer examination if repairs will consume the cash you need after moving in.
Build your comparison around:
- Mortgage payments and property taxes.
- Insurance, utilities and applicable strata fees.
- Expected repairs and maintenance.
- Closing and moving costs.
- Transportation costs and travel time.
- Savings available for unexpected expenses.
Does a Buyer’s Market Make These Homes Better Value?
The Victoria Real Estate Board’s September 2026 report described the regional market as entering buyer’s market territory, while cautioning that one month does not establish a longer-term trend.That is a reason to investigate your options carefully. It does not mean every seller will negotiate or every listing is discounted. Before making an offer, compare recent sales, active alternatives, the property’s condition and the competition for it.
Read my guide to whether now is a good time to buy in Victoria, BC for a closer look at market timing and purchase strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Affordable Homes in Greater Victoria
Can I buy a home in Greater Victoria for less than $600,000?
The condo examples in this guide were advertised below $600,000 when reviewed. Your suitable options depend on the bedrooms, location, condition and ownership costs you need. Check current availability before planning around a specific property.Are there detached homes under $800,000 near Victoria?
The Langford example in this guide was advertised at $799,900. Listings change, so treat it as a starting point for a current search rather than a promise of ongoing availability.Can I buy a home under $1 million in Victoria, BC?
If you mean Greater Victoria, this guide includes townhome and single-family examples advertised below $1 million. If you mean the City of Victoria specifically, narrow the search to that municipality. Confirm additional taxes and closing costs before setting your final price limit.Is a condo or townhome cheaper to own than a detached house?
Compare the actual homes. Strata fees fund shared expenses, while a house may require you to budget directly for more maintenance. Purchase price alone cannot answer which option is more affordable.How can I receive listings that match my budget?
Contact me with your price range, preferred areas and must-have features. I can help you create a focused residential search and compare suitable options.Find Homes in Your Price Range With Janine Thomson
Your budget is the starting point. The next step is identifying homes that fit the way you want to live and understanding what they will cost to own.I help residential buyers across Victoria, Saanich, Langford, Colwood, Sooke and the wider Greater Victoria area compare properties, assess pricing and prepare a thoughtful purchase plan.
Whether you are looking below $600,000, searching for homes under $800,000 or exploring what $1 million can buy, we can narrow the options around your needs.View homes in your price range or request a personalized list.
Browse Greater Victoria residential listings, or contact Janine Thomson for a personalized home search.