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July 2026

Is Victoria a Buyers Market in 2026? 

Posted on Jul 30, 2026 in Buyers Info & Facts



By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate 

If you have been waiting for a Victoria, BC buyer’s market in 2026, the answer is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.Greater Victoria has substantially more homes for sale than buyers saw during the intense, low-inventory years. Many purchasers now have more ti...

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How to Buy a House in Victoria BC

Posted on Jul 30, 2026 in Buyers Info & Facts


By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate

Buying a house in Victoria is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel complicated. Buyers need to understand financing, neighbourhoods, property types, market conditions, contracts, inspections, title, insurance, closing costs and British Columbia’s r...

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Best Neighbourhoods in Victoria, BC for Home Buyers: A 2026 Local Guide 

Posted on Jul 29, 2026 in Exploring Victoria


By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate


Choosing where to live in Victoria, BC is about far more than finding a home that fits your budget. Each community has its own housing styles, commute patterns, schools, shopping areas, outdoor spaces and day-to-day atmosphere. A neighbourhood that feels...

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Affordable Places to Buy Near Victoria, BC

Posted on Jul 29, 2026 in Buyers Info & Facts

By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes

Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate



Are there still affordable homes near Victoria, BC?

For many first-time buyers, families, downsizers and people relocating to Vancouver Island, the price of Greater Victoria real estate can make home ownership feel out of reach. Detached houses in Oak Bay...

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Victoria’s Best Places for an Outdoor Picnic 

Posted on Jul 28, 2026 in Exploring Victoria


By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate



Waterfront parks, beaches, gardens and scenic viewpoints to enjoy with friends and family
There is something wonderfully simple about an outdoor picnic. It does not require an elaborate reservation, a formal itinerary or an entire weekend away. Sometimes a...

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Make the Most of August: Markets, Music and Classic Cars Around Greater Victoria 

Posted on Jul 28, 2026 in Exploring Victoria



By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate


Late-summer markets, outdoor concerts, local food, artisan finds and one of the West Shore’s favourite car shows.

August has a special feeling in Greater Victoria. The days are still warm, the evenings remain light, gardens and farm stands are overflowing...

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Best Neighbourhoods in Victoria BC: 2026 Buyer Guide

Posted on Jul 25, 2026 in Neighborhoods of Greater Victoria


By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate



One of the first questions buyers ask me is, “What is the best neighbourhood in Victoria?

”The honest answer is that there is no single best neighbourhood. There is only the neighbourhood that best fits your lifestyle, budget, preferred type of home and d...

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Best Time to Sell a House in Victoria BC: 2026 Guide 

Posted on Jul 25, 2026


By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate



Homeowners frequently ask me, “When is the best time to sell a house in Victoria?”

Spring is traditionally considered the most active selling season, with early fall providing a second opportunity. However, choosing the right time to sell involves much mor...

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How to Create Clean Garden Bed Edges & 8 Different Border Styles in Victoria BC 

Posted on Jul 15, 2026 in Gardens & Outdoors


By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate

A well-defined garden edge can transform an ordinary yard into a polished, intentional landscape. Clean borders separate flower beds from lawns, reduce grass encroachment and create a finished frame around plants, pathways and outdoor living areas.

Garden...

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The Best Scenic Drives Around Vancouver Island 

Posted on Jul 15, 2026 in Exploring Vancouver Island



By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate


Beautiful Scenic Drives on Vancouver Island
Vancouver Island is made for road trips. Its highways and quieter country roads pass through old-growth forests, coastal communities, mountain valleys, agricultural land and stretches of shoreline that feel wonderfully removed from city life. One drive ma...

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Why Isn’t My House Selling in Victoria BC? 10 Common Reasons Homes Sit on the Market

Posted on Jul 01, 2026 in Sellers Info & Facts


By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate




Selling a home in Victoria can feel frustrating when the market appears active, buyers are still viewing properties, and other homes seem to be selling — but yours is sitting.

The truth is, a home that does not sell is not always a “bad” home. Often, it is...

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Is Now a Good Time to Buy in Victoria BC? 

Posted on Jul 01, 2026 in Buyers Info & Facts


By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® | Pemberton Holmes
Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate



Buying a home in Victoria BC is one of those decisions that is both financial and deeply personal. For some buyers, the right time to buy is when prices soften, inventory increases, or sellers become more open to negotiation. For others, the right time is...

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