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First Time Home Buyers

How Much Money Do You Need to Buy Your First Home in Victoria?

Posted on Oct 22, 2026 in First Time Home Buyers



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

Buying your first home in Victoria starts with a question that deserves a clear answer: How much money do you actually need saved?For a $500,000 home, the minimum down payment can be $25,000. For a $650,000 home, it can be $40,000. But your down payment is...

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Grants, Incentives & Hidden Programs for First-Time Buyers in British Columbia (2026)

Posted on Sep 27, 2026 in First Time Home Buyers




By Janine Thomson | Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

GREATER VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND REAL ESTATE

September 27, 2026

Buying your first home in Victoria or elsewhere in British Columbia can require a substantial down payment and a careful closing-cost budget. The good news is that several federal and B.C. programs may help you save, use funds you already...

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Can You Still Afford Your First Home in Victoria: (2026 Reality Check)

Posted on Mar 26, 2026 in First Time Home Buyers

 
By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Originally published March 26, 2026 · Updated September 27, 2026

If you’re hoping to buy your first home in Greater Victoria, it’s reasonable to wonder whether homeownership is still within reach. Prices remain high, and the down payment is only one part of the budget. But there are more choices...

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Step-by-Step: How to Buy Your First Home in Victoria (Without Feeling Overwhelmed)

Posted on Mar 26, 2026 in First Time Home Buyers



By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Originally published March 26, 2026 · Updated September 27, 2026

Buying your first home in Greater Victoria can feel like learning a new language while making one of the largest financial decisions of your life. There are mortgage terms to understand, homes to compare, documents to review, and d...

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First-Time Buyer Mistakes That Cost Thousands (And How to Avoid Them) 

Posted on Mar 26, 2026 in First Time Home Buyers




By Janine Thomson - Realtor | Pemberton Holmes 
GREATER VICTORIA & VANCOUVER ISLAND REAL ESTATE

Buying your first home in Victoria, BC, is exciting. It is also a transaction where a missed deadline, an overlooked strata document, or an incomplete budget can have a lasting financial effect.

The most expensive mistakes are not always obvious when you wa...

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Victoria’s Best Neighbourhoods for First-Time Buyers in 2026 

Posted on Mar 26, 2026 in First Time Home Buyers


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes 

If you’re trying to break into the market in Victoria, choosing the right neighbourhood is just as important as choosing the right home.In 2026, first-time buyers are prioritizing three key things:
  • Affordability
  • Lifestyle
  • Commute time
The good news is that there are still excellent entry points in...

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First-Time Home Buyers Guide in BC: Programs, Grants, and Expert Tips for a Smooth Purchase

Posted on Mar 22, 2026 in First Time Home Buyers



By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Buying your first home in British Columbia is an exciting milestone—but it can also feel overwhelming without the right guidance. From understanding government programs to navigating financing and the home buying process, first-time home buyers need clear, reliable information to make confident...

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The Complete Guide to First-Time Home Buyer Benefits in BC 

Posted on Nov 20, 2025 in First Time Home Buyers



By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes
Buying your first home in British Columbia is one of the most exciting — and financially challenging — steps you’ll ever take. Fortunately, BC residents have access to several powerful provincial and federal programs that reduce the cost of buying, help build your down payment faster, and provi...

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First-Time Homebuyer Checklist: Everything You Need to Know 

Posted on Jul 08, 2025 in First Time Home Buyers



By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Buying your first home is a huge milestone—and if you’re doing it in beautiful Victoria, British Columbia, you're in one of Canada’s most desirable and competitive real estate markets. But with high demand and many moving parts, it’s crucial to understand the process clearly.To help you navigat...

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First-Time Buyer? Here’s Where You Can Still Afford to Get Into the Victoria Market in 2025

Posted on Apr 29, 2025 in First Time Home Buyers



By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Spring is here, the cherry blossoms have bloomed, and for many first-time homebuyers in Victoria, 2025 feels like a make-or-break year to finally get into the market. I hear you—home prices are high, inventory is tight, and interest rates are still keeping buyers on their toes. But the good new...

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Your First Home: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Buyers

Posted on Apr 01, 2025 in First Time Home Buyers


By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also feel overwhelming—especially in a competitive real estate market like Greater Victoria. With the right knowledge and guidance, you can navigate the home-buying process with confidence. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you throu...

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Getting on the Property Ladder as a Student in Victoria, BC

Posted on Sep 05, 2024 in First Time Home Buyers




Victoria, BC, is not just a picturesque city with a rich history and vibrant culture—it’s also home to several educational institutions that attract students from all over the country and beyond. For many of these students, the dream of owning property might seem far off, but with the right strategies and a bit of planning, it’s achievable. Here’s...

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10 Things to Consider When Buying Your First Home 

Posted on Jul 23, 2024 in First Time Home Buyers


Buying your first home is an exciting milestone, but it can also be a complex and daunting process, especially in a dynamic market like British Columbia (BC). Here are ten essential considerations to keep in mind to ensure a smooth and successful home-buying experience.

1. Determine Your Budget

Why It Matters:

Understanding your financial limits is cr...

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20 Most Frequently Asked Questions for First Time Home Buyers

Posted on May 01, 2024 in First Time Home Buyers



Here are 20 frequently asked questions by first-time home buyers in British Columbia, along with their answers:

1. What is the first step in buying a home in BC?

Get pre-approved for a mortgage to understand your budget and the loan amount you might receive.

2. Are there any programs for first-time home buyers in BC?

Yes, BC offers the First Time Home...

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First Time Home Buyer's Program

Posted on Apr 19, 2024 in First Time Home Buyers



The First Time Home Buyers' Program in British Columbia provides significant benefits to individuals purchasing their first home, primarily aimed at reducing the financial burden associated with acquiring real estate. Here are the key benefits of the program:
  1. Property Transfer Tax Exemption:
    • Full Exemption: For homes valued at $835,000 or less, but l...

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