Buyer Resources - Greater Victoria

Buying Across Greater Victoria, Gulf Islands & Southern Vancouver Island?

Guides, tools and local insight with topics to help you buy with more clarity, confidence and preparation.

Beyond real estate, you'll also discover articles that showcase the best of Vancouver Island living, including local attractions, parks, community highlights, seasonal activities, and things to do throughout Greater Victoria and the surrounding regions.

This growing library is regularly updated with new content, ensuring you have access to current information and practical resources whenever you need them.Be sure to scroll to the bottom of the page to explore the various resource categories and topics available. Consider this your one-stop knowledge centre for real estate, homeownership, and life on Vancouver Island.

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...

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...

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...

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...

Spring Home Buying in Victoria: What Buyers Need to Know Before Making a Move

Posted on Mar 22, 2026 in Buyers Info & Facts

Spring Home Buying in Victoria, BC: What Buyers Need to Know Before Making a Move

Spring is one of the most exciting and active times to enter the Victoria, BC real estate market. For many buyers, it represents fresh opportunity, new inventory, and the chance to finally find the perfect home. However, while the season brings more homes for sale in V...

10 Smart Things Buyers Can Do Before Purchasing a Home to Make the Move-In Smooth and Stress-Free

Posted on Oct 27, 2025 in Buyers Info & Facts

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Buying a home is one of the most exciting milestones in life — but it can also feel overwhelming if you’re not prepared. Between financing, inspections, and moving day logistics, there’s a lot to manage. The good news? With a little planning ahead, you can make your home purchase (and move-in...

Backup Offers in B.C. Real Estate: What You Need to Know

Posted on Aug 13, 2025 in Buyers Info & Facts

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

In British Columbia’s competitive housing market, buyers sometimes miss out on being the first accepted offer. However, that doesn’t always mean the door is closed—this is where backup offers come into play. A backup offer can position you as the next in line if the primary deal falls through...

10 Things to Avoid When Buying a Home in Victoria, BC

Posted on Jul 08, 2025 in Buyers Info & Facts

Buying a home is one of the most important (and expensive) decisions you'll ever make—especially in a competitive and unique market like Victoria, British Columbia. Whether you're a first-time buyer or relocating from another part of Canada, it’s easy to make costly mistakes without proper guidance.To help you make smarter decisions, here are 10 th...

Hidden Costs of Buying a Home: What You Need to Budget For in Victoria

Posted on Apr 05, 2025 in Buyers Info & Facts

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Buying a home is an exciting milestone, but it's important to understand that the purchase price isn’t the only financial factor to consider. As a potential homeowner in Victoria, BC, you should be aware of several hidden costs that can add up quickly. These costs, if not planned for, can put a...

Understanding BC Property Taxes and Fees: What Homebuyers Should Expect to Pay

Posted on Apr 05, 2025 in Buyers Info & Facts

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Buying a home in British Columbia is an exciting journey, but it's important to be fully aware of all the costs that come with homeownership. One of the significant ongoing expenses is property taxes and related fees. Understanding these costs can help you budget properly and avoid any surprise...

Buying in a Seller’s Market: How to Stay Competitive

Posted on Apr 05, 2025 in Buyers Info & Facts

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

If you're thinking about buying a home in Victoria, BC, you may have noticed that the market is more competitive than ever. In a seller’s market, there are more buyers than available homes, which can make it challenging to find your dream home. With high demand and low inventory, the competitio...

New vs. Resale Homes: What’s the Best Option for You?

Posted on Apr 01, 2025 in Buyers Info & Facts

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

When it comes to buying a home in Greater Victoria, one of the biggest decisions you’ll face is whether to purchase a new build or an older, resale property. Both options offer unique advantages and challenges, and your choice will depend on factors like your lifestyle, budget, and long-term go...

Location, Location, Location: How to Choose the Right Neighborhood

Posted on Apr 01, 2025 in Buyers Info & Facts

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

When it comes to real estate, the phrase "location, location, location" is more than just a catchy slogan—it’s the foundation of every successful home purchase. In Greater Victoria, where the market is competitive and diverse, choosing the right neighborhood is just as important as finding the...

The Home Inspection Checklist: What to Look For Before Buying

Posted on Apr 01, 2025 in Buyers Info & Facts

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Buying a home is one of the most significant financial decisions you’ll ever make. In the Greater Victoria area, where homes are highly sought after and often sell quickly, it’s crucial to ensure the property you're considering is free of major issues that could lead to costly repairs down the...

Winning the Bid: How to Stand Out in a Competitive Market

Posted on Apr 01, 2025 in Buyers Info & Facts

By Janine Thomson - Victoria Realtor | Pemberton Holmes

Victoria, BC, is a vibrant, picturesque city that has become increasingly sought-after by homebuyers, both locally and from across Canada. The demand for real estate in the area has soared in recent years, making the market incredibly competitive. If you’re trying to buy a home in Victoria, you...

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Janine Thomson — Victoria, BC

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Disclaimer

This page is for general educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, mortgage, or professional advice. Real estate legislation, lending criteria, program details, rates, contract terms, and market conditions referenced here vary by individual circumstance and can change over time. All buyers and sellers should consult their REALTOR®, a licensed mortgage professional or lender, and a qualified BC lawyer or notary regarding their specific situation before making any decisions or entering into any contract of purchase and sale.