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.

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

Posted on Apr 01, 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...

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

Posted on Apr 01, 2025 in Buyers Info & Facts

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 competition is fierce, and homes can sell quickly—often above ask...

8 Best and Smart Negotiation Tips for Buyers

Posted on Aug 20, 2024 in Buyers Info & Facts

Here are eight of the best and smartest negotiation tips for buyers to get a better deal when buying a home in Canada:

1. Get Pre-Approved for a Mortgage

Why it’s smart: Having a pre-approval shows sellers that you’re a serious buyer with the financial means to close the deal. This can give you leverage in negotiations, especially if the seller is mo...

Essential Things to Look Out For When Viewing a Property

Posted on Jul 27, 2024 in Buyers Info & Facts

Viewing a property in Victoria, BC is a crucial step in the home-buying process. It allows you to assess the condition, value, and suitability of the property for your needs. However, it’s easy to get caught up in the excitement and overlook important details. Here are some essential things to look out for when viewing a property to ensure you make...

The Pros & Cons to Purchasing a Home with your Parents or Siblings

Posted on May 21, 2024 in Buyers Info & Facts

Buying a home is a significant milestone, and for many, it can be a daunting financial challenge. One strategy to ease this burden is purchasing a property with parents or siblings. While this approach has its advantages, it also comes with potential drawbacks. Here, we explore the pros and cons to help you make an informed decision.

Pros of Purchas...

Property Transfer Tax in BC Home Purchases

Posted on Apr 19, 2024 in Buyers Info & Facts

The Property Transfer Tax (PTT) in British Columbia is a tax levied by the provincial government on real estate transactions. It is payable when a property changes hands, and the responsibility to pay this tax rests on the buyer. Here's an overview of how the PTT is structured and calculated:

Rates of Property Transfer Tax:

General Rate Structure:
- 1...

Newly Built Home Exemptions

Posted on Apr 19, 2024 in Buyers Info & Facts

In British Columbia, the Newly Built Home Exemption (NBHE) is part of the property transfer tax legislation, designed to make buying a new home more affordable. Here’s an overview of how this exemption works and its key benefits:

Key Features of the Newly Built Home Exemption

Eligibility:
- The exemption is available to anyone (not just first-time homeb...

What you Shouldn't Do when Buying a Home

Posted on Apr 15, 2024 in Buyers Info & Facts

When buying a home in British Columbia, there are certain actions and decisions that buyers should avoid to ensure a smooth and successful transaction. Here are some important "don'ts" for homebuyers:

Don't Skip Pre-Approval: Avoid skipping the pre-approval process for a mortgage. Getting pre-approved helps you understand your budget, demonstrates y...

BC Home Buyer Rescission Period

Posted on Apr 15, 2024 in Buyers Info & Facts

The BC home buyer rescission period, often referred to as the "cooling-off period," is a statutory right under British Columbia law that allows home buyers to withdraw from a real estate purchase agreement within a certain timeframe after signing the contract without legal consequences. This period is specifically designed to give buyers time to re...

A Buyer's Costs in a Real Estate Transaction

Posted on Apr 15, 2024 in Buyers Info & Facts

When buying real estate, there are various costs that buyers typically incur throughout the process. These costs can vary depending on factors such as the property's purchase price, location, financing options, and legal requirements. Here are some common real estate buyer costs to consider:

Down Payment: The down payment is a lump sum payment made...

FAQ on BC's Home Buyer Rescission Period

Posted on Apr 15, 2024 in Buyers Info & Facts

These 10 common Frequently Asked Questions, on the Home Buyer Rescission Period in British Columbia is a helpful way to clarify common questions and provide valuable insights for prospective home buyers. Here’s a detailed FAQ to guide you through understanding this important consumer protection mechanism:

1. What is the Home Buyer Rescission Period...

How to Save for a Down Payment on a House

Posted on Apr 12, 2024 in Buyers Info & Facts

How to save for a down payment on a home

Saving for a down payment on a home is a significant financial goal that requires careful planning and disciplined saving. Here are some practical strategies to help you save effectively for your home down payment:

Set a Clear Goal
: Start by determining how much you need for a down payment, which can vary based on the price of the home and the mortg...

8 Mistakes to Avoid When Buying a Home

Posted on Feb 28, 2021 in Buyers Info & Facts

By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® · ABR® · SRS®
Pemberton Holmes · Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate
Updated: August 8, 2026

Buying a home is exciting, but it is also one of the largest financial and legal commitments most people will ever make. The decisions made before an offer, and during the short period between acceptance and subject re...

11 Buyer's Tips for Success in a Seller's Market

Posted on Feb 07, 2021 in Buyers Info & Facts

By Janine Thomson, REALTOR® · ABR® · SRS®
Pemberton Holmes · Greater Victoria and Vancouver Island Real Estate

Updated: Saturday, August 8 2026

Buying a home in a seller’s market can feel fast, emotional and highly competitive. Well-priced properties may attract strong interest soon after they are listed, and buyers can find themselves competing on pr...

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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.