Most people wait for spring to buy. That's exactly why winter can be a smart time to do it.
Less competition
Fewer buyers are out looking between November and February. Families are busy with the holidays and the weather keeps casual browsers at home. The people still looking are usually serious, and the sellers still listed usually are too. That combination tends to mean more room to negotiate.
More homes to choose from right now
As of the end of September, there were 3,811 active listings across the Victoria Real Estate Board region, up from 3,694 a year earlier, while sales fell 16 per cent. The Board's chair noted that inventory usually drops into winter, so the selection we have today won't last forever. Buying in late fall or early winter lets you choose from what's on the market now, with less competition than you'd face in spring.
Motivated sellers
A home listed in November or December is often listed for a reason: a job move, a purchase already made elsewhere, or a change in the family. Those sellers often care more about a clean deal and a workable date than squeezing out every last dollar.
Rain is your friend
It sounds odd, but viewing a home in a West Coast winter shows you things a sunny day hides. You'll see how the drainage handles a downpour, whether the basement stays dry, where the moss is building up and how warm the place really is. Pair that with a good home inspection and you'll know what you're buying.
A few tips if you're buying this winter
- Get pre-approved before you start. Serious buyers who can move quickly have the edge.
- Keep your subjects. Inspection, financing and, for condos, a full review of the strata documents. A slower market gives you the time to do it properly.
- Look at homes that have been sitting. A listing that's been on the market for a while often has more flexibility on price or terms.
- Think about possession dates. Winter completions can be easier to arrange, and some sellers will trade a better date for a better price.
The bottom line
You don't have to wait for spring and compete with everyone else. If you're ready, winter can be one of the better times to buy in Victoria.
If you'd like to start looking, or want to talk about what your budget gets you right now, give me a call.
Dan Juricic, REALTOR®
RE/MAX Camosun | 250-514-8261
Source: Victoria Real Estate Board, September 2026 market report.