Posted on
February 7, 2026
by
Cheryl Barnes
The Westshore real estate market opened 2026 in a familiar seasonal rhythm—slower sales, more listings, and a noticeable shift toward balance. While January activity was down year-over-year across Greater Victoria, the Westshore is showing signs of stability rather than stress, with price resilience and increased choice for buyers.
Here’s how the January numbers from the Victoria Real Estate Board translate locally.
Westshore Sales Activity: Slower, But Expected
Across the Victoria region, sales were down nearly 20% compared to January 2025, and the Westshore followed that broader trend. Single-family homes and condos saw fewer transactions, while townhomes held steady, reflecting continued demand for attainable, family-friendly housing in Langford, Colwood, and Royal Bay.
This slowdown mirrors early-year patterns seen in 2023 and 2024 and does not indicate a weakening market—rather, a return to predictable seasonality after the intense pace of the pandemic years.
Inventory: More Choice Across Westshore Communities
One of the most important shifts for Westshore buyers is inventory growth.
Locally, this means:
More detached homes available in Langford, Bear Mountain, and Sooke
Increased condo and townhome selection in Colwood and Royal Bay
Less pressure to “rush” into a decision for buyers
For sellers, this also means pricing and presentation are more important than they’ve been in recent years.
Market Balance: On the Buyer-Friendly Side of Neutral
The Sales-to-Active Listings Ratio places the overall market right on the edge between balanced and buyer-leaning conditions.
In practical Westshore terms:
Buyers have room to negotiate, especially on condos and entry-level homes
Sellers can still achieve strong results, but must be realistic and well-positioned
Properties that are overpriced or poorly presented are taking longer to sell
Micro-markets matter. A well-priced, well-staged home in Royal Bay or Bear Mountain may sell quickly, while similar homes elsewhere may require adjustments.
Pricing in the Westshore: Holding Steady
While region-wide benchmark prices softened slightly year-over-year, pricing remains remarkably stable.
Victoria Core MLS® HPI Benchmarks (context for Westshore trends):
Single-family homes: $1,265,500 (-2.5% year-over-year)
Condominiums: $537,800 (-1.5% year-over-year)
In the Westshore, newer housing stock, strong local employment, and continued population growth have helped cushion prices—particularly for family homes and townhomes.
This is a market adjusting to supply and demand, not a market in decline.
What This Means If You’re Buying or Selling in the Westshore
Buyers
More listings to choose from
Less competition than in past years
Strong opportunities in condos and townhomes
Sellers
Strategic pricing is essential
Staging and marketing make a measurable difference
Local expertise matters more in a balanced market
The Bottom Line
The Westshore market in January 2026 is measured, stable, and opportunity-driven. Inventory is healthier, pricing is steady, and both buyers and sellers can make confident decisions with the right guidance.
Because Westshore neighbourhoods behave differently—from Langford to Sooke—understanding your specific micro-market is key.
Looking for a Westshore Real Estate Expert?
This Westshore market update is brought to you by Cheryl Barnes, a licensed REALTOR® with over 18 years of experience helping buyers and sellers in Langford, Colwood, Royal Bay, Bear Mountain, View Royal, and Sooke.
Cheryl is known locally for her data-driven advice, strategic pricing, and full-service approach to selling homes—combining market expertise, professional staging, and targeted marketing to achieve strong results in changing market conditions.
