Every January, BC property owners receive their BC Assessment notice, and for many homeowners, it brings questions and sometimes concern. What does this number really mean? Will your property taxes increase? And is this the true value of your home?

If you own a home, condo, or townhouse in Victoria or South Vancouver Island, understanding your BC Assessment in 2026 is an important part of homeownership. Here’s a clear, straightforward breakdown of what it means—and what it doesn’t.

When Are BC Assessment Notices Sent Out?

BC Assessment typically mails assessment notices during the first week of January each year. If you haven’t received yours yet, it should arrive shortly.

You don’t need to wait for the mail to see your value. Homeowners can check their 2026 BC Assessment value online at any time through the BC Assessment website. 

What Is a BC Assessment Value?

Your BC Assessment value is an estimate of your property’s worth as of July 1 of the previous year, based on market conditions at that time. This value is used by municipalities to help calculate property taxes.

BC Assessment relies on a mass appraisal system, meaning values are generated using computer models that assess thousands of properties at once. As a result, they don’t always reflect the individual features or upgrades that can significantly affect a home’s real-world value.

BC Assessment vs. Market Value: Understanding the Difference

One of the most common misconceptions homeowners have is assuming their BC Assessment represents what their home would sell for today.

This is not the case.

Your home’s Market Value is determined by what a buyer is willing to pay in the current market, influenced by factors such as:

• Location and neighbourhood

• Recent renovations or improvements

• Lot size, layout, and condition

• Comparable sales in your area

• Current buyer demand

BC Assessment is a taxation tool, not a pricing tool, and should never be relied on when making selling or buying decisions.

Does a Higher BC Assessment Mean Higher Property Taxes?

Not necessarily.

Property taxes are based on how your assessed value compares to other properties in your municipality, not just whether your value increased.

For example:

• If your assessment increases but other homes increase by a similar amount, your taxes may remain stable.

• If your assessment rises more than comparable properties, you may see a higher tax bill.

This is why it’s important to view your BC Assessment in context, rather than focusing only on year-over-year changes.

Can You Appeal Your BC Assessment in 2026?

Yes. If you believe your BC Assessment does not accurately reflect your property’s value, you have the right to appeal.

Key appeal details:

• Appeal deadline: January 31, 2026

• First step: Contact your local BC Assessment office to discuss your concerns

• Review the appeal process and guidelines online before submitting

If you decide to proceed with an appeal, having relevant comparable sales is essential. A local real estate professional can help identify accurate comparisons to support your case.

Should You Be Concerned About Your BC Assessment?

A BC Assessment is useful for understanding how property taxes are calculated, but it should not drive major real estate decisions.

You may want a current market valuation if you’re:

• Considering selling in 2026 or early 2027

• Refinancing or renewing your mortgage

• Managing an estate or long-term planning

• Reviewing or appealing your assessment

• Simply curious about your home’s true value in today’s market

A market value assessment reflects current buyer behavior, not historical data.

Why Local Expertise Matters

The Victoria real estate market varies significantly by neighbourhood, property type, and price point. Condos, townhouses, and detached homes all perform differently, and these trends continue to evolve in 2026.

Having local insight ensures you’re making informed decisions based on real market activity, not estimates generated by an algorithm.

Need Help Understanding Your Home’s Value?

If you have questions about your 2026 BC Assessment, how it may impact your property taxes, or you’d like an up-to-date market value for your home, I’m always happy to help.

Clear information leads to confident decisions—and you don’t have to navigate it alone.

Proudly serving Victoria and South Vancouver Island homeowners.

Kelly J Grymaloski

As we wrap up 2025, it’s clear that Victoria’s real estate market has continued to evolve in meaningful ways. This past year brought steady conditions, thoughtful buyer activity, and a renewed sense of balance after several years of ups and downs. For homeowners and future buyers alike, understanding where the market is today—and where it’s heading—can help you make confident decisions in 2026.

⚖️ A Year Marked by Balance and Stability

One of the defining themes of 2025 was stability. Inventory levels remained healthier than in previous high-pressure years, giving buyers more breathing room while still supporting strong value for sellers.

Single-family homes continued to draw consistent interest, while condos and townhomes saw a slightly more relaxed pace—great news for buyers seeking options and flexibility. Even with seasonal slowdowns, the overall tone of the year stayed steady and predictable.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Shift in Buyer Priorities

Buyers in 2025 continued prioritizing lifestyle. Walkability, school catchments, outdoor space, and access to amenities played a big role in decision-making.

Downsizers focused on turn-key homes with easy maintenance, while families gravitated toward larger properties close to schools and parks. Neighbourhoods offering convenience—transit access, village-style shopping, and proximity to the waterfront—remained especially attractive.

💵 Price Trends That Reflect Market Confidence

Prices throughout 2025 showed healthy, steady resilience. Single-family homes held their value well with modest upward pressure, while condos offered more flexibility—creating opportunities for first-time buyers and those looking to downsize.

As usual in Victoria, government assessments didn’t always match true market value, reminding both buyers and sellers of the importance of real-time, local expertise when evaluating a property.

🔮 Looking Ahead to 2026: What to Expect

The outlook for 2026 is encouraging. With interest rates expected to stabilize or improve, more buyers may re-enter the market, increasing activity across many property types.

Well-prepared listings—professionally presented, priced accurately, and strategically marketed—will continue to perform strongly. Early 2026 may also offer unique opportunities for buyers before spring demand picks up.

🌟 Your Real Estate Goals Matter Most

Regardless of the market cycle, the best time to make a move is when it aligns with your personal goals, lifestyle changes, and long-term plans.

If you're thinking about buying, selling, downsizing, or simply curious about your home’s value heading into 2026, I’m here to guide you through every step with clarity and confidence.

📞 Kelly Grymaloski
Victoria Realtor | South Vancouver Island
📧 KellyG@ComeSellWithMe.ca
📱 250-893-9185

🖊️ About Kelly Grymaloski

Kelly Grymaloski is a trusted Victoria Realtor with nearly 10 years of experience helping clients sell and buy homes, condos, and townhomes across South Vancouver Island. Known for her friendly, professional approach and data-driven marketing, Kelly helps homeowners achieve exceptional results and move forward with confidence.

I hope you’ve been enjoying the beautiful fall weather and cozy season vibes! 🍂
As we head toward the end of the year, the Victoria real estate market is showing steady balance — with opportunities for both buyers and sellers depending on your timing and goals.

📈 October Market Highlights – Victoria Real Estate Board

• 617 properties sold across Greater Victoria

• That’s 5.7% fewer than October 2024, but 11.4% more than September 2025

• Single-family homes: up 2.9% year-over-year

• Condos: down 15% year-over-year

• Active listings: 3,423, up 8.3% from last year

The market continues to hold steady, and we even saw the strongest October for single-family home sales since 2020. Buyers have more choice than in recent years, while sellers are still finding success with well-presented, well-priced listings.

🏠 What’s Happening in the Market

Single-family homes and townhomes continue to draw the most attention. Demand remains strong, and while prices have softened slightly, motivated sellers who price smartly are the ones seeing results.

Townhomes remain a sweet spot for many buyers, especially newer builds that offer space, function, and good value.

On the condo side, things are a bit quieter — sales are down compared to last year, and properties are taking longer to sell. Rather than flood the market, many condo sellers are simply pausing or holding off for better conditions. That said, buyers looking for a condo will find a wide variety of options and time to make decisions.

💰 Prices at a Glance – Victoria Core

• Single-family homes: $1,276,500 (↓ 1.8% from last year)

• Condos: $551,000 (↑ 0.6% from last year)

🏦 Interest Rates & What’s Next

The Bank of Canada made another rate cut in late October, which could spark more activity as buyers adjust to changing borrowing costs. We’ll likely see a typical seasonal slowdown heading into winter, but with balanced conditions and stable prices, it’s still a great time to plan your next move.

💡 Thinking About Your Next Step?

If you’re considering selling or buying this fall or winter, let’s connect to talk strategy.
Even in a balanced market, timing, pricing, and presentation can make all the difference.

📞 Call/Text: 250-893-9185
📧 Email: KellyG@ComeSellWithMe.ca
🌐 Visit: www.ComeSellWithMe.ca

Thinking about selling but wondering if you should wait until spring? 🍂 You’re not alone. Many homeowners across Victoria and South Vancouver Island assume the spring market is the only time to list — but the truth is, fall can be one of the most strategic times to sell your home.

As a Victoria Realtor with nearly 10 years of experience helping clients sell houses, condos, and townhomes, I’ve seen first-hand how motivated fall buyers and lower competition can work in your favour.

🍁 1. Motivated Buyers Are Still Out There

Even though summer has ended, many serious buyers are still actively searching before the holidays. These are clients who’ve been looking for months, often with pre-approvals ready, and they’re eager to secure a home before the year wraps up.

Fewer listings also mean less competition for your property — making your home stand out more easily.

🏠 2. Homes Show Beautifully in Fall

Victoria’s fall colours and cozy lighting create a naturally welcoming atmosphere. A few simple touches — like seasonal décor, warm-toned lighting, and freshly cleaned landscaping — can make your property feel inviting and “move-in ready.”

If you’re selling a condo or townhome, emphasize indoor comfort: bright spaces, staged seating areas, and pleasant scents can all make an impression.

💡 3. Market Conditions Still Support Strong Sales

The Victoria real estate market continues to show steady activity through fall, particularly in desirable neighbourhoods across Saanich, Langford, and View Royal.

While the pace is calmer than spring, buyers are more decisive and less likely to engage in bidding fatigue. This creates opportunities for sellers who are priced strategically and marketed professionally.

💬 4. You Get My Full Support, Every Step of the Way

From professional photography and video tours to digital marketing and open houses, I ensure each listing receives maximum exposure.

As part of my approach, I tailor a custom selling plan that fits your property type and target market — whether it’s a downtown condo or a family home in Royal Oak. My goal is always to help homeowners sell confidently and achieve their best result, without added stress.

🌟 Ready to Talk Strategy?

If you’re considering selling your home, now’s a great time to explore your options.
I’m happy to provide a complimentary market evaluation and personalized advice on how to prepare for a successful sale — no pressure, just helpful insights.

📞 Kelly Grymaloski
Victoria Realtor | South Vancouver Island
📧 KellyG@ComeSellWithMe.ca
📱 250-893-9185

🖊️ About Kelly Grymaloski

Kelly Grymaloski is a trusted Victoria Realtor with nearly 10 years of experience helping clients sell and buy homes, condos, and townhomes across South Vancouver Island. Known for her friendly, professional approach and data-driven marketing, Kelly helps homeowners achieve exceptional results and move forward with confidence.

If you’re even thinking about selling your home in the next 6–12 months, this post is for you — especially if you’re tired of seeing real estate advice from people more focused on getting likes than getting deals closed.

I’m not a content creator in a suit. I’m a full-time real estate professional who spends the day doing market analysis, showing homes, negotiating offers, and staying ahead of trends — not just filming viral videos. This is what I do, every day. And right now, the market is shifting in ways every homeowner should understand before listing.

Let’s break it down.

1. Timing Still Matters — But Not the Way It Used To

You’ve heard it before: “Spring is the best time to sell.” While seasonality still plays a role, today’s market is driven more by interest rates, inventory pressure, and local buyer demand than the calendar.

In some neighborhoods, we’re seeing high demand and low inventory create mini seller’s markets — even in the fall and winter months. In others, overpricing or poor prep can mean a listing sits. If you’re wondering whether now is a good time to sell, the answer is: It depends where you are, what you’re selling, and how it’s presented. And that’s where a real market-based strategy comes in.

2. Buyers Are Cautious — But Ready to Act

Higher interest rates have made buyers more selective. But motivated buyers are still out there — and they’re looking for value. That doesn’t mean cheap — it means well-prepared, well-marketed homes that show and price smartly.

That’s why you don’t just need a sign in the yard. You need:

• A clear pricing strategy based on local data

• A targeted marketing plan (not just “boosted” social posts)

• And a Realtor who knows how to position your home as a must-see

3. The Algorithm Is Watching — And So Are Buyers

Here’s something most sellers aren’t told: today’s buyer finds your home through AI-driven search, whether on Zillow, Google, or even ChatGPT. The way your listing is written, priced, photographed, and tagged directly impacts whether it shows up in front of the right people.

That’s why every listing I take on gets optimized for how buyers are actually searching today — including AI-powered tools, search engines, and even ChatGPT. (Yes, people are using ChatGPT to find homes — and your listing needs to be ready for that.)

4. Selling Is a Business Decision — Treat It That Way

Your home is likely your biggest asset. So whether you’re selling to upsize, downsize, relocate, or cash out — you deserve advice from someone who’s immersed in the business, not someone focused on building a follower count.

I track market trends daily. I talk to other active agents. I stay current on lending, appraisals, and negotiation tactics. This is how I bring real value to sellers — not just likes and views.

5. Thinking of Selling Soon? Let’s Talk Strategy

If you’re thinking of selling — whether that means “soon” or “sometime next year” — I’d love to help you think it through like a pro.

Let’s look at the real data, the current demand, and what your home could actually do on the market right now. No pressure, no fluff — just straight, professional insight so you can decide if the time is right.

Want to talk strategy or just ask some early questions?
Message me directly — I’ll respond personally, just like I do with every client. 

CONTACT KELLY