The Seller’s Playbook: Standing Out in a High-Inventory Spring
Two months into 2026, the spring market is beginning to take shape, and it’s not quite the strong rebound many had anticipated.
While February showed a healthy jump in activity compared to January, the broader trend confirms we are operating in a more competitive, inventory-heavy environment. This requires thoughtful strategy from sellers but also opens meaningful opportunities for buyers who are prepared.
📊 February Snapshot – Victoria Real Estate Board Region
• 465 properties sold in February
• ⬇️ 11.9% fewer sales than February 2025
• ⬆️ 37.2% increase over January 2026 (seasonal momentum building)
• 2,903 active listings at month end
• ⬆️ 10.6% more inventory than January
• ⬆️ 10.4% more than last year
The market has shifted back toward balanced conditions, thanks to increased activity, but higher inventory continues to give buyers more choice than we’ve seen in recent years.
🏠 Average Sale Prices – February 2026
Here’s where pricing currently sits:
Average Sale Prices (February):
🏠 Single-Family Homes: $1,377,169
🏘️ Townhomes: $840,875
🏢 Condos: $641,879
While benchmark values from the Board show only minor year-over-year adjustments, the average sale prices above reflect where homes are actually trading in today’s market.
Sector Performance & Trends
🏡 Single-Family Homes
Sales remain 14% lower than last year and roughly 25% below the 10-year average, while inventory has climbed.
Prices have softened slightly year-over-year but remain remarkably stable since the post-pandemic correction. What we’re seeing is a return to pre-pandemic normal conditions — more inventory, more buyer choice, and less urgency.
🏢 Condos
The condo sector continues to feel pressure.
Sales are down approximately 20% year-over-year, and elevated inventory — combined with ongoing new construction, particularly in the Westshore — suggests this segment may take longer to regain strong upward momentum.
That said, condos are presenting some of the best value opportunities for buyers right now.
⭐ Townhomes – The Standout Segment
Townhomes continue to outperform relative to other sectors.
Sales are up compared to last year, and they remain a highly desirable “step-up” option for condo owners seeking more space without jumping to detached pricing.
Even with slight price pullbacks, townhomes remain one of the most competitive and resilient property types heading into spring.
Strategic Opportunities for Sellers
At first glance, higher inventory and softer pricing may feel discouraging. But in reality, this environment can create ideal move-up conditions.
As overall pricing softens, the dollar gap between entry-level homes and premium properties narrows. Sellers may give up a small amount on their sale — but gain a larger advantage on their purchase.
Another key insight:
Many listings are currently priced based on last year’s expectations. These overpriced competitors make a well-priced, strategically marketed home stand out dramatically. Even in today’s market, the best-positioned listings are still attracting strong interest and sometimes multiple offers.
One final tip: once you secure an accepted offer, protect it. With higher inventory available, buyers can easily pivot. Address due diligence concerns head-on to keep transactions together.
Advantage: Buyers
For buyers, this is one of the healthiest markets we’ve seen in years.
✔️ More selection
✔️ Less urgency
✔️ More negotiating room on certain properties
While the best-priced homes still move quickly, buyers now have the ability to evaluate properties more carefully and avoid the pressure-driven decisions of previous years.
This is a market where preparation and guidance matter not speed alone.
🌷 Looking Ahead
February’s activity shows that momentum is building, but inventory will continue to shape the spring market. We are firmly in a balanced environment, where success depends on positioning, pricing, and timing.
Because Greater Victoria is made up of many micro-markets, conditions can vary widely by neighborhood and property type.
If you’d like to discuss how these trends affect your specific plans — whether buying, selling, or moving up — I’m always happy to provide tailored advice.
Full Details
📞 Let’s Talk Strategy
Whether you’re planning a move this year or simply want to understand how today’s market impacts your options, I’m always happy to provide clear, personalized guidance.
📞 250-893-9185
📧 KellyG@ComeSellWithMe.ca
Spring is here and strategy matters more than ever.
— Kelly Grymaloski
