If you’re moving to Victoria, BC in 2026, the simplest plan is: pick your target neighbourhood (Victoria, Oak Bay, Saanich, or the Saanich Peninsula), decide whether you’re buying or renting, budget for closing and setup costs, and then work backward with a 90/60/30-day checklist. In practical terms, that means confirming housing, booking movers early (especially if a ferry is involved), transferring utilities, and lining up essentials like MSP enrolment and ICBC deadlines. This checklist is designed to keep your move organized, calm, and compliant—no pressure, just clarity.
What should you do first when planning a move to Victoria in 2026?
Start with three decisions. They’ll shape everything else.
1) Choose your “daily-life” area first, not the house
Victoria BC real estate is neighbourhood-driven. A beautiful home can feel inconvenient if the day-to-day doesn’t fit.
Where do you want to walk most days: the ocean, a village centre, or quiet trails?
Do you need flat routes (Oak Bay Village, Fairfield, parts of James Bay) or are hills fine (Rockland, parts of Gordon Head)?
Is proximity to family, schools, or UVic/Camosun important?
2) Decide: buy, rent, or rent-first
Buy now: best if you want stability and control over renovations and layout.
Rent first: often reduces pressure if you’re learning micro-neighbourhoods.
Hybrid plan: short-term furnished stays are more regulated in BC, so confirm what’s legal before relying on this approach.
3) Set your “must-haves” around mobility and future flexibility
For downsizers and families, the easiest moves are the ones that anticipate the next 5–10 years.
Fewer stairs (or a bedroom on the main)
Easy parking and low-maintenance landscaping
Elevator access (condos) and sensible strata bylaws
Which Victoria neighbourhood should you choose in 2026?
Here’s the local, practical way to think about it—by lifestyle patterns.
Oak Bay: classic, walkable, quietly prestigious
Village errands, ocean walks, and mature streetscapes.
Many buyers prioritize “walkability to everyday life” over extra square footage.
Excellent for those who want a polished, established feel.
Placeholders: OAK BAY LISTINGS
Fairfield & James Bay: ocean paths and a true “Victoria” rhythm
Dallas Road and Beacon Hill Park proximity are big draws.
Great for people who want to walk to coffee, groceries, and the waterfront.
Rockland & Uplands-adjacent: heritage character and tree-lined calm
Often chosen for timeless architecture and proximity to downtown without feeling “downtown.”
Expect a premium for condition, pedigree, and land value (but no guarantees of future appreciation).
Saanich (Gordon Head, Cadboro Bay, Broadmead): space, schools, and quiet convenience
Gordon Head/Cadboro Bay: popular for families and those who want UVic proximity.
Broadmead: known for larger homes, greenery, and a tucked-away feel.
Placeholders: SAANICH HOMES | VICTORIA BC REAL ESTATE
Saanich Peninsula (Brentwood Bay, Sidney, North Saanich): slower pace, easy access to the airport and ferries
Often appeals to downsizers who still want amenities and marina/coastal energy.
Great “hub-and-spoke” location for travel and visiting family.
Placeholders: SAANICH PENINSULA HOMES
Buying vs. renting in Victoria: what changes in 2026?
If you’re renting (or buying a rental), understand BC’s rent increase limits and notice rules.
The 2026 rent increase limit for residential tenancies is 2.3% (for eligible increases under the Residential Tenancy framework).
Rent increases generally require proper notice and timing; details depend on the tenancy type and circumstances.
If you’re buying, your planning focus shifts to:
Financing and conditions
Closing costs
Inspection scope (especially for older homes or strata properties)
What are the key taxes and closing costs to budget for when buying in BC?
The main provincial item most buyers notice first is Property Transfer Tax (PTT).
Property Transfer Tax (PTT): what it generally looks like
BC’s general PTT rates are based on fair market value, with an additional layer for higher-value residential portions.
1% on the first $200,000
2% on $200,000 to $2,000,000
3% on amounts over $2,000,000
Further 2% on the residential portion over $3,000,000
There may also be additional PTT rules for certain buyers or ownership structures.
Important: Tax rules can be nuanced. Please consult a qualified accountant or lawyer for specific advice.
Home Owner Grant: worth understanding if you’ll own and occupy
The BC Home Owner Grant is claimed annually if you qualify, and it’s tied to your principal residence and assessed value thresholds (which change over time).
Important: Please consult a qualified accountant or lawyer for specific advice on tax-related eligibility and planning.
What about the Speculation & Vacancy Tax and short-term rental rules in Greater Victoria?
Even if you’re not an investor, these rules matter for planning—especially for second homes, estate situations, or families who split time between cities.
Speculation & Vacancy Tax: Greater Victoria is a taxable region
The tax applies in the Capital Regional District, including Victoria, Oak Bay, Saanich, Central Saanich, North Saanich, Sidney, Colwood, Langford, and more.
For 2026 and later years, BC lists these tax rates (depending on owner residency/tax status):
1% for Canadian citizens/permanent residents who are not “untaxed worldwide earners”
3% for foreign owners and “untaxed worldwide earners”
Important: Please consult a qualified accountant or lawyer for specific advice, especially for secondary properties, trusts, and estates.
Short-term rentals: principal residence rule and provincial registry
BC has a principal residence requirement in many communities (with specific exemptions and opt-in/opt-out mechanisms that can change over time).
BC also requires short-term rental hosts and platforms to register, with rules in effect as of 2025.
Downsizing to Victoria in 2026: the calm, practical plan
Downsizing is rarely just a transaction. It’s often a life change—sometimes exciting, sometimes heavy.
Step 1: right-size your next home around routines
Use a “three-zone” approach:
Daily Zone: kitchen, living room, primary bedroom, laundry
Social Zone: space for visiting family/friends (den, guest room, flexible space)
Storage Zone: the minimum you truly need (and where it will live)
Step 2: decide between freehold and strata with eyes open
Freehold: more control, more maintenance.
Strata: simpler exterior responsibility, but you’re buying into a community’s bylaws and budgeting discipline.
Step 3: start decluttering earlier than you think
A steady plan beats a stressful sprint:
Sell/donate one category at a time (books, kitchen, garage, etc.)
Keep a “family review” box for sentimental items to decide on later
Photograph heirlooms you can’t keep
Placeholders: DOWNSIZING GUIDE | CONTACT PAGE
If you’re buying a condo or townhome: what should you review?
Strata purchases can be excellent for low-maintenance living, but due diligence matters.
Review the strata documents carefully
Common items to review (with professional guidance where appropriate):
Depreciation report (if available)
Bylaws and rules (pets, rentals, renovations, move-in/move-out procedures)
Recent meeting minutes (recurring issues can show up here)
Contingency reserve fund trends
Important: Please consult a qualified lawyer for specific legal advice on strata documents and bylaws.
Movers, utilities, and logistics: the Greater Victoria reality check
Book movers earlier if you’re coming from the Mainland or out of province
Ferries and seasonal congestion can add complexity. A good plan includes:
A confirmed travel route (ferry reservations when relevant)
Buffer time for weather or delays
A realistic “first night” plan (beds made, kettle, meds, chargers)
Utilities: set up accounts before move-in week
BC Hydro: you can open or move service online; there may be setup fees and, in some cases, deposits.
Internet providers often require lead time for installs in some buildings.
Healthcare and services for new residents: MSP and the wait period
MSP enrolment is required, and there may be a wait period
New (and returning) residents can face a wait period that includes the balance of the month you arrive plus two additional months before coverage begins.
MSP premiums were eliminated as of January 1, 2020, but enrolment still matters.
Practical checklist:
Apply for MSP as soon as you arrive
Arrange private coverage during the waiting period if needed
Plan prescriptions so you’re not cutting it close
Driver’s licence and vehicle setup: key ICBC deadlines
If you’re moving to BC, ICBC timelines are important.
You typically have 90 days to switch to a BC driver’s licence.
You generally have 30 days to register, license, and insure your vehicle after arriving in BC (with specific details and exceptions).
The 90/60/30-Day Moving to Victoria Checklist for 2026
90+ days before
Pick 2–3 target neighbourhoods (Oak Bay, Fairfield, Gordon Head, Broadmead, Sidney, etc.)
Decide buy vs rent vs rent-first
If selling a home, map your timing and conditions
Start decluttering: one room or category per week
Gather key documents (ID, insurance history, medical records)
60 days before
Book movers and confirm access details (elevators, parking, loading zones)
If buying: inspections and due diligence planning
If strata: review documents with legal guidance as needed
Create a utility and address-change list
30 days before
Confirm move-in logistics and building move bookings (if applicable)
Arrange BC Hydro account/service start
If coming from outside BC, plan ICBC appointments and timelines
Pack essentials separately (meds, documents, chargers, a few kitchen basics)
Moving week
Do a walkthrough with photos (especially for rentals)
Keep valuables and documents with you, not in the truck
Confirm keys, fobs, mail, and garbage/recycling schedules
First 30 days in Victoria
MSP enrolment and private coverage planning (if applicable)
Driver’s licence and vehicle steps (ICBC)
Update addresses: CRA, banks, insurance, subscriptions
Take your time learning the micro-areas (the best street is often not the best “neighbourhood”)
Frequently asked questions about moving to Victoria in 2026
Is Victoria a good place to move to in 2026?
For many households, Victoria offers a strong mix of ocean access, walkable neighbourhoods, and a high quality of life. What matters is matching the area to your daily routines and support network—especially for downsizers and families.
Should we buy right away or rent first?
If you already know the neighbourhood and housing type you want, buying can reduce uncertainty. If you’re not sure whether you’re “Oak Bay Village people” or “Saanich Peninsula people,” renting first can be a calm way to learn the city.
Do we need professional advice for taxes, estates, or legal issues?
Yes. Please consult a qualified accountant or lawyer for specific advice, especially for Property Transfer Tax planning, capital gains considerations, probate, trusts, and estate-related purchases.
A quick compliance note
This article is general information only and does not create a real estate agency relationship. Rules and requirements can change, and your situation may involve details that require professional advice.
Next Step
Thinking about moving to Victoria in 2026? Reach out to The Webbers for a no-pressure conversation. CONTACT PAGE