Why should you consider selling your home in January 2026 instead of waiting for the traditional spring market?

In Greater Victoria’s evolving real estate landscape, early-year sellers may gain a quieter but more qualified buyer pool, less competition, and faster transactions, making January 2026 a strategic month to list.

A Fresh Start: Why January Listings Can Stand Out

For years, homeowners have viewed the spring market as the “ideal” time to sell. Warmer weather, green lawns, and higher traffic all sound appealing, but by 2026, that assumption deserves a second look. In Greater Victoria’s real estate climate, the market rarely sleeps. Early-year activity often picks up in January, driven by motivated buyers eager to close before spring competition heats up.

Many of these buyers are relocating professionals, early retirees, and investors planning their next move before the fiscal year progresses. Because inventory tends to be lower in January, your listing has a better chance to stand out, especially when it is professionally marketed and priced right.

Matt Peulen, a Victoria-based Realtor® with over 18 years of experience in rezoning, development, and investment analysis, notes that “the most serious buyers don’t wait for the cherry blossoms, they act when opportunity appears.” His perspective reflects years of guiding sellers to success even in quieter months, using strategic presentation, local insight, and strong negotiation.

Low Supply Means Less Competition

By January, many homeowners are still in “holiday recovery mode,” waiting for warmer days before listing. But this lull works in your favor. Fewer listings mean your home competes against a smaller inventory pool, translating to greater visibility among active buyers.

In January 2025, for instance, the Victoria Real Estate Board reported listing volumes nearly 35% lower than spring levels, yet pricing and days-on-market metrics stayed strong. If this trend continues into 2026, sellers could benefit from similar conditions.

When you are one of only a few listings in sought-after neighborhoods such as Oak Bay, Saanich, or the West Shore, buyers have fewer options and may act more decisively. A well-prepared, accurately priced home can attract strong early offers before the larger wave of spring listings enters the market.

Serious Buyers, Faster Decisions

Not all buyers are created equal. Those searching in January are typically motivated by real-life factors such as job relocations, investment timelines, or lifestyle changes that cannot wait for spring. That means you are more likely to deal with serious prospects rather than casual browsers.

Many buyers moving from Vancouver, Kelowna, or Alberta markets such as Calgary or Edmonton plan ahead to settle in Greater Victoria before summer. By listing in January, you are reaching them at the exact time they are organizing visits, reviewing mortgage options, and making relocation decisions.

The result is often a shorter sales cycle and smoother negotiations. When guided by an experienced professional like Matt Peulen, who understands both urban and suburban buyer psychology, you can leverage that motivation to secure favorable terms without sacrificing price.

Strategic Marketing Shines in Quieter Months

Winter months often mean fewer distractions for both you and your audience. With fewer listings online, high-quality marketing stands out even more. Professional photography, targeted digital ads, and curated listing descriptions gain more engagement in January than in crowded spring feeds.

Matt Peulen Real Estate emphasizes strategic presentation, leveraging visual storytelling, neighborhood data, and lifestyle appeal to make each property shine. From aerial imagery of West Coast landscapes to highlighting a home’s energy efficiency or walkability, thoughtful marketing ensures your listing connects emotionally and logically with potential buyers.

Online activity also remains high throughout winter. Many buyers spend January planning their year, setting goals, and browsing homes online. This behavior can lead to strong engagement long before open house season begins.

Early Movers May Capture Better Market Conditions

If interest rates stabilize or edge down slightly by early 2026, as forecasted by some Canadian analysts, buyer confidence could rise again. Early sellers who act before the larger pool of listings arrives can capture that optimism while demand still outweighs supply.

This positioning is key. You are listing into a “window of opportunity,” not against a crowd. By the time spring arrives, increased listings can lead to longer days on market and more price-sensitive buyers.

Working with an agent like Matt Peulen, who monitors local absorption rates and buyer sentiment by neighborhood, allows you to price competitively while still maximizing returns. His background in investment analysis and development ensures that each listing strategy is grounded in data, not guesswork.

January Sales Set You Up for a Strong Year

Selling in January also allows flexibility for your next steps. Whether you are reinvesting in new construction, downsizing, or developing land, an early sale gives you time to plan without being rushed.

Victoria’s development and renovation timelines are notoriously tight, and early-year sellers gain a head start on coordinating financing, trades, and permits. For investors, January closings often mean earlier reinvestment opportunities and tax planning advantages heading into the next fiscal cycle.

For homeowners, it is also a psychological advantage. Starting the year with a successful sale, and potentially avoiding months of showings during spring, can make your transition smoother and less stressful.

FAQs

Is January really a good time to list my home in Victoria BC?
Yes. While the market is smaller, January buyers are typically serious and qualified. Lower inventory means your home stands out, and with strong marketing, you can achieve excellent results before spring competition arrives.

Will cold weather or shorter days hurt my sale?
Not necessarily. Most buyers begin their search online, where photos and digital marketing make the first impression. With professional staging and lighting, your property can feel inviting even in winter months.

What if I wait until spring instead?
You will face more listings, which can dilute buyer attention and potentially pressure prices. However, spring can still be beneficial for properties that depend heavily on outdoor appeal. Your Realtor® can help you weigh the trade-offs.

Conclusion: January 2026 May Be the Smart Seller’s Advantage

While spring has long been viewed as “prime time,” the realities of Greater Victoria’s 2026 market suggest otherwise. Listing in January offers motivated buyers, less competition, and the potential for stronger negotiations under calmer, more controlled conditions.

With nearly two decades of experience in local markets, development, and strategic marketing, Matt Peulen Real Estate continues to guide homeowners through informed, confident sales decisions that align with their goals and timelines. Selling early does not just mean selling fast, it can mean selling smarter.

This article is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal, financial, or tax advice. For guidance tailored to your situation, consult qualified professionals. All data and projections are based on current and publicly available information from reputable BC and Canadian real estate sources.

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The Strategic Move in Rezoning: Engaging with the City Planning Department

Navigating the complexities of property development, particularly rezoning, requires more than just a good plan – it demands a strategic approach, beginning with a critical engagement: meeting with the City Planning Department.

In this blog, I will dive into the reasons why this initial consultation is so important and how it can shape the trajectory of your rezoning proposal.

Scheduling a Meeting: Your First Strategic Step

The process of rezoning any property starts with a clear understanding of the local planning landscape. This is best achieved through a direct meeting with those who shape it – the City Planning Department. Scheduling this meeting is more than a mere formality; it's an opportunity to present your intentions, understand the local planning policies, and set the foundation for a successful rezoning journey.

Understanding Local Planning Policies

Each city has its own unique set of planning policies and regulations, which are crucial in determining the potential of your rezoning project. Engaging with city planners provides you with insights into these policies. It allows you to align your proposal with the city’s development goals, thereby enhancing its feasibility and acceptability.

Feasibility and Compliance: The Core of Your Discussion

The core objective of your meeting should be to assess the feasibility of your proposal. City planners can offer valuable insights into how your project aligns with existing zoning regulations and the broader Community Plan framework. They can point out any immediate red flags or compliance issues, saving you time and resources in the long run.

Identifying Potential Challenges and Solutions

Rezoning is rarely straightforward. It often involves navigating through a series of challenges, from community opposition to environmental concerns. An early discussion with city planners helps in identifying these potential challenges. More importantly, it opens avenues for solutions and adjustments in your proposal, ensuring a smoother approval process.

Building Relationships for Future Collaboration

Engaging with the City Planning Department is also about building relationships. Establishing a positive and collaborative relationship with city planners can be beneficial in the long run. It creates a channel for continuous dialogue, essential for addressing any issues that may arise during the rezoning process.

Preparing for the Meeting

To make the most of this meeting, go prepared. Understand your property and its current zoning status, have a clear outline of your proposal, and be ready to discuss how it aligns with the city’s planning objectives. Being well-prepared not only shows professionalism but also increases the likelihood of a productive discussion.

Conclusion: A Step Towards a Successful Rezoning

In conclusion, engaging with the City Planning Department is a step that cannot be overlooked in the rezoning process. It sets the stage for your project, ensuring that your proposal is feasible, compliant, and aligned with the city’s planning goals. This initial consultation can significantly impact the success of your rezoning efforts, helping you navigate through the complexities of urban planning with greater confidence and clarity.

Remember, the path to successful property development is paved with informed decisions and strategic partnerships. Engaging with the City Planning Department is your first significant stride in this journey.

With this blog, property owners and developers can gain a deeper understanding of the importance of early engagement with city planning departments and how it can influence the success of their rezoning proposals.

A Starter Guide to Rezoning Your Property

Rezoning a property can be a complex process, but it can also unlock new possibilities and opportunities for property owners. Whether you're looking to change the land use or increase density on your property to unlock value. This guide will walk you through the essential steps involved in the rezoning process.

Understand Current Zoning Regulations:

Start by researching and understanding the existing zoning regulations for your property. Each city has specific zoning bylaws that dictate land use, building types, and density. This information is crucial as it forms the basis for your rezoning application.

Engage with the city Planning Department:

Schedule a meeting with the Planning Department to discuss your intentions and gain insights into the local planning policies. This initial consultation can help you understand the feasibility of your rezoning proposal and identify potential challenges early in the process.

Hire a Professional Planner:

Engaging a professional planner or consultant with experience in the rezoning process, this can be beneficial. They can provide expert advice, navigate the regulatory landscape, and help you prepare a comprehensive rezoning application.

Develop a Rezoning Proposal:

Clearly define your rezoning objectives and outline how the proposed changes align with cities Official Community Plan (OCP). Provide a detailed proposal that includes information on land use, density, setbacks, and any other relevant details. Addressing community benefits in your proposal can enhance its chances of approval.

Public Consultation:

Public input is a crucial aspect of the rezoning process. Conduct public consultations to gather feedback from neighbors, stakeholders, and the community. Address concerns raised during these consultations and demonstrated how your proposal aligns with the broader community interests.

Submit a Rezoning Application:

Prepare a complete rezoning application package, including all required documents, studies, and reports. Submit the application to the cities Planning Department, ensuring compliance with all submission requirements and deadlines.

Technical Review:

The city Planning Department will conduct a thorough technical review of your rezoning application. This includes assessing its conformity with zoning regulations, environmental impacts, traffic considerations, and other relevant factors.

Council Review and Approval:

If your rezoning application passes the technical review, it will proceed to the city Council for consideration. Attend council meetings to present your proposal, address any questions or concerns, and make a case for why the rezoning is in the best interest of the community.

Bylaw Amendments:

If your rezoning application is approved by the Council, the next step involves amending the existing zoning bylaws. This may require multiple readings and public notices before the bylaws are officially updated.

Final Approval and Implementation:

Once the bylaw amendments are approved, you'll receive final approval for your rezoning. It's essential to comply with any conditions set by the Council and implement the proposed changes in accordance with the approved plans.

Remember, the rezoning process requires careful consideration, community engagement, and adherence to local regulations. Seeking professional help and actively involving the community can increase the likelihood of a successful rezoning outcome for your property.