Posts Tagged ‘Greater Victoria luxury homes’

Oak Bay  character homes continue to attract buyers seeking architectural charm, established neighbourhoods, and strong long-term value. Located just east of downtown Victoria, Oak Bay offers heritage appeal, coastal beauty, and consistent demand that has supported property stability for decades. Buyers drawn to timeless design and prestigious neighbourhoods often prioritise Oak Bay for both lifestyle and investment potential. Historic Architecture Creates Lasting Appeal Many Oak Bay character homes feature early 20th century craftsmanship, including Arts and Crafts, Tudor Revival, and Colonial styles. These properties often showcase hardwood flooring, detailed millwork, leaded glass windows, and unique exterior detailing. Buyers frequently value these features because they provide individuality and architectural authenticity rarely replicated in newer construction. Additionally, heritage design contributes to neighbourhood consistency. Streets lined with mature landscaping and preserved home styles create strong visual identity, which helps maintain long-term buyer demand. Limited Land Supply Supports Value Stability Oak Bay’s geographic boundaries and established zoning limit large-scale redevelopment. As a result, supply remains naturally constrained. Limited inventory helps sustain pricing strength, particularly for well-maintained character homes in desirable micro-locations such as South Oak Bay, Gonzales, and Estevan. Because new land development opportunities remain scarce, existing homes often benefit from long-term appreciation trends driven by supply constraints and continued buyer interest. Community Lifestyle Strengthens Demand Oak Bay consistently appeals to buyers seeking walkability, coastal recreation, and village-style amenities. Residents enjoy easy access to Willows Beach, Oak Bay Marina, and local shopping along Oak Bay Avenue. Schools, parks, and community programming also support strong family and multi-generational appeal. Lifestyle desirability plays a significant role in sustaining demand for Oak Bay real estate character homes. Buyers frequently prioritise neighbourhood atmosphere alongside property features when making purchasing decisions. Renovation Potential Adds Investment Opportunity Many character homes in Oak Bay offer renovation and modernisation potential. Buyers often update kitchens, mechanical systems, or living layouts while preserving historic architectural elements. Thoughtful renovations can increase both functionality and resale value. However, buyers should carefully review municipal guidelines, particularly for heritage-designated properties. Understanding renovation restrictions and permit requirements helps buyers plan upgrades effectively while protecting historical value. Premium Market Position Remains Consistent Oak Bay has historically maintained a premium position within the Greater Victoria housing market. While market cycles influence short-term pricing, Oak Bay often demonstrates resilience due to strong buyer demographics, neighbourhood prestige, and limited housing supply. High demand for waterfront proximity, established streetscapes, and architectural charm contributes to consistent buyer interest across multiple market conditions. Maintenance Considerations for Character Homes Older homes require ongoing maintenance planning. Roofing, plumbing, electrical updates, and insulation improvements may be necessary depending on the home’s age and renovation history. Buyers who budget for proactive maintenance often preserve property value and prevent costly future repairs. Professional inspections and property history reviews remain essential when purchasing older character properties. Long-Term Value Comes From Multiple Factors The enduring appeal of Oak Bay character homes stems from architecture, location, community amenities, and supply limitations. While past performance does not dictate future results, neighbourhood stability and buyer demand have historically supported long-term value trends in Oak Bay. Buyers seeking homes that combine lifestyle appeal with long-term investment potential often view Oak Bay as one of Greater Victoria’s most desirable housing markets. If you are considering buying or selling in Oak Bay, contact our team to discuss neighbourhood trends, available listings, and strategies tailored to your real estate goals.   Shandy B., 5-Star Review, via Google “Cal and Scott are exceptional realtors. We sold our beloved home with their help. They helped us price competitively and fairly, leading to a fast house sale in a slower market, as well as receiving more than we had hoped for the sale of our home. They were accommodating and respectful of our family needs, and helped us show our home in the best way possible. We felt like a priority every step of the way. The are honest and trustworthy! All the stars for the Faber group” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood, Zachary Parsons, and Sophie Taylor “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”

The Highlands is one of the West Shore’s most exclusive residential areas. Known for large acreages, forested surroundings, and limited development, The Highlands real estate appeals to buyers who prioritize privacy and lifestyle over proximity to downtown. In 2026, market conditions remain balanced across Greater Victoria. Higher inventory and modest price softening have created more opportunities for well-prepared buyers. As a result, The Highlands stands out as a quieter alternative to Oak Bay or central Victoria without sacrificing long-term value. Current Market Snapshot (Early 2026) The Highlands remains a low-inventory market, typically offering just a handful of active listings at any time. Key trends include: Typical single-family values around $1.23M, slightly below last year Listings ranging from the mid-$700,000s to over $3M for estate properties Median list prices near $1.2M, with higher pricing near Bear Mountain Because homes here appeal to a niche audience, days on market often run longer than urban areas. That dynamic can benefit patient buyers. What Makes The Highlands Unique Privacy and SpaceMost properties sit on one to five acres or more. Gated entries, long driveways, and natural buffers are common. Natural SurroundingsThe area borders Thetis Lake Regional Park and features extensive trail networks, wildlife, and forested views. Outdoor-focused buyers often see this as a major lifestyle upgrade. Nearby AmenitiesWhile The Highlands feels remote, Bear Mountain Resort, Langford shopping, and highway access are all within a short drive. Long-Term Value ProtectionZoning restrictions and limited land supply help preserve the rural-luxury character that defines The Highlands real estate. Types of Homes Available Buyers typically encounter three broad categories: Entry-level luxury ($775,000 to $1.2M): Older or updated homes on larger lots Mid-tier estates ($1.2M to $2M): Larger homes with modern finishes, pools, or guest suites High-end properties ($2M+): Custom builds, premium views, or Bear Mountain-adjacent homes Opportunities for expansion or multi-generational living are common. Is The Highlands Worth Considering in 2026? For buyers seeking space and seclusion, yes. Advantages More negotiating room than peak market years Better value compared to Oak Bay or Saanich estates A lifestyle focused on nature, privacy, and calm Considerations Commutes of 20 to 30 minutes to downtown Victoria Reliance on Langford or Colwood for services Higher maintenance costs for acreage properties Practical Tips for Buyers Secure pre-approval early, especially for rural properties Confirm servicing details such as wells or septic systems Review zoning carefully if future development is planned Work with an agent experienced in The Highlands real estate Final Thoughts The Highlands remains one of Greater Victoria’s most distinctive luxury markets. In a balanced 2026 environment, it offers a rare combination of privacy, natural beauty, and relative value. For buyers who value space and long-term lifestyle quality, The Highlands real estate deserves close consideration. Devon M., 5-Star Review, via Google “Scott was very patient with us as we started our family and took about a year to decide on place we thought would be fit for our home. He went above and beyond and still continues to this day to keep in touch and periodically checks in to see how we are doing. I highly recommend him to anyone looking for a realtor to either sell or buy their home.” Faber Real Estate Group Royal LePage Coast Capital Realty 📞 250-244-3430 📧[email protected] ℹ️ Scott Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation ℹ️ Cal Faber Personal Real Estate Corporation Vanessa Wood, Zachary Parsons, and Sophie Taylor “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”