Posts Tagged ‘homes near Galloping Goose Trail’

Pets play a bigger role in homebuying than ever, especially in pet-friendly communities like Victoria, BC. In 2026, many buyers are no longer shopping just for themselves. They are also prioritizing the needs of their dogs, cats, and other companions when choosing where and what to buy. With pet ownership remaining high across Canada, homes that support a pet-friendly lifestyle continue to stand out in a balanced market. From neighbourhood selection to home features, pets are shaping buyer decisions in meaningful ways. Why Pets Matter More to Buyers Today For many households, pets are family. Buyers are increasingly willing to pass on otherwise ideal homes if they do not work for their animals. This shift has influenced everything from location choices to floor plans, particularly in Greater Victoria, where access to outdoor space is highly valued. In 2026, buyers are taking advantage of higher inventory levels in areas like the Westshore to be more selective. That often means holding out for homes that offer better layouts, outdoor access, or nearby trails that support an active lifestyle for both people and pets. Neighbourhood Choices Driven by Pet Needs Location is one of the biggest decision points for pet owners. Buyers often look for neighbourhoods with nearby walking trails, parks, and green space. In Victoria, access to areas like the Galloping Goose Trail, Beacon Hill Park, and local dog parks can heavily influence where buyers focus their search. Strata and HOA rules also play a major role. Restrictions on pet size, number, or breed can be deal-breakers, particularly for condo and townhome buyers. As a result, some pet owners gravitate toward freehold homes or newer developments with more flexible pet policies. Home Features Pet Owners Prioritize Pets often push buyers toward homes with more functional space. Common must-haves include fenced yards, easy outdoor access, and durable flooring that can handle wear and tear. Mudrooms, lower-level entries, and layouts that allow pets to move easily through the home are also appealing. In markets like Saanich, Langford, and Oak Bay, homes with usable yards or proximity to parks tend to attract strong interest from pet owners. Even smaller homes can appeal if the layout works well and outdoor amenities are close by. Budget and Long-Term Planning Pets also influence budgeting decisions. Buyers may factor in ongoing pet-related expenses when determining their comfort level with monthly payments. In a buyer-friendly 2026 market, this can work to their advantage, allowing more room to negotiate on homes that already meet their needs rather than budgeting for renovations later. That said, buyers still remain cautious. Signs of past pet damage can raise concerns, making inspections especially important for both pet owners and non-pet owners alike. Tips for Buying a Home With Pets in Mind If pets are part of your household, start by identifying your non-negotiables, whether that is yard space, trail access, or flexible pet rules. Work with a local agent who understands which neighbourhoods and property types tend to be more pet-friendly. Always review strata bylaws carefully and include inspections to check for potential issues. Pets are no longer an afterthought in the homebuying process. In Victoria’s 2026 market, aligning your home search with your pet’s needs can make a significant difference in long-term comfort and satisfaction. Ready to find a home that works for you and your pet? Contact us to discuss pet-friendly options and how to tailor your search across Greater Victoria.   Nicholas D., 5-Star Review, via Google “Scott is an awesome realtor and real estate advisor. He got me all the information I needed incredibly quick and helped me make an informed buying decision. Couldn’t have done it without him and 10/10 will be recommending him to my friends and family! There are thousands of realtors on the island, but Scott and his team are by far the best” 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.”    

For buyers considering Langford, Colwood, or View Royal, one question comes up again and again: is the Westshore commute worth it? The Westshore continues to attract buyers with more attainable pricing, larger homes, and access to nature. In a balanced 2026 market with higher inventory and stable prices, many buyers are weighing commute time against lifestyle benefits. The answer depends largely on how you work, travel, and spend your time. Traffic Reality in 2026 For those commuting by car, traffic remains the biggest drawback. Highway 1 is the main route into downtown Victoria, and congestion during peak hours can significantly extend drive times. What should be a short commute can stretch to 45 minutes or more on busy mornings. Growth in the Westshore has outpaced infrastructure, creating bottlenecks that are still being addressed. While improvements such as bridge upgrades and dedicated bus lanes have helped, traffic remains inconsistent. Buyers who drive daily need to factor this into their routine, especially if they work standard office hours. That said, proximity matters. Homes closer to Highway 1 or transit corridors in Colwood and View Royal can offer slightly more predictable travel times. Public Transit as an Alternative For buyers looking to avoid driving, public transit continues to improve. BC Transit’s Blink RapidBus provides frequent service between the Westshore and downtown, using dedicated lanes to reduce delays. During peak hours, buses arrive often enough to support daily commuting. Transit works especially well for students, downtown workers, and households with flexible schedules. However, some routes can still feel crowded, and transit times may not suit everyone. While transit is a viable option, it works best when paired with realistic expectations. Remote and Hybrid Work Changes the Equation Work-from-home and hybrid schedules have reshaped the Westshore commute conversation. In 2026, many buyers no longer travel five days a week. Even commuting two or three days instead of five significantly reduces the impact of traffic. This shift has made the Westshore more appealing for professionals in tech, government, and remote-friendly roles. For buyers with flexible work arrangements, the commute often becomes a manageable trade-off rather than a daily frustration. Space, Value, and Lifestyle Benefits What the Westshore lacks in proximity to downtown, it makes up for in space and value. Buyers typically get larger homes, newer construction, and better value per square foot compared to Victoria’s core neighbourhoods. Communities like Westhills and Bear Mountain offer planned developments with parks, trails, and amenities built in. Access to nature is a major draw, with nearby options like the Galloping Goose Trail, Goldstream Park, and Florence Lake supporting an active lifestyle year-round. For families and outdoor-focused buyers, these lifestyle benefits often outweigh longer travel times. Pros and Cons at a Glance Pros More affordable homes with larger layouts Strong access to parks, trails, and outdoor recreation Improved transit options and remote work flexibility High inventory and buyer leverage in 2026 Cons Traffic congestion during peak hours Longer drives to downtown amenities Ongoing infrastructure pressure as the area grows Bottom Line So, is the Westshore commute worth it? For buyers prioritizing space, affordability, and lifestyle, the answer is often yes, especially with hybrid or remote work. For those who value short commutes and walkable urban living, the trade-offs may feel more significant. In a 2026 market that favours buyers, the Westshore offers real value if the commute fits your routine. If you are considering Langford or Colwood, understanding how these factors align with your lifestyle is key to making the right move. Ready to explore options in Langford or Colwood? Contact us to discuss how these factors play into your home search. Don S., 5-Star Review, via Google “I would recommend them to anyone buying real estate on the Vancouver Island. The team is very knowledgeable, courteous and professional, adding a personal touch to building a strong relationship.” 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.”