Posts Tagged ‘townhomes’

Downsizing is not only about moving into a smaller space. It’s a lifestyle transition, and in Greater Victoria, it often brings freedom, convenience, and more time for what matters most. After helping many clients through this process, we’ve found that the most successful downsizing journeys start with clarity: why you’re moving, what you want, and what you’re ready to let go of. Why Downsizing Makes Sense Here Greater Victoria is uniquely suited to downsizers. There are neighbourhoods where walkability replaces long commutes, strata living replaces yard maintenance, and scenic parks or beaches become part of your daily routine. For many, the trade-off of square footage brings a noticeable upgrade in quality of life. Where Downsizers Often Look Saanich Central, quiet, and close to everything—Royal Oak, Broadmead, and Cordova Bay offer townhomes, well-run strata buildings, and a relaxed pace. Victoria Core Downtown and James Bay work beautifully for walkable lifestyles. You’ll find lock-and-leave condos, vibrant food scenes, and easy access to the Inner Harbour. Oak Bay For those who prefer charm and character. Boutique condos and elegant townhome communities let you stay near oceanfront parks, cafés, and village amenities. Westshore Langford and Colwood provide newer builds with modern amenities, elevators, parking, and layouts designed with aging in place in mind.   What to Expect During the Process You’ll Reassess What You Really Need Downsizing forces you to prioritize. Many clients resist at first—until they realize that shedding unused rooms, extra storage, or an oversized yard is liberating. Lifestyle Becomes the Focus Instead of asking “How big is it?” the better question becomes “How will I live here?” Think: morning walks, a balcony with a view, less maintenance, more travel, and easier day-to-day routines. Costs Shift, But Don’t Disappear While utilities and upkeep may drop, strata fees or HOA contributions might increase. A well-managed building is worth it: predictable costs, building maintenance, and shared amenities.   Where to Start 1. Define Your Priorities List what matters most: Walkability Accessibility or single-level living Proximity to family Amenities like pools, gyms, or clubs Storage needs This list becomes your compass when emotions kick in. 2. Take Inventory of What You Own You don’t have to get rid of everything at once. Start early and work in stages: Donate or sell items you haven’t used in 12–18 months Digitize paperwork and photos Keep essentials and meaningful pieces 3. Understand Your Financing Downsizing can unlock equity, but don’t assume the smaller home is always cheaper. Location, age of building, and strata size can influence price. 4. Visit Homes in Person Photos never tell the full story. Touring a 900 sq ft condo with good light and storage can feel far better than a 1,300 sq ft layout with poor flow. What a Successful Downsizing Looks Like The clients who thrive aren’t necessarily the ones who get the biggest condo or the most amenities. They’re the ones who choose places that match how they actually live—near trails, village shops, grandkids, or a favourite café. The best move is the one that fits your next chapter, not your last one.   Shauna Sundher, 5-Star Review, via Google “Both Scott and Cal assisted us in selling and purchasing. It was a big move for us but they both assisted us in getting more than we initially expected and getting us into a really great property. They helped us work through some issues on both ends and were very professional and helpful! We recommend them to our friends and family who need an agent.” 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 “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”

If you’re buying your first home on Vancouver Island, Langford is often the city that rises to the top of the list. It combines affordability, modern amenities, walkable neighbourhoods, and a growing job market, all while staying within reach of downtown Victoria. For many new buyers, Langford offers something rare: a chance to get into the market without compromising lifestyle. More Room for Your Budget One of the biggest barriers for first-time buyers in Greater Victoria is cost. Central Victoria and many surrounding neighbourhoods come with benchmark prices that make home ownership feel out of reach. Langford stands out because the housing stock is newer, more diverse, and often more accessible. Condos, townhomes, and smaller single-family homes are widely available, offering a variety of entry points into the market. While prices fluctuate with interest rates and demand, Langford consistently remains more affordable than comparable Victoria neighbourhoods. For many first-time buyers, this difference is the key that gets them onto the property ladder. Modern Homes and New Infrastructure Because Langford has grown so quickly over the last decade, many homes are newer and built to modern standards. First-time buyers benefit from features that are often reserved for upscale developments in older communities: energy-efficient construction, practical layouts, newer roofs and systems, and fewer immediate maintenance concerns. The city’s infrastructure has evolved alongside its housing. You’ll find sports facilities, new schools, shopping centres, medical services, playgrounds, trails, and community hubs that make everyday life easier. This makes Langford incredibly livable from day one, especially if you’re coming from a rental or smaller condo. Lifestyle Without the Premium Price Tag Langford is well-known for its outdoor lifestyle. The city is surrounded by lakes, mountains, golf courses, and nature trails. Whether you want to hike Mount Finlayson, paddleboard on Langford Lake, or bike the Galloping Goose Trail, recreational options are minutes away. And unlike older urban cores where space is limited, Langford has large parks, wide streets, and room to breathe. The commercial side has also kept pace. The Westshore Town Centre, Belmont Market, Costco, boutique gyms, locally owned cafés, and countless restaurants create a sense of convenience that first-time buyers appreciate. You can settle in quickly without feeling like you’re giving up the amenities of a larger city. Strong Rental Demand and Secondary Suites Even if you’re not planning to be a landlord right away, it helps to know what your options are. Langford has a high rental demand due to its young workforce, proximity to nearby post-secondary institutions, and people relocating to the Westshore from across the Island and mainland BC. Many homes in Langford are built with rental suites, lower levels, or carriage homes. First-time buyers can offset mortgage costs or build equity faster by renting a portion of their property. For some buyers, this financial flexibility is the deciding factor in choosing Langford over other communities. A Community Designed for Growth, Not Sprawl Langford’s growth has been intentional. Rather than simply pushing outward, the city has invested in schools, sports facilities, community programs, and safe neighbourhoods. That’s part of why families, young professionals, and first-time buyers keep choosing Langford and why property values have historically held strong through market fluctuations. When you buy your first home, you’re not just buying the current property you’re buying into the future of a community. Langford’s trajectory remains positive, especially as more services and infrastructure arrive in the Westshore. Final Thoughts If you’re a first-time home buyer, Langford offers a rare combination of affordability, lifestyle, and future value. You don’t need to sacrifice space, convenience, or outdoor access to get into the market. And because the community continues to mature, there’s long-term upside that goes beyond the purchase price. Whether you’re considering a condo, townhome, or starter house, Langford deserves a close look. It remains one of the most accessible and enjoyable entry points into home ownership in Greater Victoria.   Michael Billington, 5-Star Review, via Google “Excellent experience with Faber group! Zach is an amazing young professional, he is very knowledgeable and explained everything to me (a first time buyer) very well. Towards the end I got to work with Cal as well who was also very kind and professional. I would certainly recommend 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 “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”

If you’re dreaming of ocean views, seaside walks, and a community designed for a balanced lifestyle, Royal Bay in Colwood should be at the top of your list. Located on the Westshore of Greater Victoria, this master-planned neighbourhood blends access to nature with modern amenities while maintaining that calm, coastal BC feel buyers love.  A Rare Oceanfront Community What makes Royal Bay truly special is something simple: you’re living right on the shoreline. The neighbourhood sits above a long stretch of sandy beach, where locals walk the shoreline, take the dogs out, and watch glowing orange sunsets over the Olympic Mountains. Unlike many Vancouver Island neighbourhoods where ocean access is shared or limited, Royal Bay’s design centres around the coastline, not just proximity to it. Beautiful, Walkable Urban Planning Royal Bay was designed as a walk-first community, where most daily essentials are just a short stroll away. Wide sidewalks, bike paths, and well-lit pedestrian corridors weave through the neighbourhood, connecting parks, the beachfront, and the emerging village centre. Along these routes, you’ll find a thoughtful mix of modern single-family homes, stylish townhomes, and low-maintenance condos, set among carefully landscaped streets and shared green spaces. This variety appeals to young families, downsizers, and professionals alike, anyone seeking a peaceful coastal environment without sacrificing convenience. Family-Friendly and Close to Schools One of the biggest draws for homeowners is the Royal Bay Secondary School, located right in the heart of the community. It’s a state-of-the-art facility with modern athletic fields and programs that attract families from across the Westshore. Nearby, you’ll also find École John Stubbs (French immersion), David Cameron Elementary,  and a growing network of childcare services. This cluster of education options makes Royal Bay a standout choice for families planning for the long term. Beaches, Trails & Active Living Royal Bay residents step outside their doors into a lifestyle that would make most vacationers jealous. The waterfront offers a long sandy beach, a multi-use promenade, picnic areas and gathering spaces, as well as windswept bluffs and ocean viewpoints. Runners and cyclists appreciate the seamless connection to the Galloping Goose Trail, while paddleboarders and kayakers take full advantage of calm summer mornings on the water. It’s no surprise that many residents say they spend more time outdoors since moving here, and that connection to nature has become one of the community’s biggest selling points. The Commons: Shops, Groceries & Everyday Essentials The Royal Bay Commons commercial district has transformed the area into a true urban hub. Think groceries, cafés, restaurants, fitness spots, and everyday services without needing to drive into Langford or Victoria. As the development continues, buyers can expect even more retail and community features, which increases livability and long-term property value. Sustainable Growth Without Losing Charm A common concern with new developments is that they expand too quickly and lose their sense of place. Royal Bay, however, has grown with intention. Each phase prioritizes preserved shoreline access, integrated green spaces, and a cohesive design language that ties the neighbourhood together. Even as amenities continue to evolve, the coastal character remains front and centre. That balance is a key reason the community holds its value and consistently attracts long-term residents. Who Is Royal Bay Ideal For? Royal Bay appeals to a wide range of homeowners. Families are drawn to the nearby schools, parks, and ocean activities. Retirees appreciate the low-maintenance homes and peaceful scenery. Young professionals enjoy the modern housing options and easy access to outdoor recreation, while investors value the stable growth and strong neighbourhood demand. Whether you’re buying your first home or downsizing, Royal Bay offers something rare on Vancouver Island: modern oceanfront living without the premium of a luxury enclave. Ultimately, Royal Bay isn’t just another development, it’s a coastal community designed with intention. Walkability, schools, beaches, a growing commercial core, and thoughtful long-term planning have made it one of the Westshore’s top choices for oceanfront living.   Demetrios Tsialafos, 5-Star Review, via Google “Scott and Cal Faber were exceptional to work with. They were professional, patient, and incredibly informative throughout the entire process. They took the time to walk me through every step, which made the typically stressful experience of moving so much easier. Their knowledge of real estate is second to none, and their guidance gave me complete confidence in my decisions. I highly recommend both Scott and Cal to anyone looking for trusted, knowledgeable, and supportive realtors.” 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 “Building Lasting Relationships, One Home at a Time.”