If you’ve been following real estate headlines lately, you’ve probably seen a mix of optimism, caution, and the occasional “the sky is falling” hot take. As usual, the truth lives somewhere in the middle.
The latest BC real estate stats for December 2025 show a provincial market that’s continuing to recover — but doing so unevenly, region by region. Some areas are clearly gaining momentum, others are still working through affordability and confidence issues, and here on Vancouver Island, the story is far more balanced than many people expect.
Let’s break down the monthly real estate trends in BC, then zoom in on what they actually mean for buyers, sellers, and investors living the Vancouver Island lifestyle.
BC Real Estate Stats: The Provincial Snapshot
According to the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA), there were 4,271 residential sales across BC in December 2025, down 5.9% year-over-year. The average residential sale price came in at $952,061, a 5.6% decline compared to December 2024.
At face value, that sounds like a soft market — but context matters.
Key Provincial Takeaways (Plain English)
Sales activity remains below long-term averages, especially in higher-priced regions
Prices are correcting, not collapsing, after the rapid run-up of 2020–2022
Inventory is rising, giving buyers more choice and leverage
Recovery is uneven, with Interior BC performing much stronger than the Lower Mainland
In short, BC real estate is no longer driven by panic buying or fear of missing out. It’s being driven — once again — by fundamentals.
Around the Province: December 2025 Regional Comparison
Looking region by region helps explain why provincial averages don’t tell the whole story.
Lower Mainland: Still the Provincial Drag
Greater Vancouver
Average price: $1,189,227 (–7.1% YoY)
Unit sales: 1,537 (–12.5% YoY)
Fraser Valley
Average price: $1,014,684 (–4.8% YoY)
Unit sales: 841 (–8% YoY)
Affordability challenges and buyer hesitation continue to weigh on these markets. Even with more listings available, many buyers are taking a “wait and see” approach.
Interior BC: Quiet but Meaningful Strength
Okanagan
Average price: $784,802 (+5.9% YoY)
Unit sales: 476 (+7.7% YoY)
Kamloops
Average price: $616,624 (+8.1% YoY)
Unit sales: 137 (+3% YoY)
Kootenay
Average price: $535,209 (+1.4% YoY)
Unit sales: 153 (+25.4% YoY)
Interior markets are benefiting from relative affordability, lifestyle appeal, and migration from higher-priced urban centres — a theme that sounds very familiar to anyone watching Vancouver Island closely.
Vancouver Island Housing Market: A Different Story
This is where things get interesting.
Despite softer provincial numbers, Vancouver Island continues to show resilience.
Vancouver Island (Overall)
Average price: $736,301 (+2.1% YoY)
Unit sales: 388 (–8.9% YoY)
Victoria
Average price: $1,010,603 (+5% YoY)
Unit sales: 346 (–10.6% YoY)
Here’s the key takeaway:
Prices on Vancouver Island are rising modestly even as sales volumes cool.
That combination usually signals a balanced market, not a weak one. Demand hasn’t disappeared — it’s just become more thoughtful.
What This Means Locally (Victoria, Cowichan Valley, Sooke)
Victoria Real Estate Market
Victoria continues to anchor the Island:
Strong demand for walkable neighbourhoods
Stable employment base
Limited land supply
Buyers are more selective, but quality homes priced correctly are still moving.
Cowichan Valley & Duncan
Cowichan remains a value-focused alternative:
Popular with downsizers and remote workers
Price sensitivity is higher than Victoria
Turnkey homes in good locations outperform
Sooke & West Shore
Sooke has matured into a more balanced market:
Buyers expect space and value
Over-priced listings sit
Well-presented homes still attract strong interest
Across the Island, lifestyle continues to drive demand — trails, water access, community, and that unmistakable West Coast living factor.
What Buyers Should Know Right Now
For buyers, this market quietly offers opportunity.
Why buyers have leverage:
More inventory than last year
Fewer multiple-offer situations
Greater willingness from sellers to negotiate
Smart buyer strategies:
Focus on homes listed 30+ days
Don’t rush — negotiation is back
Pay attention to micro-locations, not just price
This isn’t a bargain-basement market, but it is a rational one.
Advice for Sellers in Early 2026
The market still works for sellers — just not on autopilot.
What’s working:
Accurate pricing based on recent sales
Strong presentation and marketing
Flexibility with dates and conditions
What’s not:
Testing aspirational prices
Ignoring feedback
Assuming demand will “eventually catch up”
On Vancouver Island, buyers are informed. Homes that respect that reality sell. Homes that don’t… linger.
Investors: A Market for Patience, Not Speculation
This is not a short-term flip environment — but long-term fundamentals remain strong.
Investor positives:
Stable pricing
Continued rental demand
Less emotional competition
Best strategies:
Buy-and-hold
Secondary suites
Well-located townhomes and condos
West Coast lifestyle markets reward patience more than speed.
Short-Term Forecast: What to Expect Next
Looking ahead to early 2026:
Modest improvement in sales activity
Gradual inventory growth
Stable pricing on Vancouver Island, with pockets of strength
Barring a major economic shock, the most likely scenario is continued balance, not volatility.
Final Thoughts: Why Local Insight Matters
The December 2025 BC real estate stats tell us one thing clearly: real estate is local again.
Provincial headlines only tell part of the story. On Vancouver Island, we’re seeing a market defined by stability, lifestyle demand, and thoughtful decision-making — not fear or frenzy.
If you’d like a neighbourhood-specific breakdown, a pricing review, or just a straight-up conversation about your next move, I’m always happy to help.
👉 Reach out anytime for personalized market insights or to review your real estate goals.
— Mike Doughty
Vancouver Island real estate expertise
Local knowledge. Straight answers.