The Victoria mortgage market in 2026
As of 2026, the average home price in Victoria is roughly $1,025,000 (British Columbia, population ~395k). Victoria's mild climate draws a strong retirement and government-employee buyer base, supporting both downsizer and stable-income files. Heritage Oak Bay and Fairfield homes contrast with Westshore new builds at very different price points. At that price, 20% down is about $205,000, and you’d need roughly $191,000 in household income to qualify at the stress-test rate of 7.04% — the greater of your contract rate + 2% or 5.25%. The legal minimum down here is $77,500 (7.6%) — 5% on the first $500,000 plus 10% on the balance — with a default-insurance premium financed on top: a smaller cash outlay now for a slightly higher monthly payment. We model your exact Victoria numbers — price band, down payment, and the stress test — before you ever write an offer.
