Selling your home in Greater Victoria is both a major decision and an exciting journey. Whether you’re upsizing, downsizing, or relocating, one of the most common questions sellers ask is: “How long does the selling process really take?” The truth is, timelines can vary depending on your property, the neighbourhood, and current market conditions.

To help you prepare, this guide breaks down each stage of the selling process—from getting your home ready to handing over the keys—so you’ll know exactly what to expect in the Victoria real estate market.

Step 1: Pre-Listing Preparation (1–2 weeks)

Before your home hits the MLS, there’s important groundwork to cover. Preparing your property properly can help it stand out and sell faster—especially in competitive areas like Fairfield, Oak Bay, or the Westshore.

Key tasks include:

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  Choosing the Right Realtor
  Partner with a local expert who knows Greater Victoria inside and out. A strong marketing strategy and a proven track record make all the difference in getting top dollar for your home.

  
  


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  Repairs & Staging
  From fresh paint to curb appeal, small updates can go a long way. Professional staging may also be recommended to highlight your home’s best features and attract more buyers.

  
  


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  Photography & Marketing Prep
  High-resolution photos, virtual tours, and floor plans are essential—especially for out-of-town buyers considering a move to the Island. Your home will be marketed across multiple platforms including MLS, Realtor.ca, and social media.

  
  

This preparation phase typically takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how much work is needed to get your home market-ready.

Step 2: Listing on the Market (1–4 weeks)

With your home ready, it's time to go live. The listing phase is when buyers begin booking showings and attending open houses.

What to expect during this stage:

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  Market Conditions
  In a strong seller’s market, homes in popular areas like James Bay or Gordon Head can receive offers within days. In a slower market, it may take a few weeks to attract serious interest.

  
  


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  Showings & Open Houses
  Be prepared for showings on short notice. Open houses are also a great way to bring in a wider pool of potential buyers.

  
  


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  Offer Timeline
  When offers start coming in, you typically have 24–48 hours to review them. Your Realtor will guide you through evaluating each one carefully.

  
  

On average, homes in Greater Victoria spend anywhere from 1 to 4 weeks on the market—though some well-priced listings can sell much faster.

Step 3: Negotiation & Accepting an Offer (1–2 weeks)

Once offers are in, it’s time to negotiate the best deal. Whether you receive one offer or multiple, your agent will help you make informed decisions.

Key considerations:

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  Multiple Offers
  Hot properties—especially in sought-after neighbourhoods—can attract multiple buyers and even spark bidding wars.

  
  


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  Conditions & Terms
  Common conditions include financing, home inspection, and insurance approval. You may choose to accept, reject, or counter any offer.

  
  


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  Acceptance
  Once terms are agreed upon, you’ll sign off and the due diligence period begins.

  
  

This negotiation phase usually lasts 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how quickly terms are finalized.

Step 4: Conditions & Buyer’s Due Diligence (1–3 weeks)

With an accepted offer in place, the buyer begins verifying all aspects of the property.

This stage may include:

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  Home Inspection
  The buyer’s inspector will assess your home. You may be asked to address any major concerns before moving forward.

  
  


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  Financing Approval
  The buyer’s mortgage lender will finalize their financing, which can take several business days.

  
  


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  Title Review & Legal Checks
  Lawyers or notaries will confirm there are no issues with the property’s title or ownership.

  
  

This phase generally lasts between 1 to 3 weeks, though it can be shorter with well-prepared buyers.

Step 5: Closing the Sale (1–2 weeks)

With all conditions removed, the sale is almost complete. This final stretch involves legal paperwork and transferring ownership.

Final tasks include:

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  Legal Documentation
  Your lawyer or notary will prepare all closing documents, including the title transfer and seller’s statement of adjustments.

  
  


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  Final Walkthrough
  Buyers will typically revisit the property to confirm everything is as expected.

  
  


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  Closing Costs
  As the seller, you’ll be responsible for commission fees, legal fees, and any outstanding property taxes or utility bills.

  
  

The closing process usually takes 1 to 2 weeks, depending on how smoothly all final details are coordinated.

Estimated Total Timeline: 6 to 10 Weeks

From start to finish, the average home sale in Greater Victoria takes about 6 to 10 weeks. However, this can vary depending on how quickly your home sells, how prepared your buyers are, and the overall market climate.

For instance:

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  A move-in-ready home in a prime Victoria neighbourhood could sell in just a couple of weeks.

  
  


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  Homes requiring more preparation or priced above market trends might take longer.

  
  

Final Thoughts: A Smooth Sale Starts with the Right Guidance

Selling a home doesn’t have to be overwhelming. By understanding each stage of the process and working with a knowledgeable local Realtor like Janine Thomson, you’ll be better equipped to make informed decisions, avoid delays, and maximize your home’s value.

Whether you’re selling a character home in Fernwood or a modern condo in Langford, Janine is here to support you every step of the way.