Nanaimo Real Estate Market Update – October 2026 Newsletter

Nanaimo Real Estate Market Update: October 2026

Fall has arrived on Vancouver Island, and so has our October newsletter. Inside you’ll find the latest VIREB market numbers, our current listings, things to do around Nanaimo this month, a cozy soup recipe, and a quick checklist to get your home ready for the rainy season.

What the September Numbers Mean for Buyers and Sellers

The Vancouver Island Real Estate Board (VIREB) reported 562 unit sales in September. That’s down 13% from last year and 14% from August. At the same time, there were 4,457 active listings, up 4% from a year ago.

What this means: Sales have slowed and inventory is slightly higher, so buyers have more homes to choose from and more time to make decisions than they did a year ago. That’s a real advantage if you’ve been waiting for less competition.

For sellers, it means pricing and presentation matter more than ever. Homes that are priced right from day one and look their best online are still selling. Overpriced homes are the ones sitting.

Here’s how September broke down by property type:

• Single-family homes: 279 sold, down 8% from last year and 6% from last month
• Condo apartments: 55 sold, down 7% from last year and 21% from last month
• Row/townhouses: 50 sold, down 36% from last year and 37% from last month

Single-family homes held up best. The drop in townhouse sales stands out, which could mean opportunity for buyers looking in that segment. Keep in mind these are board-wide numbers covering the whole VIREB region. Prices and pace vary a lot by neighbourhood, so if you’re thinking about buying or selling in Nanaimo, Lantzville or Parksville, we’re happy to pull numbers specific to your area.

Featured Luxury Listing: 5084 Banning Court, Nanaimo

This stunning custom home sits on 1.15 private acres in prestigious Arbutus Rock in North Nanaimo. It has 6 bedrooms, 4 bathrooms and 5,440 sq ft, with panoramic ocean and mountain views.

Highlights include open-concept living, a spacious primary suite, an entertainment area with a bar and games room, and three fireplaces. Outside, you’ll find landscaped gardens, water features, gazebos and a greenhouse. It offers privacy, elegance and West Coast living at its finest.

Check out 5084 Banning Court

More Featured Listings from T & T Real Estate Team

• 2404 Glenayr Dr, Nanaimo
• 1600 Stroulger Rd #217, Nanoose Bay
• 6160 Dover Rd, Nanaimo
• 1572 Seabird Rd #24, Nanaimo
• 10750 Central Lake Rd #12, Port Alberni
• Lot 13 Longview Pl, Nanaimo

Browse all Nanaimo homes for sale →

What’s Happening in Nanaimo This October

• Oct. 18: Cedar Farmers Market at Woodbank School
• Oct. 20: Open Mic Night at White Sails Brewing
• Oct. 23: The Haunting of Beban House at Beban Park
• Oct. 25: Nanoose Bay Halloween Walk at BumbleBee Farm & Garden
• Oct. 30: Haunting the Undermined Zone at Nanaimo Art Gallery
• Oct. 31: HalloQueen Dance Party at Nanaimo Curling Club

Around Town: Our Fall Picks

Cooler days are here, but there’s still plenty to enjoy around Nanaimo. Visit a pumpkin patch, take in the fall colours on a walk around Westwood Lake, or browse downtown shops and cafés. On rainy days, spend an afternoon exploring the Nanaimo Museum.

Is Your Home Ready for the Rainy Season?

West Coast winters are hard on homes. A little prep now can save you from expensive repairs later:

• Clean gutters and downspouts. Clogs cause leaks.
• Check your roof for moss, a year-round West Coast issue.
• Book your furnace or heat pump service.
• Clear drains and watch for pooling water outside.
• Stock up for outages: flashlights, batteries and water.

Recipe of the Month: Creamy Roasted Butternut Squash Soup

Ingredients: 1 medium butternut squash (3 lbs), peeled and cubed; 1 onion, chopped; 3 garlic cloves; 2 tbsp olive oil; 3 cups chicken or vegetable broth; ½ cup heavy cream; 2 tbsp maple syrup; ½ tsp cinnamon; ¼ tsp nutmeg; ¼ tsp ground ginger; salt and pepper; pumpkin seeds for garnish.

Instructions:

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F. Toss squash, onion and garlic with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast 30–35 minutes until tender.
2. Transfer to a pot. Add broth, maple syrup, cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Blend until smooth.
3. Simmer over medium-low heat. Stir in the cream and cook 5 minutes. Add more broth to thin if needed.
4. Adjust seasoning and serve warm, garnished with pumpkin seeds or a swirl of cream.

Thank You, Nanaimo!

We’re honoured to receive Platinum in the Real Estate Agents category of the 2026 Community Votes Nanaimo Awards, for the second year in a row. Thank you for your continued support. It means the world to us.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is now a good time to buy a home in Nanaimo?
With sales down and inventory up compared to last year, buyers have more choice and less competition than they’ve had in a while. The right time depends on your situation, and we’re happy to walk you through your options.

Should I sell my Nanaimo home this fall?
Serious buyers are still active in the fall, and there’s often less competition from other sellers. The key is pricing accurately from day one. We’ll give you an honest, data-backed opinion of value.

What areas does T & T Real Estate Team serve?
We help buyers and sellers in Nanaimo, Lantzville, Nanoose Bay, Parksville, Qualicum Beach, Ladysmith, Duncan and across Central Vancouver Island.

Thinking About Buying or Selling on Vancouver Island?

With T & T Real Estate Team, you get two experienced Realtors working together on every move, combining strong negotiation with personal, one-on-one service.

Tina Gonzalez: 778-837-1144
Tim Webb: 250-240-3222
Email: info@islandhomes4you.com

Get your free home value estimate →

T & T Real Estate Team – Island Homes 4 You | Stonehaus Realty, Nanaimo, BC