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In this episode of the Victoria Real Estate Podcast, Adrian Maclaren and Vincent Baart sit down with Robinson Smith, Founder & CEO of Smith Manoeuvre Services Corp. and steward of The Smith Manoeuvre™ — one of Canada’s most discussed yet widely misunderstood financial strategies.

Robinson explains how the strategy works, where it came from, and why many homeowners are revisiting it in today’s environment of higher debt levels, changing rates, and affordability pressure. The conversation unpacks common misconceptions, potential risks, who the strategy may (and may not) suit, and how Canadians are thinking differently about mortgages, investing, and long-term wealth creation.

Whether you’re a homeowner, aspiring buyer, or finance professional, this episode provides a clear, practical look at how mortgage structure, tax efficiency, and behavioural discipline intersect in real-world financial planning.

As always, this discussion is educational in nature and not personal financial advice — listeners should consult qualified professionals regarding their specific situation.

Produced by: The CityNest Real Estate Group
Citynest.ca

Robinson Smith

https://smithman.ca/

Adrian Maclaren
250-464-4122
[email protected]
@adrianrealestatevictoria

Vincent Baart
[email protected]

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In this month’s Victoria Real Estate Podcast market update, Adrian Maclaren and Vincent Baart of the CityNest Team are joined by mortgage broker David Steinberg from Olympic Mortgage to break down what’s really happening in the Greater Victoria housing market as we head into 2026.

This episode focuses on a key question many buyers are asking right now: who actually qualifies to buy in Victoria today? We walk through real income requirements for condos, townhomes, and detached homes, explain current mortgage rules, and discuss how debt, down payments, and interest rates impact buying power.

We also dig into January 2026 market data, including sales trends, inventory levels, pricing changes, and how Victoria continues to show resilience compared to other BC markets. On the mortgage side, David shares insights on the broader economy, interest rate expectations, employment uncertainty, and how lenders are viewing risk heading into the year.

If you’re a buyer, seller, investor, or just trying to understand where Victoria real estate is heading, this episode delivers a clear, data-driven snapshot of the market — without the hype.

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Produced by: The CityNest Real Estate Group
Citynest.ca

Adrian Maclaren
250-464-4122
[email protected]
@adrianrealestatevictoria

Vincent Baart
[email protected]

David Steinberg
[email protected]
778.401.4712

Send a text

In this special conference episode of the Victoria Real Estate Podcast, Adrian Maclaren records live from the BC 2030: The Future of BC Real Estate Conference in Vancouver, hosted by the Real Estate Institute of British Columbia.

Adrian is joined by Jada Basi, co-owner and Principal of CitySpaces Consulting, a community planning and infrastructure expert with two decades of experience working in rural, regional, and resource-based communities across Western Canada.

The conversation explores:

• What company towns were and how they shaped British Columbia
• The impact of the Instant Towns Act of 1965 on development
• Why many resource communities now face aging infrastructure and economic challenges
• Why these towns still matter to BC’s economy today
• How Indigenous-led utilities and regional partnerships are changing the future
• What governments, investors, and planners need to do to prepare for the next generation of major projects
• Why the future of BC’s economy may depend more on what we repair than what we build next

Jada also shares practical insights for younger planners and entrepreneurs, plus a few personal picks in a fun rapid-fire closing segment.

If you’re interested in real estate, infrastructure, housing policy, or where British Columbia’s economy is heading next, this episode offers a rare look beyond the major cities and into the communities that quietly support the province.

Produced by: The CityNest Real Estate Group
Citynest.ca

Adrian Maclaren
250-464-4122
[email protected]
@adrianrealestatevictoria

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In this month’s Victoria Real Estate Market Update, Adrian and Vincent from the CityNest team at REMAX are joined once again by mortgage expert David Steinberg to break down everything shaping the local market as we head into the end of 2025.

We cover Victoria’s surprising progress on provincial housing targets, shifting rental prices across Canada, and what new mortgage rules mean for buyers, sellers, and investors in 2026. David gives us the latest on fixed vs. variable trends, rate movement, and renewal strategies as the lending landscape changes.

This episode’s Neighbourhood Highlight dives into the Hillside–Mayfair area — its history, lifestyle, housing options, and what buyers should know before making a move.

And of course, Vince brings the full market breakdown: detached homes heating up, condos staying cool, and the overall market swinging back toward the warm side of balanced.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, investing, or you just want to understand what’s actually happening in Victoria real estate right now — this episode has everything you need.

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Produced by: The CityNest Real Estate Group
Citynest.ca

Adrian Maclaren
250-464-4122
[email protected]
@adrianrealestatevictoria

Vincent Baart
[email protected]

David Steinberg
[email protected]
778.401.4712

Send a text

In this episode, we wrap up our special series on 1789 Emerson — Victoria’s first six-unit Missing Middle development — by zooming out and asking a bigger question: What makes a community truly livable?

We’re joined by Dr. Victoria Barr, an urban planner with 30 years of experience connecting equity, public health, and community design. Victoria brings a thoughtful, human-centred lens to how cities grow, who housing is built for, and why good planning goes far beyond density debates.

Together, we explore:

Why well-being and equity are often overlooked in development

What a “complete community” actually looks like

How design choices can unintentionally exclude people

Why Missing Middle housing matters for Victoria’s future

What 1789 Emerson represents in the bigger picture of smart growth

How affordability, health, and livability intersect

What an equitable Victoria could look like 10 years from now

If you’ve ever wondered how planning, people, and real estate all fit together — or what it takes to build homes and neighbourhoods that genuinely support quality of life — this episode is for you.

For more information about 1789 Emerson: https://www.1789emerson.ca/

250-800-4555 / Email: [email protected]

The Developer: https://missingmiddlesolutions.ca/

Your Hosts:

Produced by: The CityNest Real Estate Group
Citynest.ca

Adrian Maclaren:
250-464-4122
[email protected]
@adrianrealestatevictoria

Vincent Baart:
[email protected]

Send a text

The Victoria Real Estate Podcast team — Adrian Maclaren and Vincent Baart from CityNest at RE/MAX Camosun — are back with another monthly market update, joined by mortgage expert David Steinberg.

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This episode covers:
 🏡 Market Insights: Why sales cooled in July and August after a stronger spring, what the latest stats mean for buyers and sellers, and where prices are trending heading into fall.
💰 Investment Debate: Each host weighs in on the best real estate investment under $1M in today’s market — from fixer-uppers to future development zones.
📈 Mortgage Update: David breaks down the latest 0.25% Bank of Canada rate cut and how it could affect borrowing power and fall demand.
💸 Rental Report: Victoria remains the 5th most expensive rental market in Canada despite national rent declines — we break down why.
📍 Neighbourhood Highlight: Explore Oaklands, one of Victoria’s most family-friendly core neighbourhoods with parks, schools, and a strong community vibe.

Whether you’re a buyer, investor, or just keeping tabs on Victoria’s housing market, this episode gives you a clear picture of where things stand — and where they might go next.

Produced by: The CityNest Real Estate Group
Citynest.ca
Edited by: Daniel Castillo

David Steinberg
[email protected]
778.401.4712

Adrian Maclaren
250-464-4122
[email protected]
@adrianrealestatevictoria

Vincent Baart
[email protected]

Send a text

In this episode of the Victoria Real Estate Podcast, we’re diving into a landmark project that’s reshaping housing in our city—the first-ever 6-unit Missing Middle townhome development at 1789 Emerson.

I’m joined by developer Dale Degagne, CEO of Missing Middle Solutions, and real estate investor/consultant Robert Starkey, founder of Breakwater Developments. Together, we explore the inspiration behind this project, the challenges of building attainable housing, and why developments like Emerson are critical for Victoria’s future.

From navigating zoning hurdles to designing homes that balance affordability with high-quality finishes, Dale and Rob share what it takes to make housing solutions possible. We also discuss who these homes were built for, why they offer incredible value compared to condos, and why now might be the best time to buy.

If you’ve ever wondered what’s really involved in creating attainable housing—or you’re curious if 1789 Emerson could be the right move for you—this is an episode you won’t want to miss.

For more information about 1789 Emerson: https://www.1789emerson.ca/

250-800-4555 / Email: [email protected]

The Developer: https://missingmiddlesolutions.ca/

Your Hosts:

Produced by: The CityNest Real Estate Group
Citynest.ca
Edited by: Daniel Castillo

Adrian Maclaren:
250-464-4122
[email protected]
@adrianrealestatevictoria

Vincent Baart:
[email protected]

Jocelyn Cseff
604-907-2074
[email protected]

Send a text

This month, the Victoria Real Estate Podcast — Adrian Maclaren, Vincent Baart, Jocelyn Cseff, and mortgage broker David Steinberg — break down the latest trends shaping Victoria’s real estate market. From sales momentum to a brand-new downtown hotel project, here’s what you’ll hear in this episode:

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🏡 Market Debate: Best Investment Under $750K

• Adrian, Vince, David, and Jocelyn share their picks — from fixer-uppers to townhomes with rental potential.
• Practical examples of listings that fit today’s market.

💰 Mortgage Update with David Steinberg

• Fixed vs variable: which makes more sense right now?
• Hybrid mortgage options explained.
• How today’s bond yields and inflation trends are influencing rates.

🏨 Real Estate News: First New Victoria Hotel in 20 Years

• Hyatt-branded 8-storey, 167-room hotel breaks ground downtown.
• $14.9M annual economic impact and ~94,000 new visitors expected.
• Why more hotel projects are in the pipeline for Greater Victoria.

📍 Neighbourhood Spotlight: View Royal

• Family-friendly, affordable, and rich in history.
• Home to Thetis Lake, Galloping Goose Trail, and Victoria General Hospital.
• Why View Royal is gaining popularity among buyers.

📊 Summer 2025 Market Update Highlights

• 761 sales in June → up ~100 from last year.
• Sales fully recovered from early 2025 slowdown.
• Record-high new listings for June, but lots of “recycled” inventory.
• Market warming up → now on the warm side of balanced. (especially in SFD)
• Prices stable overall; condos dipped slightly.

Produced by: The CityNest Real Estate Group
Citynest.ca
Edited by: Daniel Castillo

David Steinberg
[email protected]
778.401.4712

Adrian Maclaren
250-464-4122
[email protected]
@adrianrealestatevictoria

Vincent Baart
[email protected]

Jocelyn Cseff
604-907-2074

👉 Whether you’re buying, selling, or just keeping an eye on the market, this episode gives you the insights you need to stay ahead.

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In this episode of the Victoria Real Estate Podcast, host Adrian Maclaren, alongside Vincent Baart and Jocelyn Cseff from the CityNest Team at RE/MAX Camosun, sits down with Matt Rasmussen — CEO of Rolling Tides Construction, co-owner of Rolling Tides Developments and Northshore Haven, and founder of Ruth’s Ice Bucket Challenge for ALS.

We dive deep into Matt’s inspiring journey from tradesman to developer, his philosophy on building with purpose, and how his team brought 1789 Emerson — Victoria’s first six-plex Missing Middle townhome development — to life.

You’ll hear behind-the-scenes stories about the challenges, innovations, and unique features of these brand-new 2–3 bedroom townhomes priced between $775K–$825K in the heart of the Jubilee neighborhood.

From construction details you won’t see on a walkthrough, to Matt’s thoughts on the future of housing in Victoria, this episode offers insight, inspiration, and a closer look at a project that could mark a turning point in the city’s housing market.

Whether you’re a homebuyer, investor, or simply curious about where Victoria real estate is headed, this conversation is packed with value — and a few fun, unexpected moments along the way.

Learn more at www.yyjrealestatepodcast.com

For more information about Rolling Tides Construction:

Matt Rasmussen

https://www.rollingtidesconstruction.ca/

@rollingtidesconstruction

@ruthsicebucketchallenge

Your Hosts:

Produced by: The CityNest Real Estate Group
Citynest.ca
Edited by: Daniel Castillo

Adrian Maclaren:
250-464-4122
[email protected]
@adrianrealestatevictoria

Vincent Baart:
[email protected]

Jocelyn Cseff
604-907-2074
[email protected]

Send a text

Welcome back to another Monthly Market Update episode of the Victoria Real Estate Podcast! This week, your hosts Adrian Maclaren, Vincent Baart, and Jocelyn Cseff from the CityNest team at RE/MAX Camosun are joined by returning guest and mortgage expert David Steinberg.

We’re covering everything from:

• The latest real estate stats for May and June
• Shifting affordability in BC’s rental market
• Mortgage strategies in today’s environment
• And… what we’d each buy if we had $500K to invest

Plus, we share a few laughs, stories from the past week (including Adrian’s first Indian wedding experience), and give a special shoutout to our first-ever sponsor, Canine Car Care!

🔹 Episode Highlights

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🏡 Market Update Rundown

📊 June 2025 Overview

• 3 years since the 2022 peak — market still down moderately
• No major crash, but buyers from 2021/22 are feeling it
• Inflation + wage growth are improving long-term affordability
• Victoria's low unemployment and purpose-built rental focus = supply remains in check
• We're likely still 2–5 years away from full price recovery based on historical condo corrections

💰 Affordability Outlook

• Affordability has improved since 2022, but not enough for a rebound
• Any recovery will likely be slow unless:
  • Interest rates drop significantly
  • New construction stays limited

💬 Is Now the Time to Buy?

• Short-term gains unlikely (especially condos)
• But for long-term buyers, current conditions may offer value

🏢 May 2025 Market Recap

• 758 sales (flat YoY when adjusted for business days)
• Strong new listings — highest trend in 15 years, but mostly recycled inventory
• Market balance improved slightly in May
• Detached prices holding, condos slipped again
• Interest rate decision pending — variable-rate demand now at 44%

📉 BC Renters Report Discussion

• Only 53% of renters plan to buy eventually; just 16% in next 2 years
• 59% spend 1/3+ of income on rent; 25% spend over half
• 44% are saving for down payments; 26% working second jobs
• Rents in Victoria remain high:
  • 1-bed: $2,160 | 2-bed: $2,890
• Tenants gaining power, but rent drops may have bottomed out
• 56% of renters support more affordable housing

💼 Mortgage Segment with David Steinberg

• Fixed vs variable is nearly a toss-up right now
• Bond yields up slightly (oil), but no rate impact yet
• David leans fixed — but variable could save ¼ interest if rates drop
• Hybrid mortgages now trending — combine fixed + variable + HELOC
  • Only available through big banks, not monolines
• Strategic mortgage planning more important than ever

🏘️ What Would You Buy for $500K?

Your hosts and guest debate the best real estate investment under $500K:

• What types of properties would we choose?
• Which areas would we target?
• Is cash flow still king in 2025?

📍 Neighbourhood Highlight: Esquimalt

• Local community spotlight
• What’s changing, what’s coming, and why it might be worth a closer look

Thanks for tuning in!
 📲 Follow us on Instagram @Victoriarealestatepodcast
 🌐 Connect with us at citynest.ca