Moving From Vancouver to Vancouver Island: Why More Families Are Choosing to Build Their Custom Home Here in 2025–26

Over the past few years, a major shift has taken place in British Columbia: Vancouver families are increasingly choosing to relocate to Vancouver Island — and many are building custom homes instead of competing in the mainland’s stressful real estate market.

Whether it’s the cost savings, lifestyle, space, or pace… the Island is becoming the top destination for people looking for a better way of living.

Build a home where life feels like this — every day.

As a veteran-owned boutique custom home builder based on South Vancouver Island, I’ve seen this trend firsthand. Nearly half of our inquiries now come from Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, North Van, and the Tri-Cities.

This guide lays out exactly why so many people are leaving Vancouver, why Vancouver Island is becoming the new hotspot, and what you should know if you’re planning a custom build here.

1. Your Vancouver Home Gives You the Leverage to Build Something Better

For many mainland families, the decision becomes obvious once you run the numbers.

Sell a Vancouver home → Build a custom home on Vancouver Island → Pocket the difference

A typical scenario I see regularly:

• Sell a Vancouver detached home for $1.5M–$2.3M

• Buy a view lot in Sooke, Langford, or Mill Bay for $350k–$650k

• Build a high-quality custom home for $700k–$1.1M

• Keep $300k–$500k+ in equity or invest/spend on lifestyle

Compared to Vancouver’s extremely competitive market, this shift gives homeowners:

✔ A new, modern home

✔ On a larger lot

✔ With ocean or mountain views

✔ Designed exactly for their family

✔ Without taking on a major new mortgage

This is one of the main reasons relocation clients say:

“Why didn’t we do this sooner?”

2. You Get Space, Privacy & Nature — Without Leaving Civilization

Moving to Vancouver Island doesn’t mean giving up access to everything you love.

South Vancouver Island gives you:

• Ocean-view neighborhoods

• Larger lots

• Quiet streets

• Lakes, parks, and trails everywhere

• Family-friendly communities

• Access to all amenities within minutes

In areas like:

• Sooke

• Langford

• Mill Bay

• Shawnigan Lake

• Cobble Hill

• Metchosin / East Sooke

  
  

You can choose your pace of life — quiet and private or central and active.

3. Many Vancouver Families Want a Home That Fits Their Lifestyle — Not the Market

Vancouver real estate often forces families into compromise:

• Smaller lots

• Less privacy

• Layouts that don’t work

• Older homes needing renovations

• Limited parking

• No yard

• No space for multi-generational living

Building on Vancouver Island lets you design your life:

Common features Vancouver clients ask for:

• Rancher-style homes

• Large windows with mountain/ocean views

• Chef-style kitchens

• Multi-generational suites

• Oversized garages

• Outdoor living spaces

• Spa-like bathrooms

• Home offices

• Gyms and wellness areas

• EV-ready garages

• Energy-efficient Step Code designs

Instead of “making it work,” you design what truly fits.

Where breathtaking views don’t require a mainland budget.

4. The Pace of Life Is Better — Slower, Kinder, and More Family-Oriented

This is the most emotional reason people give me when they move here.

"Vancouver Island feels different."

Families tell me they want:

• A quieter pace

• Stronger sense of community

• More time outdoors

• Better work–life balance

• A place for their kids to grow up connected to nature

Whether you’re paddleboarding on Shawnigan Lake, hiking around Sooke, or grabbing coffee in Langford, every day just feels a little less rushed.

5. A New Home on the Island Means Lower Stress, Maintenance & Operating Costs

Older mainland homes often come with:

• Aging roofs

• Old plumbing

• Inefficient heating systems

• Small rooms

• Limited insulation

• Renovations that never quite end

A brand-new home can save thousands per year.

New builds follow BC Energy Step Code:

• Better insulation

• High-efficiency heat pumps

• Lower hydro bills

• Reduced carbon footprint

• More comfortable year-round

  
  

Plus, you won’t be dealing with:

• Mold issues

• 1960s crawlspaces

• Leaky basements

• Outdated electrical

  
  

For many relocators, this alone is worth it.

6. Your Money Goes Further — Without Sacrificing Quality

You’re not downsizing your life — you’re upgrading it.

On Vancouver Island, your budget gets you:

• A lot more house

• A lot more land

• A better lifestyle

• A brand-new build

• A design tailored for you

  
  

For the price of a Vancouver teardown, you can build something beautiful here.

7. The Building Process Is Simpler and More Personal

Most Vancouver clients say the same thing:

“I expected this to feel complicated — but it’s been simple.”

, Here’s what relocation clients appreciate most:

✔ Direct communication with me (the owner), not a sales rep

✔ Transparent cost-plus structure with real invoices

✔ Client portal with photos, budget, and schedule

✔ Daily on-site presence from the owner

✔ One-on-one guidance through design and permitting

✔ Only 1–2 builds at a time — full attention to your home

This boutique model is what gives clients the confidence to build from a distance.

8. A Strong Community of Vancouver Transplants Is Already Here

You won’t be alone.

In Sooke, Langford, Shawnigan, and Mill Bay, it's normal to meet people who:

• Sold in Vancouver

• Wanted more freedom

• Built new

• Never looked back

This growing trend is strengthening schools, businesses, and community amenities across the South Island.

Thinking of Making the Move? Here’s How to Start

If you’re considering relocating from Vancouver and building on Vancouver Island:

1. Book a discovery call

We’ll talk about your goals, budget, timing, and preferred locations.

2. Explore ideal neighborhoods

I’ll connect you with Sari (Jessari Realty Group), who specializes in finding building lots.

3. Review a high-level design & budget

I’ll create an early concept plan + cost estimate for free.

4. Move into the Design & Estimate Phase

A $1,500 detailed design package gives you:

• Full building plans

• A comprehensive budget

• A clear pathway forward

  
  

5. Build your home stress-free

I stay on-site daily. You stay informed through the client portal. We build your home with care, transparency, and craftsmanship.

Final Thoughts

Moving from Vancouver to Vancouver Island is a major life upgrade — financially, emotionally, and lifestyle-wise.

If you're ready to explore what building a home on the Island could look like, I’d be happy to guide you through every step.

Ready to explore building your custom home on Vancouver Island?

Book your free consultation today — and let’s talk about what’s possible.

Start Your Stress-Free Home Consultation →