By Theresa Jennings, Broker/Owner of Revolve Realty Group Inc., serving Calgary and surrounding communities since 2006.
The Calgary real estate market is changing — but this isn’t a crash story.
After several years of intense seller-driven conditions, Calgary is transitioning into a more balanced market. Buyers are gaining more options, inventory is rising, and pricing growth has slowed across several property types.
At the same time, global economic uncertainty, ongoing Middle East tensions, fluctuating interest rates, and strengthening oil prices are creating a very different environment than what economists were forecasting earlier this year.
So what does all of this actually mean if you’re buying, selling, investing, or planning a move in Calgary?
Let’s break it down.
Calgary Is No Longer in a Frenzied Seller’s Market
For the past three years, Calgary sellers had the upper hand:
Low inventory
Multiple offers
Rapid price growth
Buyers competing aggressively
But the market is now normalizing.
More listings are hitting the market.
Builders dramatically increased construction.
Buyers have become more cautious.
And many sellers are discovering that pricing strategy matters again.
This shift doesn’t mean Calgary is weak — it means we are moving toward a healthier, more balanced market.
Inventory Has Increased Across Calgary
One of the biggest changes in 2026 is supply.
We are seeing:
More resale listings
Record apartment construction
Increased rental inventory
More choice for buyers overall
This is especially noticeable in:
Condos
Apartment-style properties
Some townhome segments
Investor-heavy areas
Buyers now have more negotiating power than they’ve had in years.
For sellers, preparation, presentation, and accurate pricing are becoming critical again.
Detached Homes Continue to Hold Strongest
While some property types are softening, detached homes continue to show the most stability overall.
Why?
Limited new detached supply
Calgary remains affordable compared to Toronto and Vancouver
Continued migration into Alberta
Strong long-term demand for family housing
Well-priced detached homes in desirable communities are still moving — especially properties that show well and are positioned correctly from day one.
Condos and Rentals Face More Pressure
The condo market is experiencing the most competition right now.
A large amount of new apartment and rental inventory has entered the market, giving buyers and renters more choices.
As a result:
Condo price growth has softened
Rental vacancy rates are rising
Rent increases are slowing
Investors are becoming more selective
This doesn’t mean condos are a bad investment — but strategy and location matter more than ever.
Certain areas are outperforming others significantly.
Oil Prices Could Become a Major Wildcard for Calgary
One major factor that has changed since the original forecasts earlier this year is the global geopolitical environment.
Ongoing tensions in the Middle East are putting upward pressure on oil prices, and historically, stronger energy markets tend to support Alberta’s economy.
If oil prices continue rising, Calgary could benefit through:
Increased energy investment
Stronger employment growth
Improved consumer confidence
Renewed migration into Alberta
This is why Calgary’s housing market may remain more resilient than many other Canadian cities despite broader economic uncertainty.
Interest Rates Are Still a Major Factor
Many buyers were hoping for aggressive interest rate cuts in 2026.
So far, that hasn’t fully happened.
Rates remain elevated compared to the ultra-low borrowing environment people became used to years ago.
This means:
Affordability still matters
Buyers are more payment-sensitive
Sellers must price realistically
Financing conditions are shaping purchasing decisions
The market today is being driven more by supply and demand fundamentals — not cheap money.
What This Means for Buyers
For buyers, this market creates opportunities:
More inventory
Less competition
More time to make decisions
Greater negotiating ability
Better conditions for inspections and financing
In many cases, buyers can now secure homes without the extreme pressure we saw over the past few years.
What This Means for Sellers
For sellers, strategy matters more than ever.
The homes that sell fastest and strongest today are:
Properly priced
Professionally marketed
Well prepared
Positioned correctly online
Backed by a clear launch strategy
The days of simply putting a sign on the lawn and expecting multiple offers immediately are becoming less common in many price ranges and property types.
Final Thoughts: Calgary Remains One of Canada’s Strongest Long-Term Markets
Despite shifting conditions, Calgary continues to stand out nationally for:
Relative affordability
Economic opportunity
Population growth
Lifestyle
Long-term investment potential
The market is evolving — not collapsing.
And in changing markets, having the right strategy matters more than ever.
Whether you’re buying, selling, downsizing, relocating, or investing, understanding your specific segment of the market is key.
If you’d like personalized advice based on your home, neighbourhood, or goals, I’d be happy to help.
— Theresa Jennings
Broker/Owner, Revolve Realty Group Inc.
Calgary, Alberta
