Down payment burden eases in Calgary for first-time homebuyers

After nearly two decades guiding Calgary families through every twist and turn of the housing market, I’ve seen firsthand how challenging saving for a down payment can feel—especially for first-time buyers. There’s some encouraging news: Calgary’s home prices have actually declined over the past two years, helping tip the balance back toward affordability. By 2026, first-time buyers will need about eight years to save up a 20% down payment on a $750,500 home. While prices did climb in 2024 and 2025, rising incomes are helping to offset those increases, making the dream of homeownership a little more attainable. Having weathered the ups and downs of this market myself, I always look for these turning points—because they can mean real opportunity for new buyers ready to plant roots in our city.