Author: keepitsimplesold-ca

After 18 years guiding Calgary families through the ups and downs of home buying, I’ve seen firsthand how affordability isn’t just about numbers—it’s about what those numbers mean to real people. Canada’s latest affordability reading—about 41% in Q2 2026—marks the 11th quarter of steady improvement, thanks to lower prices, falling borrowing costs, and rising incomes. That’s encouraging, but owning a home still claims about two-fifths of the average household’s income, which keeps the dream out of reach for many. And remember, these stats use average disposable income—not the median—so the reality for most families can feel tougher than the headlines suggest. According to a bank economist, we’re seeing the effects of earlier rate cuts, a significant 20% drop in prices since 2022, and stronger personal incomes. Going forward, though, with only slow gains in income and limited help from interest rates, it’s likely price adjustments will need to do more of the heavy lifting. For those navigating these changes, experience and local knowledge make all the difference—especially in a market as complex as Calgary’s.

After 18 years guiding Calgary families through every housing cycle, I know recovery never feels like a stampede—especially in markets like ours. Recent bank forecasts back this up: while resales across Canada have picked up since early Q2 and inventory is holding steady, the numbers point to a slow and steady path, not a wild upswing. For 2026, resales are expected to dip about 4% to 453,200 homes, with benchmark prices easing 2% to $794,200. In 2027, a modest bounce is on the horizon—resales up 7% to 483,600, prices nudging just under 1% higher to $800,700.

Pent-up demand is real—over 400,000 Canadian households may have held off on forming since 2019, waiting for the right time. The bank notes that affordability, job growth, and renewed confidence will shape what’s next. But with rates likely at their floor and global trade tensions still in play, there’s no guarantee of a boom.

What this means for Calgary? Each family’s move matters. Every decision—whether you’re a first-timer, a renovator, or an investor—deserves careful, local insight. That’s always been my approach: one household, one story at a time.

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation honours survivors and raises awareness about their experiences.
It's a symbol of Canada's commitment to reconciliation with Indigenous communities.
Wearing orange shirts on this day symbolizes respect for survivors and raises awareness about residential schools.
May this day inspire a future where every voice is heard, and every spirit is healed.
Together, we can create a tomorrow filled with hope and endless possibilities.

After nearly two decades guiding families through Calgary’s real estate maze, I know that details like new home warranty can make all the difference. In Alberta, every home built since February 1, 2014 must have warranty coverage—no exceptions. What’s often overlooked: this warranty stays with the property, even after it sells, and kicks in at occupancy, permission to occupy, or title transfer—whichever comes first. Seven providers offer this warranty here, and municipalities won’t grant permits without confirming the builder is licensed and covered, or has valid owner-builder authorization or exemption. Since December 1, 2017, new-home builders need active licenses too. For anyone buying, selling, or listing a home built after February 1, 2014, the warranty must be registered before it can hit the market. As agents, we’re required to verify this coverage, and for buyers, you can always check the property registry for warranty details. These are the kinds of details I watch for—because after 18 years and 300+ listings, I’ve learned how important it is to get the fundamentals right.

After 18 years helping Calgary families navigate every market turn, I’ve learned that recovery in real estate rarely happens in a straight line. The latest forecasts for Canada’s housing market suggest a pathway to recovery by 2027. We’re seeing early signs already: resales are picking up, inventory is holding steady, and home prices are stabilizing. For many local buyers who sat on the sidelines, stronger savings and better job security are finally putting homeownership back within reach.

Looking ahead, the numbers for 2026 point to about 453,000 resales (down 4%) and a 2% dip in benchmark prices to $794,000. But by 2027, modest gains are projected right across the country—including here in Calgary. It’s important to remember, though, that this recovery is expected to be steady, not dramatic. With borrowing costs near their lows and the central bank holding rates, there’s cautious optimism, but global trade and energy shifts could still play their part.

Having turned my own early homebuying setbacks into a passion for guiding others, I know firsthand how confidence and timing matter. Whether you’re buying for the first time or planning your next move, understanding these shifts is key to finding the right moment—and the right place—to call home.

Development fees have always been a big topic for Calgary families navigating the housing market. A recent national housing agency study found that if these fees were cut, around 14% more residential projects could become viable across Canada. That’s a huge potential shift—especially in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, where removing these charges could boost viable projects by about 10%. Toronto, in particular, could even cover half its stated housing supply need this way.

Here in Calgary, development fees are a bit more manageable: about $4,000 for a one-bedroom high-rise and $9,000 for a detached home. Compare that to Vancouver, where fees for similar units can run between $20,000 and $33,000. Of course, these fees help fund essentials like roads, sewers, and city services, so finding the right balance is key. The economist behind the study points out that zero isn’t the answer—but lowering fees, especially on family-sized homes, could make a real difference. In markets where new, larger units often cost more than comparable resale homes, this kind of change could finally give families more real options.

After 18 years helping Calgary families find their place, I’ve seen how every dollar matters—especially when it comes to the dream of a bigger home. It’s insights like these that I keep in mind while guiding clients, whether you’re buying your first property or looking for room to grow.

A quieter pace has settled over Calgary’s real estate scene in Mid-Q3. We saw 1,660 sales—a drop of about 16% from last year—with the residential benchmark price easing to $570,000, reflecting a gentle dip of nearly 1%. Condos are feeling the shift most, with apartment benchmarks at $295,000 (down 8% year-over-year) and row homes at $415,000 after about a 5% yearly decline. Detached homes found their footing around $744,000, just under 1% lower than last year, while semi-detached properties edged up slightly to $691,000.

Inventory has also shifted: 3,140 new listings came to market (down 10% annually), leaving buyers with 6,510 available homes—just a touch less than last year. Activity isn’t the same across the board: higher price ranges have steadied thanks to improved supply, but the entry-level market is seeing renters hold back, with attractive rental options making it harder for some to take the leap into ownership.

Having spent nearly two decades guiding Calgary families through these cycles—from the excitement of a first purchase to renovations and investment opportunities—I know how much the numbers only tell part of the story. For anyone watching these trends and wondering what it means for your next step, experience and a local’s perspective truly matter.