Calgary's real estate market in early 2026 is balanced, offering buyers greater choice and negotiation power, especially for condos and row homes. With inventory rising and price growth cooling in certain segments, now is an opportune time to buy, provided you are vigilant for common property red flags.

Key Takeaways

• Market Status: The overall Calgary market is balanced, moving away from previous seller's conditions. Buyers have more leverage and time for due diligence.

• Segment Variation: Detached homes remain more resilient, while apartment condos and row-style homes have higher supply and softer prices, offering the best opportunities for buyers.

• Structural Concerns: Look for signs of structural issues like foundation cracks larger than a quarter-inch, sloping floors, or windows/doors that stick, which indicate significant and costly problems.

• Hidden Damage: Be wary of musty odors, water stains, or fresh paint used to cover up cracks, as these can signal long-term water damage, mold, or poor repairs.

• System Age: Note the age and condition of major systems like the roof, electrical panel, and plumbing, as replacements are expensive and can be a major unexpected cost.

• Professional Inspection: The number one tip is to hire an independent, qualified home inspector to uncover issues that may be missed during a casual viewing.

Spotting Red Flags When Viewing Properties

• Foundation and Structure: Check for horizontal or stair-step cracks in the foundation, which are more serious than hairline settling cracks. Uneven floors or doors that do not close properly are also major warning signs of structural shifts.

• Water Damage and Pests :Inspect under sinks, around windows, and in the basement for water stains, mold, or a persistent musty smell. Also, look for signs of pest infestations, such as droppings or damage, as remediation can be extensive.

• Mechanical Systems and Maintenance: Ensure the electrical and plumbing systems are in good working order. Outdated wiring or low water pressure can be costly to fix. A home that appears poorly maintained often has deeper, hidden issues due to long-term neglect.

By staying informed about current market dynamics and potential property pitfalls, you can make a smart, confident purchase in Calgary's stabilizing market.

Are you interested in a deeper dive into specific negotiation tactics for the current market conditions?

For further explanation how I can help you sell/buy/invest properties in Calgary, call me, CLARA NGUYEN at +1 778 836 2495.  I would be happy to discuss your specific situation and put you on my real estate listing search, so that you can be the first to find out about new listings that match your specific criteria.  If you would like more information about the process of purchasing real estate, visit my website at https://claranguyen-homes.ca/ or e-mail me at claranguyen@cirrealty.ca

Home renovations can increase property value, but in the Calgary real estate market, the wrong upgrades can actually lower your home’s resale potential.

Over-personalized designs, removing bedrooms,

Low-quality DIY renovations,

Or eliminating key features like garages and functional kitchens can reduce buyer interest.

In Calgary, it’s also important to renovate in line with neighborhood property values, as over-improving may not always bring a higher return.

Before starting any renovation project, understanding current Calgary buyer trends can help protect and maximize your home’s value.

Calgary, Alberta, Jan. 2, 2026 – Following several years of strong price growth, 2025 marked a year of transition thanks to strong demand and limited supply. Due to record high starts, supply levels improved across all aspects of the housing market, just as demand pressure eased due to a reduction in migration levels and heightened uncertainty that persisted throughout the spring market. This helped shift the resale market from one that favoured the seller to one that was more balanced. In 2025, sales reached 22,751 units, down 16 per cent over last year, but in-line with long-term trends. Much of the shift came from the growth in supply. 2025 saw over 40,000 new listings come onto the market, nine per cent higher than last year, causing inventories to rise and driving more balanced conditions.

“Supply levels were expected to rise in 2025. However, the growth was higher than expected especially for apartment condominium and row homes. This weighed on prices in those sectors enough to offset the annual gains reported for both detached and semi-detached homes,” said AnnMarie Lurie, CREB®’s Chief Economist. "Adjustments in both supply and demand varied across the city, with pockets of the market continuing to experience seller’s market conditions versus some areas where the conditions favoured the buyer. This resulted in different price trends based on location, price range and property type.

” Overall, the annual average total residential benchmark price in 2025 was $577,492, two per cent lower than last year’s annual average. However, annual detached and semi-detached prices rose by a respective one and three per cent, while apartment and row homes saw prices fall by a respective three and two per cent.

Compared to other districts, the North East reported the largest decline in prices this year. While some of this is related to improved supply across all areas of the city, it is also important to note that the North East district also reported the strongest price growth over the past two years. For the first time in three years, we are heading into the New Year with better inventory levels. Details on what is expected to happen in the market in 2026 will be released at CREB®’s annual.

Published by CREB

Slow start for high-density homes

Calgary, Alberta, Feb. 2, 2026 – Calgary reported 1,234 sales in January, a year-over-year decline of 15 per cent, but in line with typical levels of activity for the month. While sales declined across all property types, the steepest declines occurred in higher-density homes.

“Following the typical December slowdown, potential buyers for high-density homes were more hesitant to return to the market in January, as increased supply choice across all aspects of the market has reduced the sense of urgency,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB®’s Chief Economist. “At the same time, sellers were quick to bring their listings onto the market, causing the sales-to-new-listings ratio to drop to 44 per cent, mostly due to shifts in apartment and row-style homes. Overall, this is not entirely uncommon for January, as both buyers and sellers weigh their options ahead of the spring market.”

The rise in new listings compared to sales caused inventory levels to increase to 4,391 units, the highest January level since 2020. However, as with sales, conditions vary by property type, with row and apartment homes facing higher levels of inventory compared to longterm trends. The result is months of supply that ranges from under three months in the detached sector to five months for apartment-style homes.

Due to declines in the later part of 2025, benchmark prices are lower than levels reported at the start of last year. However, seasonally adjusted figures point to stable levels in January compared to the end of 2025. Nonetheless, year-over-year total residential benchmark prices have declined by nearly five per cent, as steep declines reported in the oversupplied row- and apartment-style homes weighed on total residential prices compared to last year.

Published by CREB

We’re excited to officially kick off the 2026 CIR Realty Contest Series today with the launch of our first giveaway! The Shuswap Family Houseboat Adventure Giveaway is now live and open for entries until March 15th.

Shuswap Family Houseboat Adventure

Cruise, Splash & Explore 

From January 5th - March 15th, 2026

Set sail on the ultimate family getaway with a $3,000 houseboat vacation in the heart of the Shuswap. This prize can cover a full houseboat trip that sleeps up to 10 guests, making it ideal for two families or larger family groups. With flexible season options ranging from summer holidays to extended low-season stays, the gift certificate can also be used toward an upgraded boat or longer stay, giving you the freedom to tailor the experience to your group.

Should you require any further information regarding the campaign, please feel free to contact Clara Nguyen at 778 836 2495. You can register Clara Nguyen as your designated contact realtor so she may coordinate with you should you be selected as the prize winner.

• Contest Entry Link: 

  • https://www.cirrealty.ca/contest

    
    

1. Make a “I’ll Miss List!” 

2. Know the Facts! 

3. Recent Repairs

4. Replace Light Bulbs

5. Remove Any Heirlooms or Keepsakes

6. Clean the Gutters and Add Extensions Where Needed

7. Hire a Building Inspection

8. Don’t appear to Anxious

9. Have Your House Appraised

10. Call Me If You Have Questions

This article has been written by John D. Mayfield ABR, ABRM, GRI, e-PRO, CRB

For further explanation how I can help you sell/buy/invest properties in Calgary, call me, CLARA NGUYEN at +1 778 836 2495.  I would be happy to discuss your specific situation and put you on my real estate listing search, so that you can be the first to find out about new listings that match your specific criteria.  If you would like more information about the process of purchasing real estate, visit my website at https://claranguyen-homes.ca/ or e-mail me at claranguyen@cirrealty.ca

1.     Your Property Was Priced Too High! 

2.     Your Property Was Not Listed On The Multiple Listing Service (MLS®). 

3.     Lack of Staging

4.     Photos

5.     Lack of Facts

6.     Lack of Open Houses

7.     Working with the Neighbors

8.     No Internet Presence

9.     Communication

10.  Dramatic Change in Market Conditions

Don’t be discouraged if your home did not sell the first go around.  Make sure your property is priced correctly; follow these suggestions, have a positive outlook and I’m certain your property will sell. 

Sometimes a fresh new sign, a new marketing plan and a change of perspective can be a good thing for everyone involved.  If you think you might be ready for a new plan and some fresh ideas, I would love to visit with you.  Feel free to call me at CLARA NGUYEN– 778 836 2495. 

Step 1 - REALTOR® Interviews and the Comparative Market Analysis (CMA)

Step 2 - Document & Material Preparation 

Step 3 - Home Preparation 

Step 4 - The Listing Documents 

Step 5 - Marketing 

Step 6 - Showings 

Step 7 - Strategy Assessment 

Step 8 - Offer & Negotiation 

Step 9 - Conditions 

Step 10 - Preparation for Possession 

Step 11 - Closing and Possession

For further explanation how I can help you sell/buy/invest properties in Calgary, call me, CLARA NGUYEN at +1 778 836 2495.  I would be happy to discuss your specific situation and put you on my real estate listing search, so that you can be the first to find out about new listings that match your specific criteria.  If you would like more information about the process of purchasing real estate, visit my website at https://claranguyen-homes.ca/ or e-mail me at claranguyen@cirrealty.ca

1.       Leverage: Use borrowed money (debt) to potentially amplify investment returns and control more property with less initial capital.

2.       Time Value of Money: A dollar today is worth more than a dollar in the future due to inflation, which supports leveraging rather than all-cash purchases.

3.       Return on Investment (ROI): Leveraging can significantly increase your return on invested cash compared to an all-cash purchase, as gains are calculated on the full property value.

4.       Risk: Leverage is a double-edged sword; it magnifies both potential gains and potential losses if property values decline or unexpected expenses arise.

5.       Cash Flow vs. Reserves: Balance monthly cash flow (income minus expenses) with adequate cash reserves to cover vacancies, repairs, and market downturns.

6.       Down Payment Strategy: A larger down payment provides better cash flow but less cash on hand; a smaller down payment increases reserves but may result in negative cash flow.

7.       Debt Repayment: Paying down debt makes sense if you cannot get a higher return by investing the cash elsewhere or to reach specific goals like avoiding mortgage insurance.

8.       Tax Implications: Mortgage interest is a tax-deductible expense against property income, which can make carrying debt more tax-efficient than owning a property free and clear.

9.       Loan Types: Choose between the predictability of a fixed-rate loan (stable payments, protection from rising rates) and the potentially lower initial rate and flexibility of a variable-rate loan.

10.    Due Diligence: Do the math and conduct thorough research to ensure your investment strategy aligns with market conditions, your goals, and your risk tolerance.

For further explanation how I can help you buy/sell/invest properties in Calgary, call me, CLARA NGUYEN at +1 778 836 2495.  I would be happy to discuss your specific situation and put you on my real estate listing search, so that you can be the first to find out about new listings that match your specific criteria.  If you would like more information about the process of purchasing real estate, visit my website at https://claranguyen-homes.ca/ or e-mail me at claranguyen@cirrealty.ca

1.     Negotiating

2.     Understanding and knowing the consumer

3.     Repeat business

4.     Knowing the market

5.     Helping to avoid legal pitfalls

6.     Experienced associates have more strategic alliances with others, who will be working on your behalf during the closing process

7.     Experienced REALTOR®s usually encounter certain situations and are familiar with how to be resourceful and “solve” such problems when they arise

8.     Stability

9.     Marketing power.

10.   Proven track record

For further explanation how I can help you buy/sell/invest properties in Calgary, call me, CLARA NGUYEN at +1 778 836 2495.  I would be happy to discuss your specific situation and put you on my real estate listing search, so that you can be the first to find out about new listings that match your specific criteria.  If you would like more information about the process of purchasing real estate, visit my website at https://claranguyen-homes.ca/ or e-mail me at claranguyen@cirrealty.ca

1.    Writing your own real estate contract instead of using a lawyer

2.    Failing to disclose known or hidden property defects

3.    Not disclosing missing or unapproved development permits

4.    Not tracking or registering people who view the property, creating safety risks

5.    Sharing too much information during showings and appearing desperate

6.    Failing to provide a Real Property Report with municipal compliance

7.    Pricing the property incorrectly

8.    Poor negotiation due to lack of experience or emotional attachment

9.    Not understanding the difference between contract terms and conditions

10. Mishandling the closing process without proper legal support

For further explanation of the 10 Mistakes Every For-Sale-By Owner Should Avoid when selling property in Calgary, call me, CLARA NGUYEN at +1 778 836 2495.  I would be happy to discuss your specific situation.  If you would like more information about the process of purchasing or selling real estate, visit my website at https://claranguyen-homes.ca/ or e-mail me at claranguyen@cirrealty.ca

Step 1 - Get Educated 

Step 2 – Initial Meeting or Consultation

Step 3 - Determine How I Will Pay

Step 4 - Start the Search

Step 5 - Write the Offer 

Step 6 - Satisfy Conditions

Step 7 - Preparing for Possession

Step 8 - Possession Day

Step 9 - Follow Up

For further explanation of the step by step guide to buying property in Calgary, call me, CLARA NGUYEN at +1 778 836 2495.  I would be happy to discuss your specific situation and put you on my real estate listing search, so that you can be the first to find out about new listings that match your specific criteria.  If you would like more information about the process of purchasing real estate, visit my website at https://claranguyen-homes.ca/ or e-mail me at claranguyen@cirrealty.ca