A More Balanced Market Brings Opportunities for Buyers & Sellers Alike

The Calgary real estate market is evolving. After four consecutive years of aggressive seller’s market conditions, March 2025 brings positive change. The latest data shows that the market is gradually shifting toward balance, offering more choice and stability for buyers while maintaining healthy prices for sellers. Below is a clear, detailed breakdown of the latest market trends to help you understand where the opportunities lie.

1. Market Overview – Calgary Real Estate Market Moves Towards Balance

• Total Sales: 2,159 units (↓19% year-over-year)

• New Listings: 4,019 (↑27%)

• Total Inventory: 5,154 units (↑102%)

• Benchmark Price (Calgary): $592,500 (Stable year-over-year)

• Months of Supply: 2.4 months

What’s Happening:

For the first time in years, supply is catching up with demand. This increase in listings and inventory is giving buyers more options and easing upward pressure on prices. Sellers can still achieve solid returns, but the days of extreme competition and multiple offers are softening. The market is healthier, fairer, and more sustainable.

2. Why Sales Declined – Understanding the Slowdown

• Sales declined by 19% compared to March 2024

• Economic uncertainty (tariff concerns and global market conditions) influenced buyer confidence

• Sales activity remains well above levels seen between 2015 and 2020

What’s Happening:

The decline in sales is primarily a reaction to ongoing global economic concerns. However, this is not a market crash—it’s a natural market adjustment following several years of intense activity. Sales figures remain historically strong, and this pullback is creating breathing room for buyers and ensuring long-term market stability.

3. Detached Homes – Strong Demand with Balanced Supply at Higher Price Points

• Sales: 1,035 units (↓10% year-over-year)

• Benchmark Price: $769,800 (↑4%)

• Months of Supply: 2.1 months

What’s Happening:

Detached homes remain in high demand, particularly under $700,000 where inventory remains limited. For homes priced above $800,000, the market is now more balanced. Price growth continues, but at a more sustainable pace, offering both buyers and sellers fair conditions.

4. Semi-Detached Homes – Increased Inventory, Steady Price Growth

• Sales: 184 units (↓26%)

• Benchmark Price: $691,900 (↑5%)

• Months of Supply: 2.2 months

What’s Happening:

Semi-detached home sales softened as inventory increased, leading to improved balance in this segment. Despite the slowdown in sales, prices remain higher than last year, reflecting sustained demand and healthy market fundamentals.

5. Row & Townhomes – Expanded Inventory, Moderate Price Gains

• Sales: 400 units (↓11%)

• Benchmark Price: $454,000 (↑2%)

• Months of Supply: 2.1 months

What’s Happening:

Inventory growth in the row/townhome sector has created more choice for buyers and eased pressure on prices. First-time buyers, young families, and investors will find value in this segment with reasonable pricing and less competition.

6. Apartment Condominiums – Ample Supply, Steady Prices

• Sales: 540 units (↓34%)

• Benchmark Price: $336,100 (↑3%)

• Months of Supply: 3.2 months

What’s Happening:

The apartment condominium sector experienced the largest drop in sales, but pricing remains stable and attractive. Inventory levels are high, providing excellent opportunities for first-time buyers and investors looking for rental-friendly properties at accessible price points.

7. Surrounding Areas – Regional Market Highlights

Airdrie:

• Sales: 160 units | Benchmark Price: $651,300 (↑2%)

Market Status: Balanced conditions with improved inventory, providing more choice for buyers.

Cochrane:

• Sales: Steady compared to last year | Benchmark Price: $686,800 (↑5%)

Market Status: Balanced market with prices reaching a new record high, supported by healthy inventory.

Okotoks:

• Sales: 129 units in Q1 (↓17%) | Benchmark Price: $715,500 (↑5%)

Market Status: Inventory remains limited, driving prices to a new record high.

Chestermere:

• Market Status:** Inventory levels have improved, and prices remain stable. Buyers can find larger homes and strong value compared to inner Calgary.

High River & Surrounding Areas:

• Market Status:** Balanced conditions with improving supply. An excellent time for buyers seeking affordability without compromising on quality.

8. What This Market Means For You

For Buyers:

• Increased inventory offers more choice

• Reduced competition = improved negotiation power

• Prices are stable and fair

• Interest rates remain favourable

For Sellers:

• Property values remain strong

• Serious, qualified buyers remain active

• Balanced conditions lead to smoother, fairer transactions

For Investors:

• Strong rental demand continues

• Condominium and townhome segments present excellent long-term value

• Improved inventory creates new opportunities to expand your portfolio

What’s Happening:

This is an excellent market for all participants. Buyers can take advantage of more options and negotiate without the stress of intense bidding wars. Sellers can achieve solid sale prices with realistic expectations. Investors can enter or expand in a market that offers stability and long-term growth potential.

9. Professional Insights – A Market of Opportunity

The March 2025 housing market update shows clear signs of maturity and balance. This is not a slowdown—it’s a positive market correction that will benefit buyers, sellers, and investors over the long term. We are entering a phase where informed decisions, guided by real data and expert advice, will lead to the best results.

As your trusted Residential & Commercial Realtor®, I am committed to helping you navigate this evolving market. Whether you’re buying your first home, selling your property, or growing your investment portfolio, my goal is to provide you with accurate information, sound advice, and the highest level of professional service.

Ready to Take the Next Step? Let’s Connect.

If you’re considering buying, selling, or investing in Calgary or surrounding areas, I’m here to help you make confident, successful real estate decisions.

Disclaimer:
The information provided in this blog is based on data sourced from the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®), the Real Estate Council of Alberta (RECA), and other publicly available market statistics as of March 2025. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, this content is for general informational purposes only and does not replace professional real estate, financial, or legal advice. For personalized guidance tailored to your specific situation, I encourage you to contact me directly.

Understanding Tariffs and Their Impact on Calgary’s Real Estate Market: An In-Depth Guide

As a realtor, my goal is to provide valuable insights into the factors that impact Calgary’s real estate market. One significant factor currently influencing the housing market is the implementation of tariffs. Tariffs, or taxes on imported goods, can directly affect the cost of materials used in home construction, renovation, and furnishing.

In this guide, I’ll break down what tariffs are, how they impact the real estate market, and what buyers and sellers need to know to navigate these changes effectively.

What Are Tariffs and Why Do They Matter?

Tariffs are taxes imposed by governments on imported goods. They are designed to protect domestic industries by making foreign goods more expensive, encouraging local purchases. However, tariffs can also increase costs across industries, including real estate, by raising the prices of materials and products used in homebuilding and renovation.

How Do Tariffs Affect Homebuyers and Homeowners?

When tariffs are applied to construction and home improvement materials, the cost of those goods rises. This can lead to:

• Higher home prices due to increased building costs.

• More expensive renovations and repairs.

• Reduced new home construction, which can limit market inventory.

Let’s explore the key materials impacted and how this affects Calgary’s real estate market.

Impact of Tariffs on Construction Materials and Appliances

1. Lumber and Wood Products

Lumber is essential in home construction, from framing to flooring and cabinetry. Tariffs on softwood lumber exports have driven up prices, increasing home construction costs by thousands of dollars. Builders may absorb these costs, reducing their margins, or pass them onto buyers in the form of higher home prices.

2. Steel and Aluminum

Steel and aluminum are crucial for structural components, siding, roofing, and windows. Tariffs on these materials lead to higher prices, making both construction and home appliances more expensive. Items such as refrigerators, washers, and dryers see price hikes when raw material costs rise.

3. Concrete, Glass, and Paint

Tariffs also impact essential materials like concrete (for foundations and driveways), glass (for windows and doors), and paint. Increased costs in these areas make both new builds and renovations more expensive for homeowners and buyers.

How Tariffs Impact Calgary's Real Estate Market

For Homebuyers:

• Higher Prices for New Homes: Rising construction costs force builders to raise home prices. Waiting to buy could mean paying more in the future.

• More Expensive Renovations: If you're buying a home that requires upgrades, material costs could increase your renovation budget.

• Limited Inventory: Builders may slow or delay projects due to higher costs, reducing new home availability and increasing demand for existing homes.

For Homeowners Considering Selling:

• Increased Demand for Existing Homes: As new home prices rise, more buyers may turn to resale properties, driving up demand.

• Short-Term Opportunity: Selling now could allow you to capitalize on higher demand before rising costs affect affordability.

• Potential Market Shifts: Delaying a sale may lead to fewer buyers in the market as affordability decreases due to rising material and mortgage costs.

Why Acting Now Can Be Advantageous

For Buyers:

• Lock in current home prices before further cost increases.

• Avoid rising mortgage rates and potential affordability challenges.

• Secure a property while inventory remains available.

For Sellers:

• Take advantage of higher demand while new home prices push buyers toward resale properties.

• Maximize your home’s value before potential market slowdowns.

Key Takeaways

1. Tariffs on materials like lumber, steel, and appliances increase construction and renovation costs.

2. Higher material costs drive up new home prices and renovation expenses.

3. Rising costs may shift demand to existing homes, benefiting sellers.

4. Acting sooner can help buyers avoid higher prices and limited choices.

Final Thoughts

The impact of tariffs on construction materials is a key factor shaping Calgary’s real estate market. Buyers should consider acting before costs rise further, while sellers may benefit from increased demand for resale homes. Staying informed and proactive is crucial in navigating these changes.

Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or financial advice. The impact of tariffs on Calgary’s real estate market can vary based on individual circumstances, and it’s important to consult with a professional to understand how these changes may affect your specific situation.

If you need guidance or have questions I’m here to help. Contact me today.