Category: Alberta Real Estate Market Update
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Canadian Housing Markets Remain Resilient Amid Affordability Shifts
In April, rising fixed mortgage rates and increasing home prices reduced affordability in 12 of 13 major Canadian cities. The average five-year fixed mortgage rate rose to 4.47%, driven by higher government bond yields amid global energy concerns. Ottawa experienced the largest affordability decline with a $12,100 price increase, while Fredericton saw improved affordability due…
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Valuing Short-Term Rentals Takes Nuance
STR valuation differs from traditional rentals because revenue, expenses, seasonality, platform performance, regulations, and management quality can all materially affect value conclusions. Start by testing highest and best use: legal STR operation, transitional strategy, or traditional rental path before selecting the dominant valuation method. Core STR Valuation Methods Sales comparison: permitted comps, amenity adjustments Income…
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Canada Builders Seek Homeownership Action Now
Canada builders are urging a stronger homeownership plan, emphasizing ownership supply, affordability, and clearer coordination across federal and provincial policy decisions now. A one-time $1.7B federal transfer to provinces was described as positive, with effective local use viewed as critical for housing costs and supply. Recommended steps included reducing government-imposed costs, cutting taxes on new…
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Edmonton Home Sales Jump 16% in Early Spring
April 2026: 2,482 sales in Edmonton—up 16.4% from March but still down 8.1% from last year. Inventory jumped 31.4% higher than last April—buyers finally have choices and negotiation power. Condo prices climbed 6.5% from March to $225,842—biggest monthly gain of all property types. Detached prices barely moved: down 0.1% from March, up just 0.8% yearly…
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Government homebuyer incentives could require up to 28,000 new homes annually to offset price pressures: CMHC
Canada's housing agency warns that demand-side policies like tax incentives or expanded mortgage access can raise home prices if not matched by increased housing supply. Economic modeling shows targeted support needs about 7,800 additional housing starts annually, while broad-based support may require around 28,000 more units per year to avoid price hikes. The effectiveness of…
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Des progrès en abordabilité dans certaines régions
L’abordabilité du logement au Canada s’est améliorée pour un huitième trimestre consécutif, passant à 52,4 % au T4 2025 contre 63 % fin 2023, bien que le rythme des gains ralentisse. Certaines villes comme Montréal, Québec, Edmonton, Calgary et Winnipeg ont vu leur situation se détériorer. À Vancouver et Toronto, la baisse des prix a…
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Homebuyers Enjoy More Choices as Listings Surge in Canada
Canada's spring housing market shows mixed signals with more sellers than buyers, causing uncertainty. Some cities like Toronto and Calgary saw slight resale gains, while others like Vancouver and Montreal experienced declines. New listings hit record highs in several markets, increasing supply and shifting negotiation power to buyers. Prices continue to fall in major cities,…
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Canadian Tax Strategies for Real Estate Investors
Canadian real estate investors are using advanced tax planning to protect capital and improve after-tax returns as costs rise. Capital Cost Allowance can cut current-year taxes on rentals; residential buildings depreciate at 4% yearly, declining balance. Investors allocate purchase price between land and building, then separate appliances and systems for faster depreciation rates. Ownership choices…
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Canada Condo Fees Buyers Should Know
Condo fees are monthly payments covering shared building costs, including maintenance, amenities, common services, and sometimes utilities, separate from mortgage and taxes. Fees usually reflect each unit's share of common expenses, often tied to size, parking, lockers, amenities, and governing documents, so neighbors may differ. A portion supports reserve funds for major repairs, like roofs…
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Four Straight Rate Holds: How They Are Impacting Housing Markets
The Bank of Canada held its policy rate at 2.25%, providing stability and predictability for borrowers after multiple consecutive rate holds since late 2025. Fixed mortgage rates remain influenced by higher bond yields, but current offerings still provide competitive options for buyers seeking balance between cost and payment certainty. Housing activity faces affordability and population…
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Housing affordability rises in Canada
Canada's housing affordability has improved recently, mainly in large markets where prices have declined. Over 57% of Canadian markets saw better affordability in early 2026 compared to late 2025, though this is lower than the peak improvements seen in mid-2025. Ownership costs as a percentage of income dropped to 52% in late 2025 and are…
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Les Canadiens rêvent toujours de maisons plus grandes malgré la pression sur l’accessibilité
Selon un sondage, 55 % des Canadiens n’habitent pas dans leur logement idéal. La plupart souhaitent une maison individuelle d’environ 195 m², avec trois chambres, 2,5 salles de bain et un jardin. L’accessibilité financière est le principal obstacle, citée par 59 %, suivie des frais de déménagement et de l’épargne pour la mise de fonds.…
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Edmonton is entering its busiest real estate season and this is what’s selling
The Greater Edmonton Area reported 2,482 home sales in April 2026, up 16.4% from March but down 8.1% year-over-year. New listings rose 13.9% month-over-month and 9.1% year-over-year, with overall inventory up 31.4% from last year. The average selling price increased 1.7% from March to $478,902. Detached home sales rose 20.9% from March; semi-detached, row/townhomes, and…
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Canada Buyers Need the Right Agent
Online listings help buyers search, but a skilled REALTOR® adds guidance on offers, closing steps, hidden risks, and getting keys with confidence. Interview several agents and verify licensing through provincial registries. Compare approaches, property and neighbourhood experience, professional education, and strategy for your search. Buying is a process, not one event. The right agent can…
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Canada Builders Seek Ownership Support
With builder confidence under pressure, industry leaders say homeownership needs a clearer federal plan, plus strategic provincial action on taxes and supply. Recommended affordability levers include eliminating taxes on new homes, reducing development charges, and considering responsible mortgage stress-test changes for ownership access nationwide. A $1.7B federal housing-cost injection was described as a positive step,…
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Developers Get Creative With Incentives
Some developers offered to cover up to one year of mortgage payments on new homes. The offer capped at about $50K, suggesting homes around $1M, with move-in by end of 2026. Experts say buyer incentives grow during slow markets, and perks are more common now. Another builder offered up to a year of property taxes,…
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Edmonton Council Supports Balanced Infill with Height Adjustment
Edmonton city council voted to reduce the maximum height for infill developments from 10.5 to 9.5 metres starting in August. This change aims to balance increasing housing units with preserving neighborhood character. New setback rules were also introduced last summer. Some community members welcome the reduction but call for a deeper review of zoning bylaws…
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Happy Victoria Day
The holiday has been observed since 1845, as a celebration to honour Queen Victoria. The day unofficially signals the start of summer for many Canadians. It is celebrated with parades and fireworks in some cities. Sending our warmest wishes to everyone for a happy and peaceful long weekend.
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Le gouvernement du Canada annonce un nouveau plan de 1,7 G$ pour stimuler l’offre de logements
Le gouvernement canadien a présenté le projet de loi C-26, qui propose un fonds de 1,7 milliard de dollars destiné à accroître l’offre de logements grâce à des transferts aux provinces et territoires partenaires. Ce financement vise à stimuler la construction et à protéger les emplois dans le secteur résidentiel en période d’incertitude économique. L’impact…
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Where to Buy Real Estate in Canada 2026: Edmonton
Top Edmonton neighbourhoods for real estate in 2026 include Secord, Terwillegar South, and Haddow. Secord offers steady growth with a median income of $125,588 and upcoming transit improvements. Terwillegar South is family-oriented with a perfect economic score and walkable design. Haddow features high demand, a 19% growth rate, and proximity to green spaces. Edmonton's market…