How Is the Real Estate Market Right Now?

By Erin Reeves

Erin is connected with top builders, contractors, and real estate pros. That’s how she gets her clients the inside track on new property developments, market data, and happenings in the fastest growing quadrant of the city: South East Calgary.

If you’re thinking about buying, selling, refinancing, or even staying put this year, what’s happening in the Calgary housing market affects you. Just last week, I met with a couple trying to decide whether to move or refinance. They’d been watching the news, but every headline seemed to say something different.

So, before you make any decisions, here are the four things you really need to know, based on what I’m seeing, hearing, and helping clients navigate every day.

1. Interest rates are easing. Rates are trending down slowly, but enough to improve affordability. Realtor.com forecasts mortgage rates averaging around 6.3% in 2026, which is slightly better than last year’s numbers.

With the Fed’s rate drop back in December, we’re expecting to see:

● More buyers coming back

● Homeowners exploring refinancing options

● A little more breathing room compared to the high-rate years

We’re not going back to 3% rates, but the pressure is easing.

2. Inventory is growing across Calgary. One of the biggest changes we’re seeing is a meaningful increase in active listings. Calgary’s inventory is up significantly year over year, bringing the market closer to balance, with roughly three to four months of supply in many areas.

For buyers, this means more choice and less pressure to rush. Competition has eased, and bidding wars are far less common than they were in recent years. For sellers, strong preparation and accurate pricing matter more than ever.

This is also the year where local conditions truly outweigh national headlines. What’s happening on your specific street or in your neighborhood will tell you far more than broad market averages.

3. Prices have softened in certain segments. Rather than sharp increases or dramatic drops, pricing in 2026 is showing more mixed and measured movement. Overall, average prices are relatively flat or slightly lower than last year.

Condos and townhomes have experienced more pressure, with average adjustments around 10%, while detached homes have remained more resilient. For buyers, especially those looking at condos or townhomes, this can mean more room to negotiate. It also creates a strong opportunity for homeowners who are downsizing, since they may still sell their detached home competitively while purchasing their next property at a better value.

For sellers, strong results are still very achievable, but presentation and pricing are critical. Move-in-ready homes continue to attract the most attention, as buyers are looking for quality without extra work.

4. AI is changing real estate. AI is playing a bigger role in real estate than ever before. According to the NAR Realtor Technology Survey, over one-third of REALTORS® are already using AI tools.

AI can provide fast and detailed data, but it doesn’t replace experience, judgment, or local knowledge. For buyers, it helps identify better home matches. For sellers, it supports smarter pricing strategies. For homeowners, it allows for clearer long-term planning.

Think of it this way: AI provides information, but a trusted professional helps you use that information wisely. The best outcomes in 2026 will come from using both powerful tools and experienced guidance.

After years of uncertainty, the Calgary housing market in 2026 feels calmer, clearer, and more predictable. However, what’s happening nationally may not reflect what’s happening in your neighborhood.

If you want a personalized breakdown of how these trends apply to your neighborhood, I’m here to help. Whether you’re buying, selling, refinancing, or planning ahead, we can walk through your options so you feel confident about your next move.

Feel free to call, text, or email me to schedule a free one-on-one strategy call. We’ll look at your numbers, your timing, and your local market so you feel confident about the road ahead.