This is one of the most important market updates I’ve ever written, because this moment isn’t just about real estate. It’s about Calgary, Canada, and the global forces quietly shaping our housing market as we move into 2026.
When politics shift, economies shift. And when economies shift, housing is never far behind.
I want to frame this properly. 2026 is the Year of the Horse, a symbol of rebirth, not rebirth into chaos, but rebirth into clarity. Ignoring politics doesn’t stop it from affecting our lives, our jobs, or our real estate decisions. So this update connects the dots between what actually happened in Calgary, what I’m seeing with real clients, and how global and national forces ripple directly into our local housing market.
Let’s start with the facts. December is always seasonal. Activity slows, people travel, and decisions pause. Calgary recorded just over 1,100 sales, with active listings ending the year around 6,800 homes, translating to roughly six months of supply across the city. That number matters, but context matters more. Calgary is a sub-market city. Supply looks very different depending on property type, price point, and neighbourhood.
Pricing tells the same story. The city’s benchmark sits just under $555,000. Detached homes and duplexes proved far more resilient through 2025, while apartments and some townhouse segments saw more pressure. This wasn’t a crash. It was a correction, the market catching its breath after years of acceleration.
On the ground, the market remains selective. Some listings sit quietly. Others, when prepared properly and priced right in the right pocket, still attract serious attention. Buyers are cautious, sellers are firm, and decisions take longer. That tension defines the transition into 2026.
One of the biggest sources of friction is the missing middle. When first-time buyers can’t qualify, move-up buyers can’t move. When downsizers can’t find the right product in their communities, inventory locks up. This isn’t a demand problem. It’s a mobility problem, and it shapes everything from pricing to competition.
Interest rates remain stable, not dramatic. Historically reasonable, with the economy holding up better than expected. As we move into 2026, stability and selective growth are far more likely than chaos.
This year will reward preparation, not panic. Buyers who act strategically will find opportunity. Sellers who price, prepare, and position properly will still succeed. Calgary and Alberta remain projected to outperform many Canadian markets, but only for those who understand nuance.
2026 isn’t about rushing. It’s about clarity.
If you want a real strategy for your home, your neighbourhood, and your long-term goals in Calgary, reach out. Opportunity shows up for the prepared, and this next chapter is already unfolding.
