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Spring usually brings a sense of renewal and optimism in the real estate market, often kicking off what many in the industry call the “spring market surge.” But as we’ve seen across many parts of Canada — and yes, right here in Calgary — 2025’s market is more complex. It’s nuanced, it’s shifting, and it requires a strategic mindset whether you’re buying or selling.
A recent article by Sean Previl for Global News highlights how Canadian sellers, particularly those in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, are navigating an unpredictable market landscape. In these cities, rising inventories and economic uncertainty have made it a buyer’s market. Condominiums, especially, have taken a hit, with many sellers needing to “take the loss” just to close a deal.
So where does Calgary stand in all this? And more importantly, what does it mean for you — a buyer or seller in this ever-evolving market?
Let’s dive in.
The National Picture — and What It Means for Calgary
According to the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA), national home sales in April declined nearly 10% compared to last year. Ontario and B.C. have seen home prices drop, with Ontario’s average slipping from $902,535 to $859,645 and B.C.’s from about $1 million to $946,000.
But Alberta, our home turf, is a different story. Prices here are bucking the trend — actually increasing by about $25,000 year-over-year. Calgary specifically continues to show resilience, with single-family homes in particular still experiencing healthy demand. While that doesn’t mean we’re immune to broader economic pressures, it does highlight a valuable truth: real estate is hyperlocal.
So while national headlines may scream downturn, the message for Calgary sellers and buyers is more nuanced — and that’s where experienced local insight really matters.
What Sellers Need to Know: The “Three Ps”
One key takeaway from the Global News article is the advice from Century 21 REALTOR® Stephen Moore, who emphasizes the importance of the “Three Ps” when selling in a complex market:
- Price
- Promotion
- Product
As a REALTOR® with over 15 years of experience here in Calgary, I couldn’t agree more.
Let’s break down what each of these looks like in the Calgary market:
- Price it Right — The First Time
In a shifting market, overpricing is one of the most common — and most damaging — mistakes a seller can make. Buyers are more informed than ever. They’re studying recent sales, watching interest rate trends, and they’re not likely to waste time on a listing that’s priced too high.
In Calgary, I’ve seen that when a property is priced even $10,000 too high, showings slow down dramatically. It doesn’t take long before a listing goes stale — and then you’re on your back foot, making reactive price reductions that could have been avoided with a proper strategy up front.
This is where working with a REALTOR® who knows your community inside and out becomes invaluable. Every neighborhood in Calgary — from Evergreen to Inglewood, Tuscany to Beltline — has its own micro-market. Pricing properly means knowing how those nuances affect value.
- Promotion — Beyond the MLS
The days of relying solely on the MLS are gone. Today’s promotion is multi-faceted. Yes, you still need that MLS listing with professional photos and compelling copy, but it’s just the beginning.
Marketing your home in today’s market means:
- Professionally staged and photographed properties
- Walkthrough videos or virtual tours
- Exposure on social platforms like Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube
- Leveraging email campaigns and REALTOR® networks
In fact, I’ve had listings sell directly through social media promotion before they ever hit Realtor.ca — that’s the power of good storytelling and targeting the right audience.
- Product — Make Sure Your Home Shines
Buyers today want move-in ready. If they have to work too hard to see the potential in your home, they’ll move on to one that already has it. This doesn’t mean you need a full renovation, but it does mean investing in small improvements and proper staging can offer significant returns.
Simple fixes like new paint, updated lighting, decluttering, and fresh landscaping can dramatically change first impressions — and in a market that’s more competitive, every impression counts.
Calgary’s Condo Challenge
If you’re a condo owner in Calgary, you may be facing similar headwinds to sellers in larger urban centres like Toronto and Vancouver.
According to the Global News article, many newly built condos across Canada have struggled due to their smaller sizes and investor-heavy buyer pools. And yes — we’re seeing some of that here, too.
In Calgary, many condos are still appealing to first-time buyers and investors, but rising interest rates and affordability challenges have sidelined many of these purchasers. Inventory levels in some areas — especially downtown and inner-city Calgary — are growing. That means more competition for sellers and longer days on market.
If you’re a condo seller, my best advice? Be realistic. Price strategically and focus on what makes your unit stand out. Parking? View? Square footage? Balcony? Proximity to transit or nightlife? These are your selling points. Lean into them, hard.
Buyers — There Are Still Opportunities
Despite the cautious mood among some sellers, buyers in Calgary are in a relatively strong position — especially compared to markets like Toronto or Vancouver.
That said, don’t confuse “opportunity” with “easy.” Inventory is still tight in many parts of the city, particularly for single-family homes under $700,000. If you’re shopping in this range, be prepared to act decisively when you find the right fit.
Also, don’t forget: a fluctuating market can be intimidating, but it also creates windows of opportunity. When other buyers are sitting on the sidelines, you might find less competition and more flexible terms — particularly if you’re willing to look at homes that have been sitting on the market for a few weeks.
Timing — Should You Sell Now or Wait?
This is one of the most common questions I get, and honestly, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. As Andrew Lis from Greater Vancouver Realtors mentioned in the article, it comes down to your personal situation.
- Are you under financial pressure?
- Do you need to move for work or family reasons?
- Are you upgrading, downsizing, or shifting to a different lifestyle?
If you need to sell, now is not a bad time — if you price correctly and have a strategy.
If you’re just testing the market or hoping to hit a record-high price, you might want to reevaluate your goals. In today’s market, strategy wins over speculation.
Final Thoughts: Work With the Right Professional
In a market that’s neither red-hot nor ice-cold, experience matters more than ever. The article rightly emphasizes the value of working with a professional who knows how to navigate shifting market dynamics. Whether you’re a first-time buyer, a seasoned seller, or someone managing a property portfolio, having an expert in your corner can make the difference between frustration and success.
As a Calgary REALTOR® with over 15 years of experience and a deep background in negotiation, market analysis, and client advocacy, my goal is to make this process as seamless — and successful — as possible for you.
If you’re considering buying or selling, I’d love to chat and walk through your unique situation. Together, we can build a custom plan that works with the market — not against it.
📲 Let’s Connect
Have questions about your next move? Reach out anytime — I’m here to help.
