Calgary Housing Market: Signs of Life and Opportunities for Buyers & Sellers

After a sluggish start to 2025, whispers of optimism are making their way through Canadian real estate markets and Calgary is no exception. According to a recent report by RBC and covered in an article by Uday Rana on Global News, housing activity is showing signs of life in several cities, including right here in Calgary.

For home buyers and sellers alike, this new wave of momentum isn’t just a headline it’s a signal. A signal that conditions are shifting, and that strategic decisions made now can position you well for the months ahead.

Let’s break it down and look at what this means for you if you’re considering buying or selling a home in Calgary this summer or fall.

From Flat to Fluctuating: What’s Happening in the Market?

After what some experts described as a “dead-on-arrival” spring housing market across Canada, activity in May began to warm up. RBC’s report noted that housing resales increased in multiple markets, including Calgary, with an 8% jump in activity from April to May.

Economist Robert Hogue pointed to factors like the de-escalation of certain U.S. tariffs as helping to ease economic anxiety. For the first time in months, some buyers who were sitting on the sidelines have started exploring their options again. While we’re not in boom times, we’re seeing encouraging signs of renewed interest — or, as some experts put it, “cracks of hope.”

In Calgary, this bounce may be modest for now, but it’s real.

“The trade war likely caused some buyers to pause in recent months, but its cooling impact on demand in Calgary may have been limited or even short-lived,” said Hogue.

This aligns with what I’ve been seeing on the ground here in Calgary. People are still cautious, understandably so, but the conversations have shifted from “maybe someday” to “let’s run the numbers.”

What This Means for Buyers in Calgary

If you’re a buyer in this market, the phrase “opportunity window” applies more than ever.

Here’s why:

1. Inventory is up, giving you options.

You’re not stuck with limited choices. More listings on the market mean less pressure to rush, and a better chance of finding a home that truly fits your lifestyle and budget.

2. Leverage is on your side.

In this climate, sellers are more open to negotiation and that benefits you. You can often include conditions like financing, inspection, and even flexible possession dates, which can be harder to secure in hotter markets.

3. Affordability has improved.

While home prices in some areas like Toronto remain down compared to last year, Calgary has stayed relatively steady. That said, there are still pockets of value across the city, especially for first-time buyers or move-up buyers looking for more space.

Mortgage rates have also softened in recent months. According to mortgage expert Penelope Graham, lower rates mean you may qualify for a larger mortgage amount or simply have lower monthly payments.

A Note of Caution: Conditions Still Vary

While optimism is building, this isn’t a green light to throw caution to the wind. Volatility hasn’t vanished. If employment numbers continue to decline nationally or inflation trends shift, market activity could stall again.

That’s why working with a knowledgeable, local REALTOR® (like yours truly!) is so important right now. Each neighbourhood, from Mahogany to Mount Pleasant, has its own micro-market. Success in this environment means understanding both the bigger economic picture and the hyper-local nuances.

What Sellers in Calgary Need to Know

If you’re thinking of listing your home, it’s understandable to feel uncertain. Media headlines might make it seem like doom and gloom, but here’s the truth:

Yes, this is a more strategic market for sellers but it is still very doable.

1. Pricing is everything.

This isn’t the market to “test the waters” with an inflated list price. Buyers are savvy, and with more options at their fingertips, an overpriced home can sit and become stigmatized. On the other hand, well-priced homes are still selling, and in some cases, attracting multiple offers.

2. Presentation and marketing matter.

Now more than ever, the way your home is presented online and in person matters. Professional photos, thoughtful staging, and strong digital exposure can set your property apart.

And yes, the REALTOR® you choose to represent your property makes a difference. I specialize in strategy, helping my clients price right, negotiate strong, and attract qualified buyers who are ready to move.

3. You’re not alone.

While the market isn’t as red-hot as it once was, it’s also not as frozen as some national numbers suggest. In Calgary, we’re experiencing more balance, and with the right guidance, your sale can be successful.

Looking Ahead: What to Expect in Summer and Fall

Industry experts, including Anne-Elise Cugliari Allegritti from Royal LePage, agree: the summer might stay relatively quiet, but a stronger pickup is expected in the fall.

That means now is a great time to prepare. Whether you’re planning to buy or sell, using the summer to get your finances in order, complete small home upgrades, or book a strategy session can pay off when the fall market heats up.

A Positive Note for Both Buyers & Sellers

What I love most about Calgary is its resilience. Our market may not move in lockstep with Vancouver or Toronto and that’s a good thing. We’re more balanced. Our affordability remains stronger. And our community continues to grow in ways that support long-term confidence in real estate investment.

The RBC report even noted that demand is proving sturdy in Prairie cities like Calgary, Edmonton, Saskatoon, and Regina. That’s a testament to our stable economic base, growing population, and quality of life.

If you’re feeling unsure about when or how to make your move, you’re not alone. And you’re not without guidance. As your REALTOR®, my job is to help you move forward with clarity, not pressure, with a strategy that aligns with your goals, not just the market headlines.

Final Thoughts

Yes, we’re in a transitional phase. But within transition lies opportunity.

For buyers, it’s a chance to purchase with more power and less competition.
For sellers, it’s about adjusting expectations, aligning with the right strategy, and positioning your home for success.

In either case, it’s not about waiting for the market to be “perfect.” It’s about having a plan and a partner that helps you navigate whatever conditions come your way.

If you’re thinking about making a move this summer or want to be ready for fall, let’s talk. I’m here to help you find clarity, make smart decisions, and move forward confidently.

Ready to chat about your next move in Calgary?
Book a no-obligation consultation. We’ll build a strategy that works for you.

📌 Article Reference

Based on:
“These real estate markets might be showing signs of life, report suggests”
Story by Uday Rana | Global News | June 2025
With data from RBC, Ratehub.ca, Royal LePage, and Sotheby’s International Realty