If you are planning to sell your home in Calgary or the surrounding area in 2026, it is vital to recognize that the market has shifted. The frenzy of the past few years has cooled, and we are entering a period defined by choice and competition.
According to the latest 2026 CREB® Forecast Report, the Calgary market is expected to see balanced to buyer’s market conditions depending on the property type, with total residential prices forecast to ease slightly by roughly 1%.
Here is what sellers need to know to succeed in this new landscape.
1. The "Easy Sell" Era is Over
For the past few years, low supply and high migration drove prices upward. In 2026, however, migration levels are expected to slow, meaning housing demand will return to long-term trends rather than record highs.
At the same time, inventory is rising. A surge in new home starts over the last few years has added significant supply to the market, particularly in the apartment and row home sectors. For sellers, this means you are no longer just competing with your neighbours; you are competing with brand-new construction.
2. Outlook by Property Type
Not all homes will perform the same this year. Your selling strategy must align with the specific forecast for your property type:
• Detached Homes (Stable/Balanced): This remains the most stable segment. Prices are forecast to remain essentially flat (+0.11%). However, conditions vary by district. Higher-priced homes in the City Centre are seeing price growth, while the North East is seeing price adjustments due to competition from new builds.
• Apartment Condos (Buyer’s Market): If you are selling a condo, you must price aggressively. Prices are forecast to decline by 3.5% this year. Record-high listings and a flood of new rental and condo completions mean buyers have plenty of options.
• Row/Townhomes (Competitive): Supply in this sector has doubled in some districts. As a result, prices are expected to dip by 1.9%. If you own a row home, your property needs to show impeccably to stand out against new inventory.
• Semi-Detached (Modest Growth): This segment is seeing a "soft landing." While inventory is rising to historical norms, prices are expected to see a slight increase of roughly 0.78%.
3. The "New Build" Factor
A major theme for 2026 is the competition between resale homes (existing properties) and the new home market.
Builders have been aggressive, and as of late 2025, there were over 26,000 units under construction in the Calgary region. In the detached and row sectors specifically, new home supply is drawing buyers away from resale homes. If you are selling an older home, you need to highlight the advantages of an established neighbourhood (landscaping, amenities, schools) to compete with the allure of "brand new."
4. Surrounding Areas are Stabilizing
If you are selling outside of Calgary proper, the explosive growth of recent years is moderating.
• Airdrie & Chestermere: Both markets have seen rising listings and are entering 2026 with balanced conditions.
• Cochrane: While sales remain relatively high, inventory has returned to long-term trends, which will moderate price growth.
• Okotoks: This market remains tighter than others due to limited supply, which supported price growth last year, but conditions are shifting as inventory slowly improves.
5. Three Keys to Success for 2026 Sellers
1. Price for the Market You Are In, Not the One You Missed With total residential prices expected to decline slightly (-0.94%), overpricing is a dangerous game. Buyers are price-sensitive and have more negotiating power than before. A competitive list price is the best way to generate interest.
2. Be Patient In a balanced market, homes take longer to sell. The absorption rate—how long it takes for the current inventory to sell—is rising. Prepare for a longer timeline and ensure your home is "show ready" for the duration.
3. Know Your Buyer With migration slowing, there may be fewer investors and out-of-province buyers. Your target demographic is likely a local buyer looking to move up or right-size. Marketing your home’s lifestyle benefits is crucial.
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The Bottom Line: You can absolutely sell successfully in 2026, but "listing and waiting" is no longer a viable strategy. You need a data-driven approach that respects current inventory levels and buyer behavior.
Are you thinking of making a move this year? Contact us today for a specific market analysis of your neighbourhood and property type.
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