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Calgary's Real Estate Market: Trends and Insights for January 2026
As 2026 unfolds, Calgary's real estate market has shown signs of a slow start, with a recorded 1,234 sales in January, marking a 15% decline compared to the previous year. This dip aligns with typical patterns seen during the month following December's holiday season, but it is still a concerning trend as high-density housing types notably lag in sales.
Market Dynamics: Supply vs. Demand
The Chief Economist of the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB), Ann-Marie Lurie, highlights that buyers seem hesitant to return, particularly in high-density homes, where the influx of new inventory has dampened the urgency to purchase. Sellers responded to shifting market dynamics by listing 2,785 units in January, resulting in a sales-to-new-listings ratio that dropped to 44%. This increased supply led to a significant increase in inventory levels, with 4,391 homes... the highest January inventory since 2020. Such changes indicate that buyers now enjoy a broader range of choices, granting them more negotiating power than in the previous year.
Dissecting Housing Types: Detached, Semi-Detached, and Row Homes
When diving into specific property categories, the data reveals a mixed bag of results. For detached homes, sales held steady at 657 transactions, with a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 53%. The benchmark price for these homes was recorded at $724,000, slightly lower than last month yet revealing a 3% drop year-over-year.
Moving to semi-detached homes, January saw 118 sales alongside 251 new listings, yielding a market share of about 10%. The benchmark price hovered around $667,000, showcasing some stability, as it is only 1% lower than last year.
In stark contrast, sales for row homes plummeted by nearly 25% year-over-year, driven by a consistent rise in inventory levels that pushed the months of supply beyond four months. The benchmark price also experienced a decline, now standing 5% lower compared to the previous January.
Challenges for Apartment-Style Homes
On the higher-density front, condominiums continue to face challenges as the market grapples with surplus inventory. This January witnessed 787 new listings but only 273 sales, leading to a 35% sales-to-new-listings ratio. The benchmark price for these units dropped to $301,200, a significant 8% decline compared to last January, with prices decreasing across all districts in Calgary.
Looking Ahead: Future Market Predictions
Market analysts anticipate that as we progress into the spring, conditions may improve as both buyers and sellers regain their footing. The increased supply may entice potential homeowners back into the market, especially if the conditions shift to favor attractive pricing in higher-density homes.
As potential buyers and sellers digest the circumstances surrounding Calgary's real estate landscape, understanding these trends becomes crucial for making informed decisions regarding their housing needs. The unique challenges presented this January may offer opportunities for negotiation and ideal timing for both sides of the transaction.
As we witness these shifts that impact real estate, community members are encouraged to engage with local real estate professionals to navigate the evolving market successfully. Stay updated and connected while enjoying your journey in Calgary's vibrant housing market!
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