Author: Dave Kube

Having worked as a Realtor® in Calgary for over four decades, I’ve witnessed firsthand how Alberta’s real estate landscape continues to offer a refreshing range of housing options—whether you’re seeking a condominium, townhouse, or single-family home. Alberta’s urban centres consistently rank among the most affordable in Canada, with housing prices and rental costs that leave more room in your budget and provide flexibility for buyers and renters alike. Compared to the national average, Albertans spend a noticeably smaller share of their income on home ownership, making the dream of owning a home more attainable here. For those considering a purchase, you’ll find more than one path to ownership—through a REALTOR® or a private sale. It’s also important to understand practical steps like the land title search, a key part of the process to ensure a smooth transaction. The evolving real estate world keeps me learning and sharing, and I’m always eager to help clients make sense of Alberta’s unique advantages.

As someone who’s spent over four decades navigating Calgary’s real estate market, I’m always watching the bigger housing trends and how they might impact our local scene. The latest figures show Canada’s 6-month housing starts trend dipped by about 1% month-over-month in mid-Q3, settling around 244,000 annualized units. The monthly pace held steady near 229,000. In our larger cities, actual starts reached 17,700 in mid-Q3, which is about 2% below last year, bringing the total for the first eight months of this year to 149,500—down about 4%. Even so, homes under construction in centers over 50,000 people only nudged down less than 1% to 371,700 units. There’s still a substantial pipeline, but completions dropped more sharply, down 11% month-over-month to 17,600 units, while new permits not yet started inched up under 1% to 142,400. The national outlook points to housing starts staying higher than we’ve seen in recent years, though the trend is expected to ease as we head toward year-end. I’ll be keeping an eye on how these shifts shape opportunities for buyers and sellers in Calgary, and I look forward to sharing what I learn along the way.

After more than four decades helping clients navigate Calgary’s real estate market, I’ve seen plenty of shifts—but the latest numbers across Canada stand out. By mid-Q3, home sales dropped roughly 1% month-over-month and nearly 7% compared to last year. The national price index stayed steady month-over-month but was down about 3% from a year ago. Interestingly, we saw a 3% rebound in newly listed properties after several months of decline, signaling that some sellers are re-entering the market. The sales-to-new listings ratio eased back to about 49%, moving further below the long-term Canadian average of 55%. Economists point to inflation risks and changing growth expectations, and we’re all feeling the effects of higher bond yields—fixed mortgage rates have been climbing in response. Around that time, markets were pricing in a 60% chance of a rate hike in early Q4, and more tightening is expected by 2027. It’s a dynamic landscape, and as always, I’m here to share these insights as we all adapt to the evolving real estate environment.

After more than four decades helping Calgarians navigate this market, I’ve seen my share of twists and turns. Right now, we’re witnessing another detour: mid-Q3 Calgary resales slipped 3.4% month-over-month and are down 11% from last year, with the local price index easing by 0.3% annually. It’s a softer climate, not a dramatic shift, but it’s worth noting how renewed trade tensions are making uncertainty feel real again—an economist even called this current pause a sign of hesitation, not a full reversal.

Earlier in the year, Calgary’s market had already started diverging; by late Q1, resale activity dipped, and that trend hung on for about six months. For clients facing mortgage renewals, these softer conditions can have a real impact: limited equity growth means there’s less cushion to handle changing payments. The central bank’s decision to hold policy rates steady through late Q3 adds another layer of complexity, with some experts now even floating the idea of a rate hike by year-end. As I continue to adapt alongside my clients and colleagues, I’m keeping a close eye on how these shifts might shape the months ahead.

The perfect opportunity to embrace your inner "foodie" and unbutton your pants at the dinner table!In Canada, post-Thanksgiving is all about creative cranberry sauce solutions. Cranberry sauce pancakes, anyone?It's that time when multiple ovens are a blessing. Turkey, pies, casseroles – less stress!

After more than four decades navigating Calgary’s real estate market, I find it fascinating to watch how nearby communities like Cochrane are evolving. In Mid-Q3, Cochrane saw home sales climb by about 34% year-over-year—a clear sign of growing buyer activity. Yet, the benchmark price dipped around 2% to roughly $570,000, illustrating that stronger sales don’t always mean higher prices. This subtle shift suggests buyers had a bit more room to negotiate, thanks in part to increased inventory—supply was up, which helped ease pricing even as deals picked up. While much of the surrounding area saw softer numbers, Cochrane stood out, showing that momentum can build even as prices settle. It’s another reminder that every local market has its own rhythms and story, something I’ve learned time and again in my career.

After more than 40 years navigating the Calgary real estate landscape, I’m fascinated by how our market continues to adapt and evolve. Looking ahead to 2027, forecasts point to steady resilience: Calgary MLS sales are expected to reach 26,000—still under 2025 numbers, but a step up from what’s anticipated in 2026. Average home prices are projected to hover near $645,000, holding steady thanks to robust construction and a healthy uptick in supply, even as our city’s population keeps growing. On the rental front, vacancy rates are predicted to rise to 5.8%, which means tenants will have more options and flexibility than in previous years. With housing starts projected at 21,000 units, Calgary remains one of Canada’s most active hubs for residential construction. It’s always fascinating to see how market forces and new supply shape our city, and I’m excited to keep sharing these shifts with clients and colleagues as we all continue to adapt together.