Real Estate Blog

Calgary and Area Housing Market Report – March 16, 2026

The Calgary housing market continues to show a shift toward more balanced conditions through the first half of March. Sales activity remains below last year’s pace while inventory continues to build, giving buyers more options and slightly easing price pressures.

Looking at the monthly comparison, February 2026 recorded 1,527 total sales, down 11.12% from February 2025. New listings came in at 2,766, a modest 2.33% decline year‑over‑year. Active listings increased significantly to 4,873, representing a 16.44% rise compared with last year. The benchmark price for February sits at $560,500, down 4.40% from the $586,300 recorded in February 2025. The median price for February was $565,000, essentially unchanged year‑over‑year with a slight decline of 0.26%. The average price rose to $628,296, up 2.57%. Days on market increased from 33 to 42 days, a 27.27% increase.

For March month‑to‑date, total sales stand at 820 compared with 1,012 during the same period last year, representing an 18.97% decline. New listings total 1,700, down 20.00% year‑over‑year. Active listings have risen to 5,313 compared with 4,967 last year, an increase of 6.97%. The median price so far in March is $570,500, down 2.48% from last year’s $585,000. The average price is $647,509, which is essentially flat year‑over‑year with a slight 0.18% decrease. Homes are currently taking about 35 days to sell, compared with 30 days during the same period last year.

Year‑to‑date figures also highlight the slowdown in activity. Total sales so far in 2026 are 3,581 compared with 4,179 during the same period in 2025, a decline of 14.31%. New listings are down 7.64% year‑over‑year at 7,254. The year‑to‑date median price is $565,000 compared with $575,000 last year, a 1.74% decline. Meanwhile the average price has increased to $629,093, up 1.69% from $618,663 in 2025. Days on market have increased to 44 days compared with 35 last year, reflecting slower transaction timelines as inventory rises.

Looking at the most recent weekly data covering March 9–15, 2026, there were 429 total sales compared with 512 during the same week last year, a decrease of 16.21%. New listings totaled 795 versus 1,008 last year, down 21.13%. Active listings climbed to 5,313 compared with 4,967 last year, up 6.97%. The median price for the week averaged $565,000 compared with $590,000 last year, down 4.24%. The average price came in at $646,961 versus $651,756 last year, a modest decline of 0.74%. Homes averaged 33 days on market compared with 29 days during the same week in 2025.

Economic context continues to play a significant role in housing sentiment. Canada’s inflation rate remains elevated according to the latest national data released this week, reinforcing expectations that interest rates may remain higher for longer than previously anticipated. Persistent inflation pressures have been driven largely by shelter costs, energy prices, and food prices, which continue to impact household budgets.

Energy markets have also been extremely volatile in recent weeks. Global crude oil prices have surged sharply, briefly trading near the $120 per barrel range amid escalating geopolitical tensions and supply concerns. Higher oil prices typically support Alberta’s economy through increased investment, employment, and government revenues, which can ultimately help support housing demand in the region.

Financial markets are closely watching central bank policy signals as well as inflation data releases for clues on the path of future interest rates. Mortgage rates remain higher than the ultra‑low levels seen earlier in the decade, which continues to affect affordability for many buyers. However, Alberta’s comparatively strong economic outlook and continued population growth remain supportive longer‑term factors for the housing market.

Overall, the Calgary housing market is transitioning into a more balanced environment. Rising inventory levels and slower sales activity are providing buyers with more negotiating power, while prices remain relatively resilient despite softer demand. If current trends continue, the spring market may see steadier conditions compared with the extremely tight market dynamics experienced over the past two years.