Real Estate Blog

CALGARY AND AREA HOUSING MARKET REPORT – MARCH 18, 2026

CALGARY DAILY HOUSING SUMMARY
Calgary recorded 60 residential sales on March 17, following 57 sales on March 16 and 20 sales on March 15, reflecting steady but moderate daily activity as the spring market progresses. New listings totaled 87 on the day, while active listings remain elevated at 5,284 homes, representing a 6.66 percent increase compared with the same time last year.

Inventory continues to build gradually, giving buyers more selection and easing some of the urgency seen in previous market cycles.

SEVEN-DAY TRAILING TRENDS
For the week of March 11 to March 17, Calgary recorded 424 total residential sales, representing a 19.08 percent decline compared with the same week in 2025.

During the same period, 786 new listings entered the market, down 21.16 percent year over year. Despite fewer new listings, overall inventory remains higher due to earlier supply accumulation.

The median sale price averaged $565,500 compared with $580,000 last year, a 2.50 percent decrease. The average price came in at $636,850, down 0.34 percent year over year.

Homes are taking longer to sell, with average days on market rising to 32 days compared with 28 days last year.

MONTH-TO-DATE MARKET CONTEXT
Through March 17, Calgary has recorded 938 total residential sales, down 15.65 percent compared with 1,112 at the same point last year.

New listings total 1,860, representing a 17.33 percent decrease year over year. Active listings have increased to 5,284 homes, up 6.66 percent from last year.

The median sale price sits at $571,764, down 2.26 percent from last year, while the average price is $648,787, up 0.41 percent. Homes are taking approximately 35 days to sell compared with 30 days last year.

YEAR-TO-DATE PERFORMANCE
Year to date, Calgary has recorded 3,699 total residential sales, a 13.55 percent decline compared with 2025.

New listings total 7,414, down 7.08 percent year over year. The median price is $565,000, down 1.74 percent, while the average price has increased to $630,005, up 1.83 percent.

Days on market have increased to 44 days compared with 35 days last year, reflecting a slower and more balanced market.

MORTGAGE RATE ENVIRONMENT
Competitive mortgage rates available to qualified Alberta borrowers currently fall roughly within the following ranges.

1 year fixed: 4.39 percent to 4.79 percent
3 year fixed: 3.59 percent to 4.49 percent
5 year fixed: 3.69 percent to 4.49 percent
10 year fixed: 5.50 percent to 5.80 percent
3 year variable: 3.35 percent to 3.95 percent
5 year variable: 3.35 percent to 4.45 percent

Borrowers continue to favor shorter term fixed products while monitoring interest rate direction through 2026.

ECONOMIC AND ENERGY CONTEXT
Recent economic data continues to show persistent inflation pressures in Canada, particularly driven by shelter and energy costs. This is reinforcing expectations that borrowing costs may remain elevated in the near term, impacting affordability and buyer behavior.

Energy markets remain a key driver of Alberta’s economy. Oil prices continue to trade at elevated levels, generally holding in the 110 to 120 dollar per barrel range amid ongoing geopolitical tensions and global supply concerns. These elevated prices support investment, employment, and migration into Alberta, all of which contribute to underlying housing demand in Calgary.

MONETARY POLICY AND FINANCIAL MARKETS
The Bank of Canada held its policy rate steady in today’s announcement, signaling a cautious approach as it continues to monitor inflation trends. Policymakers indicated they are waiting for clearer evidence of sustained inflation cooling before considering rate cuts.

Bond yields remain relatively elevated, keeping mortgage rates higher than in previous years. This is contributing to slower sales activity but helping maintain more stable market conditions overall.

CALGARY ECONOMIC INDICATORS
Calgary continues to benefit from strong population growth and interprovincial migration. The city remains one of the more affordable major housing markets in Canada, which continues to attract new residents.

The unemployment rate remains near 6.5 percent, rental vacancy is around 4 percent, and population growth continues at an estimated 180 new residents per day. These factors continue to support long term housing demand.

COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT – ALTADORE
Altadore is one of Calgary’s most desirable inner-city communities, located near Marda Loop and close to downtown. The area features a mix of modern infill homes and established properties, attracting young professionals and families. Strong demand and limited land supply continue to support long-term value in this neighborhood.

MARKET SUMMARY
Calgary’s housing market is clearly transitioning into more balanced conditions. Inventory gains and softer sales are giving buyers more negotiating power, while prices remain relatively stable with modest downward pressure in some segments.

The spring market is shaping up to be more measured and sustainable compared to the highly competitive conditions seen in recent years.