Affordability in Calgary

For some time now it has been known that the city of Calgary is one of the most affordable housing markets in Canada. But Calgary's real estate market has also experienced fluctuations over recent years. Historically, Calgary has had its volatile housing market due to its ties to the energy sector, particularly oil and gas. However, when compared to other major Canadian cities like Toronto and Vancouver, Calgary has generally been considered more economical in terms of housing costs.

Factors affecting Calgary's lower cost for real estate include its economic reliance on the energy sector, population growth, interest rates, and government policies. In previous years, Calgary experienced a downturn in its housing market due to the collapse in oil prices, leading to a surplus of housing inventory and decreased property values. However, the market changes fast. Recently the Calgary market could be described as a seller’s market with limited inventory. A few number of properties on the market minimize options for buyers.

While sales have eased from record levels seen previously, they remain stronger than pre-pandemic levels, largely supported by recent gains in migration to Alberta. The challenge primarily revolves around limited supply. Existing homeowners may be hesitant to list their homes due to difficulties in finding acceptable housing alternatives in this competitive market. Additionally, higher lending rates can reduce incentives for homeowners to sell their homes.

Compared to cities like Vancouver and Toronto, where housing prices have been exceptionally high, Calgary's real estate market has historically offered more reasonable options. However, it's essential to note that affordability can vary greatly depending on the specific neighborhoods, housing types, and market conditions at any given time.

In general, the cost of living in Calgary has been relatively lower compared to Vancouver and Toronto. This difference in overall affordability often extends to the real estate market, making Calgary more accessible to buyers looking for more cost effective housing options.

The perception of affordability can change over time due to shifts in market dynamics, changes in government policies, interest rates, and economic conditions. As with any real estate market, it's essential for potential buyers or investors to conduct thorough research and analysis to understand the current state of affordability in Calgary before making decisions.

Learn more about Calgary real estate HERE!