Should You Sell Your Calgary Home Now or Wait Until 2026?

If you're a Calgary homeowner weighing whether to list your property now or hold out until 2026, you're not alone. With market dynamics shifting rapidly throughout 2025, timing your sale has become increasingly complex. Here's what the latest data from CREB and market experts reveals about making this critical decision.

Calgary's 2025 Market Reality: A Cooling Trend

Calgary's housing market is transitioning from rapid appreciation to a more balanced and stable environment. CREB initially forecast a 3% citywide benchmark price increase for 2025, but by spring adjusted expectations to stable overall prices, with some property types seeing modest declines of 1-2%.

As of September 2025, Calgary's total residential benchmark price stood at $572,800—approximately 4% lower than a year earlier. This represents a significant shift from the double-digit gains many homeowners experienced in 2023-2024.

Key Factors Driving the Market Shift

Rising Inventory Levels

Record-high new home starts over the past few years are contributing to supply gains, with additional higher-density supply expected to weigh on prices for apartment and row-style homes. Inventory reached 6,941 units by June 2025, returning to pre-population surge levels seen in 2021.

Economic Uncertainty

Tariff threats and economic uncertainty have weighed on consumer confidence, with sales declining 19% year-over-year in March 2025. This uncertainty continues to influence buyer behavior and market dynamics.

Property Type Matters

Detached home prices are expected to remain relatively stable, while apartment-style properties may see annual declines of 2% and row homes about 1% in 2025. Higher-density properties face more downward pressure due to increased new construction.

Looking Ahead to 2026: What to Expect

Looking ahead to winter 2025-2026, citywide benchmark prices are projected to experience minor fluctuations, generally within the 1-3% range. This suggests the market stabilization we're seeing now will likely continue into next year.

Location Is Everything

Properties near transit lines, employment hubs, or major lifestyle amenities tend to perform better, while developments in peripheral zones without these drivers may experience slower absorption. Neighborhoods with limited room for further development are likely to hold value best.

The Verdict: Should You Sell Now or Wait?

Sell Now If:

• You own a higher-density property (apartment, row home) facing new construction competition
• Your property lacks proximity to transit, employment centers, or key amenities
• You need to capitalize on equity while prices remain elevated compared to 2020-2022 levels
• Economic uncertainty and rising inventory favor making a move sooner

Wait Until 2026 If:

• You own a detached home in a desirable, supply-constrained neighborhood
• Your property benefits from strong location fundamentals
• You can afford to ride out the current market stabilization
• You're hoping for improved buyer sentiment as economic clarity emerges

Final Considerations

While 2026 may bring slightly improved market conditions, expecting significant appreciation is unrealistic given current supply dynamics. The market is transitioning toward balanced conditions after years of favoring sellers, meaning the urgency that characterized 2023-2024 has dissipated.

For most Calgary homeowners, the decision shouldn't hinge solely on squeezing out maximum value but on personal circumstances, financial goals, and property-specific factors. In a stabilizing market, timing matters less than it did during the boom years—making now a reasonable time to sell if it aligns with your broader life plans.