More Choice, Softer Prices, and Room to Negotiate!
If you’ve been watching the Calgary real estate market and wondering whether now is the right time to buy, August 2025 brought some encouraging news for buyers! After a period when competition and limited choices made finding the right home challenging, the market was beginning to offer buyers more options, more time to make decisions, and greater opportunities to negotiate.
According to the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®), the year-over-year market statistics showed a shift that buyers should be paying attention to.
What Was Happening in Calgary's Real Estate Market?
1. Prices Were Easing
Home prices were facing downward pressure in several property categories. Apartment-style condos were down approximately 4.6% year over year, while townhomes had declined around 2.4%. For buyers who had previously found prices out of reach, this created opportunities to explore properties that might better fit their budgets.
2. Inventory Was Climbing
Calgary had almost 7,000 homes on the market, with inventory approximately 66% higher than the previous year. More listings meant more choice, making it easier for buyers to compare neighbourhoods, home styles, features, and prices instead of feeling pressured to make a quick decision on the first property they liked.
3. Sales Were Cooling
With fewer buyers competing for some properties, homes were taking longer to sell. That extra time can make a real difference! Buyers may have more opportunity to arrange inspections, review comparable sales, ask questions, and negotiate on price or other terms.
Of course, every property is different. A well-priced home in a desirable location can still attract plenty of attention, so understanding the competition is essential.
4. Interest Rates Were Offering Opportunities
Variable mortgage rates were hovering just above 4%, while fixed rates on three- to five-year terms were approximately 4.15% to 4.7%. Actual rates depend on the lender, mortgage product, borrower qualifications, and other factors, but these rates provided buyers with another reason to revisit their homeownership plans.
Before making a decision, speak with a mortgage professional to understand what you can comfortably afford and which mortgage option best suits your circumstances.
So, What Does This Mean for You?
If you've been waiting for the right time to buy, a shifting market can create opportunities worth exploring. More inventory means more homes to consider, softer prices may improve affordability, and less competition can give you greater negotiating power.
But here's something important to remember: the best time to buy isn't simply about timing the market. It's about finding the right home at a price that makes sense for you.
That means looking beyond the asking price. I review comparable sold properties, current competition, neighbourhood trends, and property-specific details to help my buyers understand what a home is actually worth. The goal isn't just to find a house you love; it's to help you make a confident, informed decision.
And if the numbers don't make sense? We'll talk about that, too!
Let's Find Your Opportunity!
The Calgary real estate market is always changing, and opportunities can look very different depending on the neighbourhood, property type, and price range you're considering.
Whether you're a first-time buyer, looking to move up, or hoping to downsize, I'd love to help you navigate the market and find the right home at the right price.
You don't have to be ready to buy tomorrow to start asking questions. Sometimes, the best first step is simply understanding your options.
Thinking about buying in Calgary? Let's chat! Together, we can look at the numbers, explore what's available, and figure out what makes sense for you.
Gwen Russell | Russell Realty with CIR Realty
Calgary & Surrounding Areas
