If you’ve been keeping an eye on Calgary real estate this month, you’ve likely noticed that the headlines are a bit... conflicted. One day you hear about homes sitting on the market, and the next, you hear about a bidding war in the suburbs. It leads to the most searched question in the city right now: Is Calgary in a buyer’s or a seller’s market?
The truth is, we are currently witnessing a "split market." While city-wide statistics suggest we are in a balanced state—averaging roughly 3.2 months of supply—that single number doesn't tell the whole story. To understand where you stand, you have to look at what you are trying to buy or sell.
The Condo Correction: A Buyer’s Paradise
If you are looking for an apartment or a townhouse, the power is firmly in your hands. Following a record-breaking surge of completions throughout 2025, the Calgary condo market is currently heavily leaning toward a buyer's market. With more inventory than we’ve seen in years, buyers can afford to be picky. Conditions like home inspections and financing are back on the table, and sellers are often having to adjust their price expectations to stand out in a crowded field. For first-time buyers or investors, March 2026 represents a rare window of opportunity to enter the market without the "frenzy" of previous years.
Detached Homes: The Seller’s Stronghold
On the flip side, the detached home sector tells a very different story. For single-family homes—particularly those priced under $700,000—the market remains a seller’s stronghold.
Demand for detached living in established areas like the West and City Centre continues to outpace supply. In these desirable pockets, well-maintained homes are still seeing quick sales and, occasionally, multiple offers. If you are selling a detached home in these zones, you still hold the cards; however, buyers are more discerning than they were two years ago, so "pricing it right" remains the golden rule.
The Bottom Line
Calgary is no longer a "one size fits all" market. Whether you find yourself in a position of leverage depends entirely on the property type and the neighborhood. Navigating this split requires a tailored strategy—whether that’s aggressive negotiation for a condo or a swift, prepared offer for a detached home.
