Wait… condos are competitive again?
If you’ve been watching Calgary’s market over the last few years, you’re probably thinking:
“Detached homes dominate. End of story.”
Well… 2025 said: plot. twist. 😅
Because for the first time in a long time, condominiums are stepping out of the shadows and saying:
“Excuse me, it’s my turn now.”
Let’s break down what’s actually happening — and what it means for your buying or selling strategy this year.
🏢 1️⃣ Condos Are Having Their Moment
Yes, really.
In 2025, condos in Calgary are almost as competitive as detached homes.
But why?
Here’s the big one: affordability.
When buyers compare:
💸 Mortgage on a $480K condo
vs.
💸 Mortgage on an $850K detached
The decision becomes… practical.
Condos are giving budget-conscious buyers a clean entry point, and it’s causing a surge in demand.
Add in the fact that vacancy rates are insanely low and rents are high?
Condos suddenly make a lot of financial sense.
📈 2️⃣ Investors Are Back — and They’re Hungry
Investors took a step back when rates climbed…
But now?
They’re returning — strategically.
Condos often offer:
✔ Lower purchase prices
✔ Strong rental demand
✔ Simpler maintenance
✔ Predictable carrying costs
Which means every good unit gets attention fast.
Competition is real, even across the $300K–$450K range.
🏡 3️⃣ Detached Homes Are Still the Dream — But Competition Has Shifted
Don’t get it twisted — detached homes are still the most desired product in Calgary.
The difference in 2025 is:
More options
Slightly more balanced competition
Buyers being more selective
Less panic-buying compared to past years
Detached homes still offer:
🌳 Space
🐶 A yard
🚗 A garage
😊 Privacy
📈 Strong long-term appreciation
But the “I’ll write an offer on anything with walls” energy of 2021–2023 is gone.
Buyers want value.
Which brings us back to… condos.
😅 4️⃣ First-Time Buyers Are Done Waiting
Rent is high.
Vacancy is low.
And people are tired of throwing money into the void every month.
So in 2025, first-time buyers are saying things like:
“Do I want a detached? Yes.”
“Can I comfortably afford one right now? No.”
Enter:
➡️ Condos
➡️ Townhouses
➡️ Smaller detached homes in outer communities
Calgary continues to be one of Canada’s most affordable major cities — and buyers want in.
🏘 5️⃣ Townhouses: The Middle Child Who Holds Everything Together
Townhouses are quietly becoming the “best of both worlds”:
More space than condos
Lower price than detached
Less maintenance than acreages
Strong demand
Good value retention
They’re the middle child of the 2025 real estate family — keeping everyone sane while detached and condos fight for attention.
💡 What Does This Mean for YOU?
It depends who you are:
If you’re a first-time buyer:
Condos and townhomes are great value right now.
You can enter the market without stretching your budget thin.
If you’re an investor:
Pay attention — the numbers are back in your favour.
Condos in certain pockets are renting extremely well.
If you’re a move-up buyer:
Detached and semi-detached homes offer more room for negotiation than they have in years.
If you’re a seller:
Understanding which product type is moving fastest is key.
Price and presentation matter more than ever.
🧭 Final Thoughts: 2025 = The Year of Smart Choices
No product is “the winner” — but Calgary’s market is giving buyers more choice, more balance, and more ways to make their budget work.
Detached homes = space + long-term upside
Condos = affordability + high demand
Townhouses = the steady middle lane
If you want the full breakdown — appreciation trends, price charts, community-by-community shifts — I’ve put it all into my 2025 Market Shift Guide.
📩 Comment or DM “2025 SHIFT” and I’ll send it to you personally.
❓ FAQ
Q: Are condos a good investment in 2025?
A: In many NW, NE, and inner-city pockets — yes. High rental demand + lower prices = strong opportunity.
Q: Are detached homes dropping in price?
A: Not dropping — but stabilizing. Still strong long-term value.
Q: Which product type is the safest long-term?
A: Detached, historically. But 2025 is about affordability and strategy.
Q: Are townhouses still a good option?
A: Absolutely — especially for buyers who want space without the detached price tag.
📚 Related Reading
📉 Is Now a Good Time to Buy in Calgary? Here’s the 2025 Reality Check
💥 Inventory Just Exploded in Calgary — Here’s How Smart Sellers Are Still Winning
🏡 Top 5 Calgary Neighborhoods Everyone’s Talking About in 2025
About Kristen Edmunds
Kristen Edmunds is a Calgary-area REALTOR® and Associate Broker with KIC Realty, specializing in acreages, luxury homes, and smart buy/sell strategies. With expertise in rural properties (water wells, septic, equestrian facilities) and a client-obsessed approach, Kristen helps buyers and sellers achieve their real estate goals with confidence and ease.
