If you’re holding off on buying because you’re waiting for interest rates to drop, you’re not alone.
It’s one of the most common strategies I hear from buyers in Calgary right now.
But here’s the part that often gets missed:
lower rates don’t automatically mean better buying conditions.
In many cases, they do the opposite.
Why Waiting Feels Like the Safe Choice
On the surface, waiting makes sense.
Lower interest rate = lower monthly payment.
Lower payment = better affordability.
That logic isn’t wrong — it’s just incomplete.
Because interest rates don’t move in isolation.
Buyer behaviour moves with them.
What Usually Happens When Rates Drop
When rates begin to fall, three things tend to happen quickly:
1. Buyer Demand Increases
Buyers who were sitting on the sidelines jump back in all at once.
2. Competition Rises
More showings, more offers, and tighter timelines return.
3. Prices Start to Climb
As demand increases, pricing pressure follows — sometimes faster than buyers expect.
This is why many buyers end up paying more for the home itself, even if their rate is slightly lower.
Why Some Buyers Have More Leverage Right Now
In the current Calgary market, many buyers have advantages they didn’t have during peak cycles:
Fewer competing offers
More room to negotiate price or terms
Less pressure to waive conditions
Time to think instead of react
That leverage often disappears when buyer confidence surges again.
The Risk of Waiting Too Long
Waiting isn’t “wrong” — but it does come with trade-offs.
Buyers who wait often find themselves:
Competing harder for the same type of home
Adjusting expectations upward as prices rise
Feeling rushed later after months of hesitation
The market doesn’t usually send a clear “now is the perfect time” signal. By the time it feels obvious, conditions have often shifted.
The Question That Actually Matters
Instead of asking:
“Where are interest rates going?”
A better question is:
“Do the numbers work for me right now?”
That includes:
Your income and stability
Your lifestyle plans
Your comfort with risk
How long you plan to own the home
Real estate decisions are personal — not headline-driven.
Buying Now vs. Waiting: There’s No One Right Answer
Some buyers should wait.
Some buyers shouldn’t.
The mistake is assuming waiting is automatically safer.
The buyers who do best are the ones who:
Understand their numbers
Know their priorities
Make intentional decisions instead of reactive ones
Final Thoughts
Trying to time the market perfectly rarely works.
What does work is clarity — knowing what you can afford, what you want, and what trade-offs you’re willing to make.
If rates drop later, there may be opportunities then too — just different ones.
FAQ: Buying While Rates Are High
Should I wait for rates to drop before buying?
Not always. Waiting can reduce competition, but it can also increase prices later.
Will I be able to refinance if rates drop?
Possibly — but refinancing depends on future rates, lending rules, and personal circumstances.
Is now a bad time to buy in Calgary?
Not necessarily. For some buyers, current conditions offer more leverage than they’ve had in years.
Related Reading
Why Calgary Buyers Are Suddenly Getting More Leverage in 2026
The Offer That Every Calgary Seller Secretly Fears… And How to Handle It
What Calgary Buyers Are Hesitating On Right Now (And How Sellers Can Adjust)
If you’re unsure whether buying now or waiting makes more sense for you:
👉 DM me “RATES” for my Calgary Buyer Timing Breakdown
It walks through how to evaluate timing based on your situation — not predictions.
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.
