The Market Is Shifting — Here’s What That Means for You

After years of low inventory and intense competition, Calgary buyers are finally seeing more listings hit the market in 2025. And while that’s great news, it also comes with a new challenge: how to make smart decisions when you suddenly have more options.

Because rising inventory doesn’t automatically mean great deals.
It means opportunity — if you know how to navigate it.

Here are the three insider strategies I’m coaching my buyers on right now.

1️⃣ Zoom In on Your Micro-Market

Calgary isn’t “one market.”
It’s 100+ micro-markets — each with its own pricing trends, demand cycles, and buyer profiles.

For example:

• Detached homes in Mahogany behave differently than acreages in Foothills.

• Infill markets like Killarney or Capitol Hill have different timelines than suburban new builds in Livingston.

• Townhomes in Auburn Bay aren’t following the same pattern as condos downtown.

The buyers who win in 2025 are the ones who study their specific segment — not the city as a whole.
The more focused your search, the faster you can identify a true deal.

2️⃣ Watch Days-on-Market + Price Drops (This Is Where Leverage Hides)

This is the #1 negotiation insight most buyers miss.

A listing that’s been sitting for:

• 10–20 days = the seller is watching closely

• 20–30 days = they’re getting motivated

• 30+ days = negotiation window opens

Price adjustments are your biggest clue.
When a seller drops their price, it usually means one thing: they’re ready to work with the next qualified buyer who shows up.

This is where you can:

• Negotiate terms

• Negotiate price

• Negotiate possession timing

• Compete without competing

Inventory rising doesn’t eliminate competition — it just shifts which homes attract it.

3️⃣ Lock Your Financing Early (This Is Your Hidden “Edge”)

Even with more listings on the market, the best properties still move quickly.
And when the next wave of buyers enters (think: rate drops or new migrants), things can heat up again fast.

You want to be the buyer who’s already:

• Pre-approved

• Rate-locked

• Deposit-ready

• Able to write a clean offer

Speed + preparedness = strength.
It’s the difference between “We’ll think about it” and “We’re ready to write today.”

🔍 Bonus Tip: Don’t Wait for the “Perfect” Timing

Some buyers think rising inventory means they should wait longer…
But inventory can change overnight based on:

• Seasonal swings

• Rate cuts

• Migration waves

• New product launches

The smartest buyers make decisions based on their timeline — not headlines.

🧭 Final Thoughts: Inventory Is Up — Strategy Matters More Than Ever

Rising inventory is good news.
It gives you breathing room, choice, and leverage.

But the key to buying smart in Calgary’s 2025 market is approaching every decision with:
✔ Data
✔ Focus
✔ Preparedness

This is how you buy with confidence — not chaos.

If you want a clear plan tailored to your price point and communities, I put it all in my Calgary Buyer Strategy Guide.

📩 DM me “BUY SMART” and I’ll send it to you personally.

❓ FAQ

Q: Does rising inventory mean prices will drop?
A: Not necessarily. Calgary’s strong migration and employment often keep prices stable even when inventory rises.

Q: Is now a good time to buy?
A: For prepared buyers — absolutely. Rising inventory brings opportunities you didn’t have last year.

Q: Will competition return?
A: Almost certainly. Especially if rates ease again or migration spikes.

Q: How do I know if a listing is overpriced?
A: Look at DOM, price reductions, and comparable sales. I break all of this down in the guide.

📚 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.

Buying your first home in Calgary is a huge milestone — one that’s both exciting and a little overwhelming. 🏡✨

With rising competition, tight inventory, and shifting mortgage rules, today’s market moves fast. But don’t worry — with the right game plan and guidance, you can navigate it like a pro.

Here are 5 essential first-time buyer tips to help you make smart, confident decisions in Calgary’s real estate market.

1. Get Pre-Approved Before You Shop 💰

It’s one of the biggest mistakes first-time buyers make — starting the home search without knowing exactly what they can afford.

Getting mortgage pre-approval:

• Tells you your real price range (and what payments look like).

• Shows sellers you’re serious and financially ready.

• Helps you act fast in competitive multiple-offer situations.

✨ Pro tip: A pre-approval isn’t just a budget—it’s your first step to negotiating power.

2. Understand Calgary’s Market Trends 📈

Calgary’s housing market moves differently depending on the area, property type, and even the season.

• Inner-city condos? Often more balanced.

• Suburban detached homes? Highly competitive.

• Acreages or unique properties? Priced on location, land, and systems.

Before you start looking, work with a REALTOR® who understands Calgary’s micro-markets—so you can focus your search strategically.

✨ Pro tip: Timing your purchase and understanding neighbourhood trends can save you thousands.

3. Budget for Hidden Costs 💸

Many first-time buyers forget that buying a home involves more than the down payment. You’ll also need to budget for:

• Home inspections

• Legal fees and title insurance

• Property taxes and adjustments

• Home insurance

• Utilities and moving costs

✨ Pro tip: Keep an emergency fund ready for the “after you move in” surprises—every home has them!

4. Don’t Skip the Home Inspection 🔍

Even in a competitive market, skipping the inspection is risky. It can uncover major issues like foundation cracks, plumbing leaks, or roof damage that could cost thousands later.

A licensed home inspector provides a full report that can help you:

• Negotiate repairs or credits before closing.

• Budget for future maintenance.

• Make an informed decision—not an emotional one.

✨ Pro tip: It’s better to lose a deal than to buy the wrong home.

5. Think Long-Term 🕰️

Buying your first home isn’t just about today — it’s about where you’ll be in the next 3–5 years.

Ask yourself:

• Will this home suit my lifestyle if I work from home or start a family?

• Is it easy to resell or rent out in the future?

• Does the location fit my daily commute and community goals?

✨ Pro tip: Think beyond the granite countertops—look for long-term value and flexibility.

FAQs: First-Time Home Buying in Calgary

Q: How much do I need for a down payment?
You’ll need at least 5% of the purchase price for homes under $500,000 (with more required for higher-priced properties).

Q: What are first-time buyer programs in Alberta?
Look into the First Home Savings Account (FHSA), RRSP Home Buyers’ Plan, and provincial rebates.

Q: Should I buy a condo, townhouse, or detached home first?
That depends on your budget and goals. Condos are great entry points; detached homes offer long-term space and flexibility.

Related Reading

• First-Time Home Buyer Tips in Calgary

• The Best Time to Sell Your Home in Calgary

• Relocating to Calgary: What Buyers Need to Know

Conclusion

Buying your first home in Calgary is a major step — but with the right information, it doesn’t have to be intimidating.

Focus on preparation, smart budgeting, and finding a home that fits both your current lifestyle and your future goals. With a trusted REALTOR® by your side, you’ll not only buy your first home—you’ll buy it with confidence.

✨ Ready to start your journey? DM me “FIRSTHOME” and I’ll send you my free Calgary First-Time Buyer Guide—your roadmap to buying smart in today’s market.

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.

It’s the question on every Calgary buyer’s mind this fall: is it better to buy now, or wait until later in the year?

With headlines about interest rates, shifting inventory, and rising affordability pressures across Canada, it can feel overwhelming to know what to do. Calgary’s market, however, has its own unique story—and Fall 2025 could shape up to be an interesting season for both buyers and sellers.

Let’s break it down.

Interest Rates: Holding Steady (For Now)

Over the past two years, buyers have been watching interest rates like hawks. Heading into Fall 2025, most analysts expect rates to hold steady, with the Bank of Canada leaving the door open for small cuts late in the year if inflation continues cooling.

👉 What this means for buyers: If you’re waiting for a big rate drop, don’t hold your breath—at least not this season. A smaller cut could arrive late in 2025, but it might also trigger more buyers to jump back into the market, increasing competition.

Inventory: Finally Rising

One of Calgary’s biggest challenges in recent years has been low inventory. Sellers were holding back, while demand stayed strong. The good news for buyers is that Fall 2025 is showing more new listings across both detached homes and condos.

👉 What this means for buyers: More inventory means more choice, less frantic bidding, and a better chance of finding a property that actually fits your needs instead of settling for what’s available.

Prices: Holding Strong but Still Affordable

Despite affordability challenges in cities like Toronto and Vancouver, Calgary has remained a relative bargain. Prices rose steadily through 2023 and 2024 but are holding firm so far in 2025.

👉 What this means for buyers: Calgary continues to be one of the most affordable large Canadian cities to buy in. While prices aren’t dropping, they’re also not skyrocketing—creating a more balanced environment for serious buyers.

Seasonal Trends: Why Fall Matters

Fall is often a “sweet spot” in the Calgary market. Sellers who list now are usually motivated—they want to close before the snow hits and before the holiday slowdown. Buyers, meanwhile, benefit from less competition compared to the spring rush.

👉 What this means for buyers: Fall can be an ideal time to negotiate, especially if you’re flexible on possession dates.

Should You Buy Now or Wait?

Here’s the bottom line:

• ✅ Buy Now if you’ve found a home that fits your budget and lifestyle. Rates are stable, and more inventory means you’ll have options.

• ⏳ Wait if you’re hoping for even more selection—or if a small rate cut late in 2025 could make a real difference for your affordability. Just be prepared for more competition if rates drop.

Pro tip: Don’t try to “time” the market perfectly. Focus instead on timing your purchase to fit your life, your finances, and your goals.

FAQs: Calgary Fall 2025 Market

Q: Will interest rates drop this fall?
Most experts expect them to stay steady, with the possibility of small cuts by late 2025.

Q: Are prices going down in Calgary?
No. Prices are holding steady. Calgary is still one of the most affordable major markets in Canada.

Q: Is fall a good time to buy in Calgary?
Yes. Fall often brings motivated sellers and less buyer competition compared to spring.

Q: What if I wait until 2026?
You might see lower rates, but you’ll also likely face higher competition and possibly rising prices again.

Related Reading

• Calgary Home Prices in 2025: What $650K Really Gets You

• The Seller’s Timeline: From Listing to Possession in Calgary

• First-Time Buyer Tips for Calgary’s Market

So—should you buy now or wait?
The answer depends less on predicting the perfect market moment and more on whether you’ve found the right home that fits your life. Calgary’s Fall 2025 market is shaping up to be stable, with more inventory, steady prices, and the possibility of small rate cuts later on.

If you’re ready, don’t let fear of “what if” hold you back. And if you’re curious about what Fall 2025 means for your specific goals—whether buying or selling—let’s talk.

💬 DM me “FALL 2025” and I’ll send you my free Calgary Market Outlook Guide to help you plan your next move.

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.