Lately, one question keeps coming up in almost every acreage conversation I have:
“Is now actually a smart time to buy an acreage… or should we wait?”
If you’re considering an acreage near Calgary, the honest answer is this: timing matters less than fit. Acreages aren’t city homes, and treating them like one is where buyers get into trouble.
Why This Question Is Everywhere Right Now
Buyers are weighing a lot at once:
Interest rates and monthly payments
Maintenance responsibilities
Lifestyle changes that feel harder to reverse
Acreage decisions feel bigger because they are bigger. You’re not just buying a house — you’re buying systems, land, access, and a different day-to-day rhythm.
That’s why “Should we wait?” is really code for “Are we making the right move?”
The Buyers Who Are Moving Forward (And Why)
The buyers I see moving ahead right now aren’t rushing. They’re doing three things well:
They’re selective.
They pass on acreages that look great online but don’t work in real life.They’re negotiating.
They understand leverage varies by property, not headlines.They’re prioritizing lifestyle fit.
Commute tolerance, daily routines, and long-term plans drive decisions — not FOMO.
The Mistake: Treating Acreages Like City Homes
This is the biggest disconnect.
With acreages, the house is only part of the equation. Buyers need to understand:
Water source (well quality, flow rate, testing)
Septic type, age, and maintenance
Access and snow removal
Power, heating, and outbuildings
Land use, zoning, and future flexibility
Miss these details and “perfect timing” won’t save the deal.
Is Now a Good Time to Buy an Acreage?
Sometimes yes. Sometimes no.
It depends on:
The specific acreage
Your comfort with maintenance
How long you plan to own
Whether the property supports your lifestyle as it is today
Acreage markets don’t move in lockstep with city markets. Some properties are rare and hold value well. Others require patience and due diligence to get right.
The Better Question to Ask
Instead of asking:
“Is now the right time?”
Ask:
“Is this the right acreage for how we live?”
When the answer to that is clear, timing becomes far less stressful — and far more rational.
Final Thoughts
Waiting isn’t wrong. Buying now isn’t automatically right.
What matters is understanding the real trade-offs before committing.
Buyers who do this well feel confident — regardless of when they buy.
FAQ: Acreage Buying Right Now
Are acreages harder to resell than city homes?
They can be, depending on location, land use, and systems. The right acreage resells well; the wrong one can sit.
Do acreages always cost more to maintain?
Often yes — but knowing what to expect upfront prevents surprises.
Should first-time buyers consider acreages?
Sometimes, but only with the right education and expectations.
Related Reading
If you’re weighing an acreage purchase and want clarity before deciding whether to move forward:
👉 DM me “ACREAGE” and I’ll send you my Acreage Reality Checklist — the same framework I use with my own buyers to evaluate fit, risk, and lifestyle.
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.
