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.
