3 | Balancing & Booming: Calgary's 2026 Real Estate Forecast

he Calgary real estate market has officially shifted — and that’s not a bad thing.In this episode of Espressold, hosts Annie and Paula break down the CREB® 2026 Calgary & Region Forecast and translate what it actually means for real people making real decisions this year.Whether you’re upsizing, investing, renewing your mortgage, or simply trying to understand where the market is headed, this episode is designed to help you move forward with clarity and confidence.This is not a hype episode.This is not a fear-based episode.This is a strategy conversation.How 2025 marked the transition from a seller’s market to balanced conditionsWhy slowing migration and rising supply changed the dynamicWhat “balanced” really means for buyers and sellers in 2026Over 26,000 units currently under construction in CalgaryWhy most of that supply is apartments and rentalsHow rental vacancies impact ownership demand and pricingWhy condo prices softened in 2025 and are forecast to decline furtherWho should consider buying condos in 2026 — and who should pauseWhat first-time buyers and long-term investors need to knowIncreased inventory and renewed negotiation powerWhy townhomes are a quiet opportunity for space-conscious buyersWhat price stabilization looks like in this segmentWhy semis are one of the most stable property types right nowHow limited supply has protected valuesWho this segment is ideal for in 2026Why detached pricing has stabilizedHow increased choice creates better conditions for upsizersWhy 2026 is a lifestyle move market — not a speculative oneWhy cash flow matters more than appreciation this yearWhat elevated vacancy rates mean for rentalsWhere long-term investment opportunities still existApartment absorption ratesRental vacancy trendsEmployment vs. unemployment shiftsSpring vs. fall pricing gaps2026 is not about timing the market perfectly —it’s about understanding the market clearly.This is a year for informed, intentional decisions — whether you’re moving up, holding steady, or planning your next investment.