The Calgary Real Estate Report

Will the rent from my suite actually help me qualify for a mortgage? Yes, but it depends, mostly on whether the suite is legal, and on how your lender does the math. Before we get into the numbers, I want to name the thing underneath this question, because it's usually not really about the math. It'

Can you have a backyard suite and a basement suite on the same property in Calgary? Not anymore, in most cases. As of August 4, 2026, Calgary's land use bylaw reverted to its pre-2024 rules, and the city says it plainly on its own secondary suites page: a backyard suite and a secondary suite cannot

The Big Picture Calgary’s real estate market took a step back in August. Sales came in at 1,660 units, down 16.41% from a year ago, while new listings dropped 9.66% to 3,141. That combination pushed the sales-to-new-listings ratio down to 52.85%, and months of supply climbed to 3.92, up nearly 17% y

Is it still worth adding a secondary suite in Calgary now that the incentive money has mostly run out? Yes, but it depends on what you're actually trying to do. If you're buying a home that already has a legal suite, this is a good time to be house hunting, there are simply more of them out there th

Is Calgary's secondary suite amnesty program still around? Yes, but not for much longer. The City of Calgary's Secondary Suites Amnesty Program, which waives development permit and registration fees to legalize an existing suite, ends December 31, 2026. That's about four months away as of this post.

Can House-Hacking Actually Get Our Family Into a First Home? Yes, but it depends on how you structure it. House-hacking just means buying a home with a suite, living in part of it, and renting out the rest so a tenant covers part of the mortgage. It's not a new idea, but it's picked up a lot of atte

Calgary Real Estate Market Update: August 2026 Is Calgary's housing market slowing down across the board now, or is it still just condos? As of July's data, it's starting to broaden. Apartment condos have carried most of the price softening in Calgary for months, but in July detached and row homes e

Does Calgary's repeal of blanket rezoning affect my ability to buy or build a home with a secondary suite? Yes, but not the way most people assume. On August 4, 2026, the City of Calgary rolled back the citywide "blanket rezoning" that had reclassified most low-density lots to R-CG since 2024, allow

Should I help my adult child buy a home with a rental suite instead of a smaller starter home? Yes, but it depends on what you want that help to actually do for your family. A down payment gift or cosigned mortgage can get a child into any home. But if that home has a legal suite, the same amount of

If you've been told you're priced out of buying a home in Calgary, here's something worth knowing. A home with a legal basement suite can help you qualify for a much bigger mortgage. Lenders can count up to 100% of the rent from a legal, self-contained suite as part of your income. You usually need

Is a legal secondary suite worth paying more for? Yes, most of the time, but it depends on your numbers and how much risk you're comfortable carrying. A legal suite usually costs more upfront than a comparable home with an unregistered basement setup. What you're paying for is certainty: with financ

Should you buy a property with an illegal suite in Calgary? Yes, but it depends. That's the honest answer, and it's worth unpacking instead of giving you a flat yes or no. This applies whether you're looking at a single-family home, a half duplex, or a full duplex. The basics are the same regardless

Investing in the real estate sector can lead to a fulfilling journey. It definitely comes with its share of obstacles. With two decades of experience as a real estate investor specializing in aiding investors in navigating the Calgary market, I have witnessed firsthand the positive impact a well-rou

Hey, Calgary property investors! I'm Sam Pond, your go-to real estate agent specializing in investment properties in our city. With nearly two decades of experience as a real estate investor, I grasp the challenges and opportunities of owning properties. Today, I'd like to share some advice on marke

  Hello everyone! I’m Sam Pond, a realtor specializing in real estate investments in Calgary, Alberta. With nearly 20 years of personal experience as a real estate investor, I’ve seen firsthand the significant impact of property location on rental demand. Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just s

As a realtor in Calgary specializing in helping real estate investors maximize their property potential, I would like to share some helpful information on one of the most effective ways to boost rental income and property value in Calgary: legalizing a basement suite. Here’s a step-by-step guide to

Managing suited investment properties in Calgary can be rewarding, but it comes with its own challenges. As an experienced realtor specializing in investment properties, I’ve gathered some essential tips to help you navigate property management effectively. Understand the Legal Requirements First an

  Legalizing a suite can be a great way to increase your property's value and rental income potential. Still, following the city's regulations carefully is important to ensure a smooth process. Why Legalize Your Suite? Before diving into the steps, let's briefly discuss why legalizing your suite is

The City of Calgary has specific zoning bylaws that regulate where and how secondary suites can be developed. These bylaws ensure that secondary suites are safe, livable, and harmonious with the surrounding community. Here's an overview of the most important aspects: Zoning Districts Secondary suite

  Investing in real estate can be an endeavor, especially in a dynamic city like Calgary. As someone who specializes in real estate investments, I often assist clients with the financing process, which can sometimes be intricate. In this blog post, I'll guide you through the steps and factors to con