The Calgary Real Estate Report

Do you still need a development permit to legalize a secondary suite in Calgary? Not anymore, for most homes. As of August 4, 2026, the City reclassified secondary suites in low-density zones as a "permitted use," meaning most skip the development permit step entirely and go straight to a building p

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

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 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

Getting into the real estate game can be quite thrilling, in a city like Calgary, known for its bustling real estate scene. If you're thinking about taking the plunge and buying your investment property, it's natural to feel a bit lost at the start. As someone who works closely with real estate inve

Investing in multi-unit residential properties in Calgary presents a unique opportunity for investors seeking to broaden their portfolios. Unlike single-family dwellings, multi-unit properties like duplexes, townhouses, and apartment buildings can yield income streams. This investment approach does

  Investing in real estate with approved secondary suites in Calgary provides a unique chance for investors looking to secure steady rental income and property value growth. Calgary's evolving real estate scene, supported by an expanding population, creates a setting for this investment approach. Le

Calgary's real estate scene is always changing, influenced by demographic shifts and urban development trends. As one of Canada's larger cities, Calgary offers real estate markets that provide exciting opportunities for buyers, sellers, and investors. Calgary has expanded beyond its traditional city

Investing in properties in Calgary offers an appealing opportunity that requires a thorough evaluation of its benefits and obstacles. Calgary, known for its city life and stunning natural surroundings, offers possibilities for real estate investors. The city's consistent population growth and strong

  Calgary is a city renowned for its culture, strong economy, and stunning natural surroundings. Recently, it has also become a spot for real estate investing. This article delves into the aspects of investing in Calgary's real estate market. The real estate scene in Calgary presents a mix of suburb

When beginning to purchase a home in Calgary, many potential buyers tend to focus on the aspects of the house, such as size, condition, and price. However, a crucial aspect that often goes unnoticed is the neighbourhood where the house is situated. Researching the neighbourhood is essential as it ca