January 2026 Calgary & Area Real Estate Market Update: A Shift Toward Balance

As we step into 2026, the Calgary, Airdrie, and surrounding area real estate market is entering a noticeably different phase than what many homeowners have experienced over the past few years.

December 2025 marked a continued shift toward more balanced market conditions — a change that brings opportunity, clarity, and choice, especially for families and move-up buyers who value planning over pressure.

Rather than focusing on headlines, let’s look at what the numbers actually mean for real people making real decisions.

A More Balanced Market Is Taking Shape

Across the Calgary region, inventory levels rose steadily through the end of 2025. In the City of Calgary, inventory closed December at 3,860 active listings, pushing months of supply to 3.43 months — a meaningful move away from the extreme seller-market conditions seen in recent years.

This shift doesn’t signal weakness. Instead, it reflects a healthier pace where:

• Buyers have more options

• Sellers benefit from thoughtful pricing and preparation

• Decisions feel less rushed and more intentional

The benchmark price in Calgary closed December at approximately $554,700, showing modest year-over-year growth while remaining relatively stable month to month — a sign that demand is still present, just more measured.

How This Looks in Airdrie, Cochrane & Surrounding Communities

Airdrie

Airdrie saw inventory rise to 304 active listings, with months of supply at 3.58. Increased competition from new construction and more resale options has created conditions that reward strategy rather than speed. The benchmark price closed December around $511,200, reflecting a slight softening compared to earlier in the year.

Cochrane

Cochrane transitioned into more balanced territory by the end of 2025, with months of supply reaching 5.09. Despite higher inventory levels, prices remained resilient, supported by demand for newer resale homes. The benchmark price closed at approximately $560,600.

Chestermere, Okotoks & Regional Areas

Many surrounding communities continued to experience varied conditions. Areas with historically tight supply — such as Okotoks — remain relatively competitive, while others are offering more breathing room for buyers. This variation highlights why local expertise and community-specific strategy matter more than ever.

What This Market Means for Buyers

For buyers, especially families and move-up purchasers, today’s conditions offer something that’s been scarce in recent years: choice and time.

With higher inventory levels:

• Buyers can be more selective

• Conditions can be structured more thoughtfully

• Due diligence matters — and is possible

This doesn’t mean waiting indefinitely, but it does mean buyers can focus on fit, lifestyle, and long-term value, rather than reacting under pressure.

What This Market Means for Sellers

For sellers, success in this market is less about urgency and more about presentation, pricing, and positioning.

Homes that are:

• Properly prepared

• Strategically priced

• Marketed with intention

are still selling — but the margin for error is smaller than it was during peak seller-market conditions. This is where a clear plan makes a meaningful difference.

Why January Is the Best Time to Plan

January is often quieter — and that’s exactly why it’s powerful.

The most confident spring and summer moves usually start now, with:

• A clear understanding of home value

• Early conversations about timing

• Strategic decisions around buying first vs. selling first

Waiting until activity increases often means decisions feel rushed. Planning early allows you to move forward with confidence when the time is right.

Final Thoughts

The Calgary and area real estate market is not cooling — it’s normalizing.

Balanced conditions favour informed decisions, thoughtful strategy, and clear communication. Whether you’re planning a move in the coming months or simply staying informed, understanding today’s market gives you more control tomorrow.

If you’d like help interpreting how these conditions apply to your specific situation, I’m always happy to talk things through.