January 2026 Calgary Real Estate Market Update: A Slower Start for High-Density Homes

As we move into 2026, the Calgary real estate market is continuing its shift toward more balanced conditions — and January’s numbers confirm that this change is more about normalization than slowdown.

January is always a quieter month, but this year’s data reveals something important:
buyers are taking more time, sellers are bringing inventory to market early, and high-density homes are feeling the shift first.

If you’re planning to buy or sell in Calgary, Airdrie, or surrounding communities this year, here’s what the latest CREB® statistics actually mean — beyond the headlines.

Calgary Market Snapshot – January 2026

In January, Calgary recorded:

1,234 sales, down 15% year-over-year (typical for January)
2,785 new listings
4,391 active listings — the highest January level since 2020
Sales-to-new-listings ratio: 44%
Months of supply: 3.56

The rise in inventory compared to sales reflects a market where buyers feel less urgency and sellers are getting ahead of spring activity.

This isn’t weakness — it’s a sign of a market that’s becoming healthier and more predictable.

Why High-Density Homes Are Slowing First

Row homes and apartment condominiums saw the largest year-over-year declines in sales.

Why?

Increased resale inventory
Ongoing competition from new construction
More choice across resale, rental, and new-home markets

With more options available, buyers are no longer rushing — especially in higher-density segments. This has pushed months of supply higher for row and apartment homes, while detached properties remain relatively balanced.

Home Prices: Stable Month-to-Month, Lower Year-Over-Year

The total residential benchmark price in Calgary closed January at $554,400, nearly 5% lower than January 2025.

However, it’s important to understand what’s driving that number.

Price adjustments are being led primarily by:

Apartment condominiums
Row homes

Detached and semi-detached homes are seeing much smaller changes and, in many cases, are holding relatively steady month-to-month.

Detached Homes: Still the Most Stable Segment

Detached homes continue to anchor the Calgary market.

657 sales
1,753 active listings
Less than 3 months of supply
Benchmark price: $724,000 (↓3% YoY)

Conditions remain balanced, with price movement varying by district. Softer adjustments were seen in parts of the North East, while West Calgary remained comparatively resilient.

For sellers, this means pricing and preparation still matter — but demand hasn’t disappeared.

Semi-Detached Homes: Quietly Balanced

Semi-detached homes accounted for about 10% of market activity in January.

118 sales
~3.5 months of supply
Benchmark price: $667,000 (↓1% YoY)

Rising supply is creating more price stability, and this segment continues to perform well for buyers looking for space without the detached price point.

Row Homes: Supply Is Driving the Story

Row homes saw:

186 sales (↓25% YoY)
Months of supply above 4
Benchmark price: $420,800 (↓5% YoY)

Competition from new-home developments is strongest here, particularly in the North East and East districts. Buyers have more leverage, while sellers need to be strategic to stand out.

Apartment Condominiums: The Most Buyer-Friendly Market

Apartment condos continue to face the highest supply pressure.

1,435 active listings — a January record
Over 5 months of supply
Benchmark price: $301,200 (↓8% YoY)

Prices declined across every district, with the largest drops in the North East. For buyers and investors, this segment currently offers the most selection and negotiating power.

Regional Market Highlights

Airdrie

Benchmark price: $513,900 (↓5% YoY)
Inventory rising, months of supply just over 3
Balanced conditions with modest price softening

Cochrane

Record January new listings
Months of supply: ~5
Benchmark price: $550,800 (↓2% YoY)
Prices trending down after several months of elevated supply

Okotoks

Tight inventory continues
Months of supply: ~2
Benchmark price: $599,500 (↓2% YoY)
Still one of the more competitive surrounding markets

Each community is behaving differently — which is why local, community-specific strategy matters more than ever.

What This Market Means for Buyers

Today’s conditions offer something buyers haven’t had in years: choice and time.

More inventory
Less pressure
Greater ability to negotiate and perform due diligence

This is especially true in apartment and row-home segments, while detached homes continue to reward well-prepared buyers.

What This Market Means for Sellers

Homes are still selling — but the margin for error is smaller.

Success now depends on:

Accurate pricing
Strong presentation
Strategic marketing

Sellers who plan early and position properly are still achieving great outcomes, even in a calmer market.

Why Early-Year Planning Matters

January and February are often quieter — and that’s exactly why they’re powerful.

The strongest spring and summer moves usually start now, with:

Market education
Pricing conversations
Buy-first vs. sell-first planning

Waiting until activity spikes often leads to rushed decisions. Planning early creates confidence.

Final Thoughts

The Calgary real estate market isn’t slowing — it’s resetting.

Balanced conditions reward informed decisions, thoughtful timing, and clear strategy. Whether you’re planning a move in 2026 or simply staying informed, understanding today’s market puts you in control tomorrow.

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

Reach out anytime to start the conversation — and let’s make your next move a Positive one.

Click here to view the full City of Calgary monthly stats package.

Click here to view the full Calgary region monthly stats package.

January 2026 Calgary Real Estate Market Update