September Edition
Marlene MacDonald
Private Office
Engel & Völkers Calgary
Calgary Is Not One Market Right Now
One of the most important things to understand about Calgary right now is that there is no single market story.
Detached, townhome and condo conditions are not moving in step, and neither are every price point or neighbourhood. Some buyers have more choice. In other parts of the market, well-positioned homes continue to attract real attention.
That is why I am cautious about reducing a market to simply “up” or “down.” The broad numbers are useful, but the more important question is what they mean for your particular property, neighbourhood or decision.
The numbers tell us what has happened.
The value is understanding what they mean for you.
Marlene
Three Things Worth Paying Attention To
Different parts of Calgary are telling different stories.
Detached, townhome and condo conditions are not moving in step. Neither are every price point or neighbourhood. The useful question is no longer simply, “How is the Calgary market?” It is, “How is this part of the Calgary market behaving?”
The upper end is moving differently.
While overall activity has slowed from last year, homes above $1 million have continued to show strength, particularly detached and semi-detached properties. Slower overall does not mean slower everywhere.
Preparation matters more in a selective market.
Buyers have more ability to compare properties carefully. Pricing, condition, presentation and positioning are carrying more weight than they did when stronger demand was lifting almost everything together. A more selective market rewards better decisions.
Established Calgary
The Enduring Appeal of Established Neighbourhoods
Neighbourhood Perspective
Mature trees, larger lots, walkability and a sense of history continue to give Calgary’s established neighbourhoods lasting appeal.
For people moving within Calgary — or considering a move here from elsewhere — these communities often offer a kind of long-term livability that is difficult to replicate quickly.
If Calgary may be part of your next chapter, these are often some of the most worthwhile places to consider early.
City of Calgary
August Market Snapshot
MLS® Home Price Index (HPI) Benchmark
$744,300
Single-Family Detached
$415,200
Townhome
$295,400
Condo
About the HPI
The MLS® Home Price Index tracks the price of a typical home based on its characteristics, including property type, size and location.
Unlike average sale price, which can shift when more high- or low-priced homes happen to sell, the HPI offers a more consistent way to follow underlying home-price trends over time.
Source: CREB® August 2026 Monthly Housing Statistics
Homeowner Intelligence
Thinking About Next Year?
Start earlier than you think.
One of the most common misconceptions in real estate is that preparation begins shortly before a move.
In reality, the strongest decisions are often made well before a property is listed or a purchase begins.
For anyone considering a move next year, this is often the ideal time to begin thinking through timing, property readiness, market position, and what a successful next step would look like.
An earlier conversation often creates more clarity, better options, and a stronger result when the time comes.
A Few Things to Think About
- 01Timing
- 02Property readiness
- 03Market position
- 04Financing / equity
- 05What a successful next step could look like
If a move next year may be on the horizon, starting earlier usually creates better decisions.
A Private Conversation
Considering a move in 2027?
Whether you are thinking about buying, selling, or simply understanding your options, an early private conversation can bring clarity to timing, value and next steps. You do not need to be ready to make a decision.
Private Office Distinction
Private Office is a distinction within Engel & Völkers reserved for a select group of advisors recognized for sustained performance, market expertise, discretion and an exceptional standard of client care.
For my clients, its value is practical: trusted relationships across markets, thoughtful introductions when needed, and broader perspective when a real estate decision extends beyond Calgary.
It reflects the way I believe this work should be approached: personally, discreetly and with a long-term view.
Private Office Connections
Real estate beyond Calgary
If you, a client, or someone you care about is considering a move elsewhere in Canada or around the world, I would be pleased to make a thoughtful introduction to a trusted Engel & Völkers advisor in that market.
When Calgary Comes Up
If you or someone you care about is considering Calgary or Southern Alberta, I am always happy to be a resource.
A question about a neighbourhood, a property, timing, value, or simply what the market is doing is reason enough to get in touch.
You do not need to be ready to buy or sell.
A Personal Aside
September has always felt like a particularly good month in Calgary.
The pace shifts, the evenings cool, and the light begins to change as the city quietly turns toward fall.
It is a lovely reminder that so much of what makes a place feel like home has very little to do with the house itself.
Marlene
