Calgary Real Estate: A Look Back at 2025 and What’s Ahead for 2026

As we wrap up another year and the holiday season approaches, I want to take a moment to reflect on Calgary’s real estate journey in 2025 and share some insights into what we might expect as we head into 2026. Having served Calgary’s vibrant real estate community for two decades, I’ve seen our market evolve through many cycles, and this past year was certainly another fascinating chapter.

2025: A Year of Sustained Demand and Moderated Growth

2025 proved to be another robust year for Calgary’s real estate market. Our city continued to be a beacon for interprovincial migration, attracting new residents seeking opportunity and a more attainable lifestyle than in other major Canadian centres. This influx, combined with generally stable economic conditions in Alberta, sustained strong buyer demand across various segments.

While inventory levels fluctuated, they generally remained on the tighter side, particularly for detached homes, which continued to put upward pressure on prices. We observed steady, albeit more moderate, price growth, in line with the slower pace of previous years, solidifying Calgary’s reputation as a strong investment market. Interest rates played a significant role, with the Bank of Canada’s decisions influencing buyer confidence and affordability throughout the year. We navigated a period where buyers and sellers alike were keenly watching for any signals from Ottawa.

Looking Ahead to 2026: Anticipating What’s Next

As we step into 2026, several key factors will likely shape our local real estate landscape:

1) Interest Rate Trajectory: The Bank of Canada’s stance on interest rates will remain a primary influencer. Many market watchers anticipate potential easing in the latter half of 2026, which could further stimulate buyer activity and improve affordability for those waiting on the sidelines.

2) Continued Population Growth: Calgary’s appeal is expected to continue attracting Canadians from other provinces. This sustained population growth will undoubtedly be a significant tailwind for demand across all housing types.

3) Supply Remains Key: However, the underlying challenge of housing supply is expected to persist. Until new construction significantly catches up to this robust demand, competition for well-priced homes will remain a factor, particularly in desirable neighbourhoods.

4) Segment Performance: We might see continued strong performance in the more attainable segments, such as well-located condos and townhouses, as buyers seek value and affordability. Detached homes will likely continue their steady appreciation, especially in established communities.

5) Alberta’s Economic Health: Alberta’s overall economic health will underpin market confidence. Calgary’s diversification efforts are contributing to a resilient economic outlook, which bodes well for the stability of our housing market.

What This Means for You

• For Sellers: For those considering selling, strategic pricing, impeccable presentation, and expert marketing will be paramount. Spring 2026 could offer an excellent window of opportunity, especially if interest rates begin to trend downwards.

• For Buyers: Buyers will benefit from getting pre-approved early, thoroughly understanding their desired neighbourhoods, and being ready to act decisively when the right property comes along. Don’t underestimate the value of patience and persistence in securing your ideal home.

The Calgary real estate landscape is intricate and ever-changing, but with two decades of experience navigating these trends, I’m here to help you make informed decisions. Whether you’;re thinking of buying your first home, upsizing, downsizing, or exploring investment opportunities, I’m committed to providing you with the personalized advice and dedicated service you deserve.

Thank you once again for your continued trust and business. I wish you and your loved ones a very happy holiday season and a prosperous New Year!

The holiday season is all about creating memories and one of the best ways to do that is by crafting Christmas decorations together as a family. DIY projects keep kids entertained and fills the home with meaningful, handmade décor that you’ll cherish for years. I hope these ideas bring creativity, warmth, and festive spirit to every corner of your home.

1. Salt Dough Ornaments

Salt dough ornaments are a timeless classic, plus they’re simple, inexpensive, and endlessly customizable.

What You Need:

• 1 cup flour

• ½ cup salt

• ½ cup warm water

• Cookie cutters

• Paint, markers, glitter, ribbon

How to Make Them:

1. Mix flour, salt, and water into a smooth dough.

2. Roll it out and use cookie cutters to create shapes like stars, hearts, and gingerbread people.

3. Poke a hole at the top for hanging.

4. Bake at 250°F (120°C) for 2–3 hours until hardened.

5. Decorate to your heart’s content!

Kid-Friendly Tip:

Let kids press their handprint into the dough for a keepsake ornament you’ll treasure forever.

2. Pine Cone Christmas Trees

Bring a little nature indoors with these adorable pine cone trees.

Supplies:

• Pine cones

• Green paint

• Pom-poms, beads, sequins

• Glue

• Bottle caps (for tree bases)

Instructions:

Paint pine cones green, glue them into bottle caps, and decorate with mini ornaments, or if you’re brave enough, glitter.

3. Paper Strip Garland

A retro craft that’s simple, satisfying, and perfect for decorating the tree, mantle, or even kids’ bedrooms.

Materials:

• Construction paper

• Scissors

• Glue stick or tape

How to Make It:

Cut the paper into strips, form loops, and link them together into a long chain. Use traditional holiday colours like green, red, and gold; or let kids choose their own palette.

Variation:

Create a “kindness chain” where each link includes a written act of kindness your family completes during December.

4. Cinnamon Stick Stars

These rustic, sweet-smelling decorations make great ornaments and gift toppers.

You’ll Need:

• Cinnamon sticks

• Twine

• Hot glue (adult-handled)

• Ribbon

• Optional: dried orange slices or small bells

Instructions:

Glue cinnamon sticks into star or snowflake shapes, then decorate with twine or ribbon. Hang on the tree for a cozy, festive aroma.

Kid-Safe Tip:

Let kids handle the decorations and stringing while adults manage the hot glue.

5. Hand-Painted Wooden Ornaments

Ideal for slightly older kids or children who love to draw and paint.

Supplies:

• Unfinished wooden discs

• Acrylic paint or paint pens

• Twine

Steps:

Kids can paint snowmen, Santa faces, winter scenes, or abstract patterns. Add names and dates to turn it into a yearly tradition.

6. Felt Ornament Shapes

Soft, safe, and perfect for little hands, felt crafts are festive and forgiving.

Materials:

• Felt sheets

• Child-safe scissors

• Glue

• Googly eyes, buttons, sequins

• Ribbon or yarn

Cut out shapes like trees, mittens, reindeer, or stockings. Kids can glue on buttons or googly eyes for a fun, playful effect.

Super Simple Option:

Trace cookie cutters onto felt to create perfect shapes every time.

7. Mason Jar Snow Globes

A magical craft that turns everyday jars into charming winter scenes.

Supplies:

• Mason jars

• Small figurines (trees, snowmen, animals)

• Hot glue

• Fake snow or glitter

• Ribbon

Glue figurines to the jar lid, add snow or glitter to the jar, screw it shut, and shake!

8. Beaded Candy Canes

A mess-free craft ideal for younger kids learning patterns and fine motor skills.

What You Need:

• White and red pony beads

• Pipe cleaners

String beads onto pipe cleaners, alternating red and white. Bend into a candy cane shape and voila! These make perfect tree ornaments or gift add-ons.

Tips for Crafting With Kids

Set Up a Holiday Craft Station

Lay out basic materials like ribbon, glue, buttons, and paper in a single spot so kids can create any time.

Embrace the Mess

Crafting with kids can get messy and that’s part of the magic. Use kraft paper or old tablecloths to protect surfaces.

Let Creativity Lead

Pinterest-perfect isn’t the goal. The memories made in the process are what matter most.

A lot of the supplies in a DIY craft-fest can be found at the dollar store (or maybe in your own cupboards!) Sometimes the best memories have the lowest price tag.

Happy holidays!

Nestled in the southeast, Auburn Bay is one of the city’s most desirable lake communities, blending resort-style living with family-friendly charm. Designed around a stunning 43-acre freshwater lake and a central community clubhouse, this neighbourhood offers year-round recreation that’s hard to match.

Residents of Auburn Bay enjoy access to an exceptional roster of amenities through the Auburn House Residents Association. In the summer, the community comes alive with swimming, paddle-boarding, fishing, and picnicking along the sandy beach. Winter transforms the lake into a skating rink, with hockey rinks, toboggan runs, and cozy fire pits available to residents and their guests. It’s a neighbourhood built for connection and fun.

Connected, Convenient, and Growing

Auburn Bay sits at the heart of Calgary’s growing southeast corridor, offering quick access to Deerfoot Trail, Stoney Trail, and Seton. The community is just minutes from the South Health Campus, the YMCA, and the shops and dining of Auburn Station and Seton Urban District. Everything from groceries to medical services to boutique cafés is right around the corner.

Families appreciate the neighbourhood’s thoughtful planning, which includes multiple playgrounds, green spaces, pathways, and top-rated schools such as Auburn Bay School (K–4) and Prince of Peace School (K–9), plus nearby options in Cranston and Mahogany.

A Diverse Real Estate Landscape

Auburn Bay offers something for every type of buyer, first-time homeowners, move-up families, downsizers, and investors. The area features:

• Charming starter homes and modern townhouses

• Stylish condos near Seton and Auburn Station

• Spacious laned and front-attached homes

• Estate-style properties close to the lake

With beautiful streetscapes, strong community involvement, and consistent demand, Auburn Bay continues to be a standout neighbourhood for both homeowners and investors.

Why Buyers Love Auburn Bay

• Lake access with year-round activities

• Excellent proximity to amenities and healthcare

• Strong community stewardship and events

• Family-friendly design with parks and pathways

• Convenient access to major routes

Auburn Bay continues to stand out as a top choice in the southeast. Its blend of convenience, natural beauty, and community spirit makes it a place people are proud to call home and a market worth watching.