Author: Conrad Aglah

Canada’s rental market is showing early signs of stabilization, with average asking rents reaching about $2,000 in Early-Q3. That’s a slight dip—down around 4% compared to last year—but up just under 1% month-over-month. Interestingly, this marks the smallest annual decline since early 2026, after 22 months of consistent yearly drops. Now, four consecutive monthly gains are emerging from a near three-year low, hinting at seasonal momentum and a more balanced market ahead.

Purpose-built rentals have held up best, with yearly rents down just 3% (still averaging close to $2,000) and three-bedroom units remaining steady. In contrast, condos saw rents fall by about 6%, and houses and townhomes slipped by roughly 8%. Nationally, apartment and condo rents are holding at that $2,000 mark, ticking up slightly from late Q2. Toronto, in particular, stands out: listings are down 6% year-over-year, with rents nearly back in positive territory.

For anyone considering their next move—whether renting, buying, or investing—these data points matter. From my perspective as a Calgary-based REALTOR® and mortgage strategist, I always encourage my clients to look beyond the headlines, understand local trends, and consider how shifts in rental stability can influence their property decisions. Right now, we’re seeing stabilization rather than recovery, with back-to-school demand potentially keeping rental momentum strong. For those watching the market closely, Toronto remains a key city for spotting early shifts. As always, my focus is on helping you navigate these changes with clear advice and a strategic approach.

Calgary has reached a milestone with 26,000 registered secondary suites—a clear sign of momentum for diverse, affordable housing right in our established communities. For homeowners considering how to maximize their property’s value or create an income stream, the city’s incentive program currently offers up to $10,000 to offset the cost of building, upgrading, or legalizing a secondary suite. This approach is not just about adding units; it’s about expanding safe, legal rental options in neighborhoods where residents already enjoy access to everyday amenities and strong community ties. City officials highlight the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of this initiative, which is projected to benefit approximately 7,000 suites directly by mid-to-late 2027. As someone who helps buyers, investors, and homeowners navigate Calgary’s evolving real estate landscape, I see firsthand how these programs can unlock both housing opportunity and long-term financial growth. If you’re curious about how a secondary suite could fit into your strategy—or how to leverage these incentives while they last—the opportunity is still open as long as funding remains available.

Calgary’s real estate market is seeing a welcome shift: after years of rapid population growth and intense resale demand, we’re moving toward a more balanced landscape. Recent data shows that supply and demand are finally meeting at a middle ground, making the playing field more even for both buyers and sellers. For anyone feeling priced out during the city’s high market peaks, there’s good news—demand has eased, prices are adjusting, and more first-time buyers and newcomers are stepping into homeownership. If you’re searching for a single-family home under $700K, expect competition to remain strong, but there’s increased flexibility for those looking at condos and townhomes, where supply is rising and negotiation is back on the table. As someone who blends market analytics with mortgage expertise, I believe this rebalancing opens new opportunities to approach your next move with strategy and confidence.

Here’s a quick update on Airdrie’s housing market this month. Homes are selling at a similar pace as before, with a consistent number available and being purchased. The market remains active, but not overheated.

As someone who keeps a close eye on affordability trends for Calgary renters, I find recent data quite encouraging. A real estate platform compared rent, after-tax income, and a typical vacation budget across 28 Canadian cities to see where renters have the most financial flexibility. Here in Calgary, renters are spending about 18% of household income on monthly rent—making our market one of the more budget-friendly options for those trying to balance housing costs and lifestyle. Even after factoring in an average vacation budget of around $2,300, the combined rent-and-travel share still lands at roughly 42% of income. That keeps Calgary near the affordable end of the spectrum, even when you factor in some well-deserved discretionary spending. For local households, this means you can manage your housing costs and still set aside something for travel—without feeling squeezed. As always, I believe in using clear market data to guide smart property decisions, whether you’re renting, buying, or planning your next move in Calgary.

Labour Day in Canada marks a well-earned break celebrating workers and the unofficial end of summer, when everyone suddenly remembers all the things they meant to do in August.
It’s the last big excuse for barbecues, lake trips, and squeezing in one more summer adventure before routines and school schedules take over again.
Stores and sidewalks feel a little calmer, while patios and parks get their final big rush of summer energy and “just one more weekend” vibes.
Happy Labour Day! Wishing you a relaxed, fun-filled long weekend with good food, no alarms, and maximum enjoyment before fall shows up uninvited.