Is it a buyer’s or seller’s market right now?

Understanding the current market conditions and difference between a buyer’s and seller’s market is crucial when you’re looking to buy or sell a home. Whether you’re searching for a home or listing a property, knowing the dynamics at play helps you strategize effectively. So, what do the two terms mean? A buyer’s market happens when there’s a surplus of housing in the market compared to buyers. A seller’s marker occurs when there’s a shortage of housing compared to potential buyers. Do you know what these market conditions mean for you? We’ll dive into the signals to watch for, why these market conditions happen, and how both buyers and sellers can position themselves for success. Let’s take a closer look.

Buyer’s Market Vs. Seller’s Market: A Quick Comparison

Buyer’s Market  |  Seller’s Market

• More homes for sale than buyers  |  More buyers than available homes

• Prices are typically stable or declining  |  Prices may rise quickly

• Listings often stay longer on the market  |   Homes could sell within days

• High buyer negotiation power  |  High seller negotiation power

• Fewer competing offers  |  Bidding wars are more common

What’s a Buyer’s Market? (Key definition)

A buyer’s market occurs when there are more homes for sale than there are buyers actively looking, creating an oversupply of inventory. This imbalance may give buyers greater leverage and negotiating power because sellers must compete for a smaller pool of potential purchasers.

Signs of a buyer’s market often include:

• High inventory of available homes

• Listings staying on the market longer than usual

• Price reductions or stable-to-declining home prices as sellers try to attract interest

• Sellers more willing to negotiate, offer incentives, or accept conditional offers

In short, for buyers this type of market means more options, more time, and more room to negotiate.

Why do Buyer’s Markets Happen?

So, why exactly do buyer’s markets occur? There are several factors that contribute to a shift toward buyer‑friendly market conditions:

1. Higher Interest Rates

When interest rates rise, mortgages become more expensive which can reduce buyer demand and increase supply.

2. Broader Economic Conditions

Factors like job growth, inflation, and overall consumer confidence can influence market activity. Slower economic periods may tip conditions in favour of buyers.

3. Seasonal Trends

Spring and summer often bring more competition, while fall and winter can sometimes see slower buyer activity, widening inventory and sometimes creating a micro buyer’s market.

Tips for Buyers in a Buyer’s Market

If you’re planning to buy a home, a buyer’s market might mean you have the advantage. Use these practical tips to make the most of the conditions:

1. Take Your Time

With more homes available, time is on your side. Compare neighbourhoods, features, and prices at your own pace. Homes often stay on the market longer in a buyer’s market, giving you the time to make thoughtful decisions.

2. Use Your Negotiation Leverage

Buyers typically have more room to negotiate in this environment. Consider asking for:

• Lower purchase price

• Seller‑funded repairs or upgrades

• Flexible closing dates that suit your timeline

3. Make Strong, Conditional Offers

When there’s less competition and fewer bidding wars, buyers can confidently include conditions such as financing or home inspections without the worry of losing the home to another offer right away.

4. Look for Long‑Term Value Opportunities

If prices are stable or trending downward, you may be able to purchase at a more favourable price point. This can mean greater potential equity growth as the market shifts back toward balance or a seller’s market.

Tips for Sellers in a Buyer’s market

Selling in a buyer’s market can feel challenging, but the right strategy can help your home stand out and attract qualified buyers. Here are practical tips to position yourself for success:

1. Price Your Home Competitively

In a buyer’s market, realistic pricing is essential. Buyers have numerous options, and overpricing can push your home to the bottom of their list. Set a strong, data‑driven price from the start to avoid extended days on market or future price reductions.

2. Invest in Strong Marketing

With more listings competing for buyers’ attention, effective marketing becomes critical. Make sure your home is showcased at its absolute best by investing in:

• High‑quality, professional photos

• Home staging to highlight your property’s strengths

• Well‑written listing descriptions

• Clearly highlighted upgrades and standout features

• A clean, well‑maintained, and move‑in ready home

• First impressions matter even more when buyers have plenty of choices. 

3. Be Prepared to Negotiate

Buyers hold more leverage in this type of market, so flexibility is key. Be ready for negotiations involving:

• Price adjustments

• Repair requests

• Closing credits or incentives

• Conditional offers

A willingness to accommodate reasonable requests can help your home stand out among competing listings. 

4. Practice Patience Throughout the Process

Homes tend to stay on the market longer during a buyer’s market due to increased inventory and more cautious buyers. Expect a slower pace, and don’t be discouraged. The right buyer will come as long as your pricing, presentation, and marketing are on point.

How Buyers Can Take Advantage of a Buyer’s Market

If you’re a buyer in this type of market, here’s how to leverage this opportunity:

1. Get Pre‑Approved Early

A mortgage pre-approval gives you the clarity you need to set a proper budget for how much house you can afford to purchase. Being financially prepared strengthens your offer, even when you have negotiating leverage. 

2. Lean on a Real Estate Professional

Market conditions change periodically, but working with a professional who is knowledgeable on these conditions can help you have the upper hand. 

3. Be Strategic, but decisive

While you have time, analysis paralysis can still cause you to miss out on great homes. Be sure to have a plan of action to help you when you’re ready to buy a home.

What’s a Seller’s Market? (Key definition)

A seller’s market happens when there are more buyers looking for homes than there are homes available for sale. This imbalance often gives sellers the upper hand, potentially with quicker sales, stronger offers, and more competition among buyers.

Signs of a seller’s market often include:

• Low housing inventory

• Homes selling quickly, sometimes within days

• Multiple offer situations or bidding wars

• Homes frequently selling at or above asking price

• Buyers willing to waive conditions to stay competitive

Why do Seller’s Markets Happen?

A seller’s market can emerge due to several key factors:

1. Low Housing Inventory

When fewer homes are listed for sale, competition increases among buyers.

2. High Buyer Demand

Strong job markets, population growth, or favourable economic conditions can increase the number of people looking to buy. 

3. Low Interest Rates

Lower borrowing costs often bring more buyers into the market, increasing demand.

4. Seasonal and Local Trends

Some regions experience cyclical seller’s markets in peak buying seasons, like spring and early summer, when more buyers are actively searching for homes. Local economic shifts, new developments, school zones, and community growth can also influence demand in specific neighbourhoods, creating competitive conditions even if the broader market is more balanced.

Tips for Buyer’s in a Seller’s Market

Competing in a seller’s market requires strategy, confidence, and preparation. With limited inventory and strong competition, buyers need to be proactive and well-positioned. Here’s how buyers can increase their chances of success:

1. Get Pre‑Approved Early

Being pre‑approved for a mortgage shows sellers you’re serious and financially ready to move forward. In a competitive market, sellers are more likely to prioritize offers from buyers who have already secured mortgage pre-approval because it reduces uncertainty that they’ll qualify for a mortgage. It also allows buyers to act quickly and confidently when the right home becomes available.

2. Be Ready to Move Quickly

Homes can sell fast in a seller’s market. If you love a property, be prepared to make an offer promptly. Stay organized, monitor new listings closely, and be prepared to book showings as soon as possible. Having your paperwork ready and knowing your budget in advance allows you to submit a strong offer without unnecessary delays. 

3. Make Strong, Clean Offers

In a competitive environment, sellers are looking for offers that are both attractive and straightforward. Try to limit unnecessary conditions when possible and make your offer appealing. You may also consider offering a flexible closing date to align with the seller’s needs, or submitting a competitive price based on current market value. The goal is to present an offer that stands out while still protecting your interests.

4. Work with a Knowledgeable Agent

An experienced real estate professional can be your greatest advantage in a seller’s market. 

5. Stay Flexible

In a highly competitive market, flexibility can make all the difference. You may need to compromise on certain expectations around features, finishes, or even neighbourhoods. Prioritize your “must‑haves” versus “nice‑to‑haves” so you can make a confident decision when opportunities arise. Keeping an open mind can help you secure a home that meets your core needs, even if it looks slightly different from what you initially imagined

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Buyer’s and Seller’s Markets

How can I tell if my area is in a buyer’s market? 

In a buyer’s market, there are typically more homes available than there are active buyers. This often means listings stay on the market longer, price reductions are more common, and sellers may be more open to negotiation. You might also notice fewer bidding wars and more room to include conditions in your offer, such as financing or home inspection clauses..

How can I tell if my area is in a seller’s market?

Look for signs such as low inventory, homes selling quickly, multiple offer situations, and rising prices. In a seller’s market, demand outweighs supply, which can lead to competitive bidding and properties selling above asking price. Homes may receive offers shortly after being listed, and there may be fewer price reductions.

Can I still buy a home in a seller’s market without going over budget?

Yes, but it often requires preparation and flexibility. Having strong financing in place, including a mortgage pre-approval, helps you to move quickly and confidently. It’s also important to understand fair market value, to avoid overpaying. Working with an experienced agent can help you identify well-priced homes, overlooked listings, or opportunities in neighbourhoods where competition may be slightly lower. Staying disciplined with your budget and knowing your limits is key.

Is it a good idea to sell during a seller’s market?

Often, yes. In a seller’s market, limited inventory and strong demand can result in competitive offers, shorter time on market, and potentially stronger sale prices. Sellers may also have more leverage when negotiating terms, such as closing dates. However, it’s still important to price your home appropriately and prepare it before you list it to attract serious buyers and maximize your results.

Do market conditions change quickly?

They can. Real estate markets are influenced by many different factors, including interest rates, economic conditions, government policy changes, seasonal trends and more. A balanced market can shift toward buyers or sellers depending on supply and demand. That’s why staying informed about local market data and trends is essential. What’s happening nationally may differ from what’s happening in your specific city or neighbourhood, so localized insight is especially valuable.

Navigating the challenges of the market can be overwhelming. Should you have any questions, contact your member of the Viani Real Estate Group to assist you through the process. 

Courtesy REMAX LLC

The Calgary real estate market is one of the most thriving aspects of the Canadian housing sector.

Over the last year, the Calgary real estate industry has witnessed impressive gains, from growth in the condominium market to sufficient inventory levels to a high sales-to-new-listing ratio (SNLR). Indeed, the western Canada city has become one of the most lucrative markets for real estate participants.

How good does it look? Many industry observers believe it could replicate last year’s average residential price growth of around three percent in 2024.

Is the major Alberta urban centre right for you?

Here are Five Reasons to Choose the Calgary Real Estate Market:

Calgary Has a Thriving Economy

One of the first reasons to choose the Calgary real estate market is the fact that it is experiencing significant growth. The market is booming because of Calgary’s thriving economy, a healthy job market, and low unemployment rates. The city also maintains a strategic location and offers easy access to work, leisure, and travel opportunities. This makes it an ideal residential choice for homebuyers.

The city also ranks high in terms of livability and offers its residents a good quality of life, a vibrant culture, natural beauty, and recreational opportunities. It boasts of the Rocky Mountains and gives people easy access to Banff and Jasper, both popular tourist destinations. The city offers more than 20,000 acres of parkland and numerous trails and pathways for those interested in nature and outdoor activities. The weather is also great, with Calgary being one of the sunniest cities in Canada despite the frigid winters.

Calgary Residents Enjoy High Purchasing Power

Consumers in Calgary enjoy a high purchasing power because the median household income has consistently seen an upward trajectory over the years. The enhanced purchasing power makes the real estate market particularly attractive as there are more potential buyers.

Moreover, Alberta has no provincial sales tax. As a result, residents in Calgary do not have to pay the 12- 15 percent harmonized taxes typically charged in other provinces and only have to bear the 5% GST rate levied by the federal government.

Finally, the job market in Calgary is booming, and there are diverse options for people in Calgary, including the oil and gas sector, technology, healthcare, finance, and education. Employment opportunities in these sectors provide economic stability and high average incomes for residents in Calgary.

Calgary’s Housing Affordability is Outstanding

Housing affordability in Calgary has remained relatively consistent. With mortgages as high as they have been in the last few years, this makes properties in this part of the country still affordable. This is good news for first-time home buyers and those who want to upgrade their existing properties. Average sale prices in Canada are much lower than those in Toronto and Vancouver. In 2024, the average sales price for a home in Calgary was below $548,000, according to RE/MAX data. By comparison, the typical sales price for residential properties in Vancouver or Toronto is north of $1 million.

This makes this market relatively much easier to enter, especially for those who can afford the usual ten to 15 percent down payment.

Plus, there is no land transfer tax in Alberta, which makes selling a home less expensive for people in Calgary than in other areas in Canada.

Calgary Attracts Foreign Investment

Calgary attracts significant foreign investment, and there is a consistent injection of foreign capital into the real estate sector, making it an attractive prospect for investment. The city’s strong infrastructure has played an essential role in attracting investors and boosting the Calgary real estate market. The major urban centre has significantly invested in public transport and road upgrades, making it more appealing for residential and commercial real estate buyers.

Ultimately, Calgary’s real estate market is diverse and can cater to all housing budgets by offering affordable choices for homebuyers and renters.

Calgary’s Population Growth

Calgary has seen continuous population growth, and there has also been a regular influx of people from other provinces. The increase in population is directly proportional to a rise in housing demand.

The city has more than one million people, and the population continues to grow because of its thriving economy.

Millennials are an attractive population segment and constitute many new homebuyers. At the same time, an aging population is driving an increase in sales for condos and smaller homes as they seek to downsize. The changing demographics and population growth have resulted in a consistent demand for single-family luxury properties and condos. In addition, with the consistent increase in remote work, Calgary offers remote workers a quality lifestyle and a lower cost of living compared to other major Canadian cities.

Calgary | A Top Canadian Housing Market

Overall, it is evident that a booming economy, population growth, low taxes, stable home prices, and a high-quality lifestyle make Calgary one of the most attractive areas for planting new roots, real estate investing, and enjoying stellar living standards.

Courtesy REMAX LLC

Calgary, Alberta, Feb. 2, 2026 – Calgary reported 1,234 sales in January, a year-over-year decline of 15 per cent, but in line with typical levels of activity for the month. While sales declined across all property types, the steepest declines occurred in higher-density homes. 

“Following the typical December slowdown, potential buyers for high-density homes were more hesitant to return to the market in January, as increased supply choice across all aspects of the market has reduced the sense of urgency,” said Ann-Marie Lurie, CREB®’s Chief Economist. “At the same time, sellers were quick to bring their listings onto the market, causing the sales-to-new-listings ratio to drop to 44 per cent, mostly due to shifts in apartment and row-style homes. Overall, this is not entirely uncommon for January, as both buyers and sellers weigh their options ahead of the spring market.” 

The rise in new listings compared to sales caused inventory levels to increase to 4,391 units, the highest January level since 2020. However, as with sales, conditions vary by property type, with row and apartment homes facing higher levels of inventory compared to long-term trends. The result is months of supply that ranges from under three months in the detached sector to five months for apartment-style homes. 

Due to declines in the later part of 2025, benchmark prices are lower than levels reported at the start of last year. However, seasonally adjusted figures point to stable levels in January compared to the end of 2025. Nonetheless, year-over-year total residential benchmark prices have declined by nearly five per cent, as steep declines reported in the oversupplied row- and apartment-style homes weighed on total residential prices compared to last year.

Detached

There were 657 sales and 1,243 new listings in January, comparable to levels reported last year. However, new listings did rise over December levels, causing inventories to reach 1,753 units, just shy of long-term averages for the month. With less than three months of supply and a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 53 per cent, conditions remained relatively balanced in the detached market. 

The January unadjusted benchmark price was $724,000, slightly lower than the previous month and over three per cent lower than last January, as prices trended down over the second half of 2025. Price movements varied throughout the city, with year-over-year declines ranging from less than one per cent in the West district to over six per cent lower in the North East. While unadjusted prices did ease over December, this was mostly due to pullbacks in the City Centre and North West districts.

Semi-Detached

There were 118 sales in January and 251 new listings, representing 10 per cent of the market activity in the city. While both sales and new listings improved over December, the growth in new listings was higher, causing the sales-to-new-listings ratio to ease to 47 per cent. Inventory levels improved but conditions remained relatively balanced, with three and a half months of supply.  

Rising supply, which started in the latter part of 2025 and continues into 2026, is creating more price stability. As of January, the benchmark price was $667,000, similar to last month and only one per cent lower than last January. Year-over-year prices in both the North West and West districts remain higher than last year but are lower in every other district.

Row

There were 186 sales in January, down by nearly 25 per cent compared to last year. Meanwhile, supply continued to rise both in terms of new listings and inventory growth, causing the months of supply to push above four months. 

Despite the added supply, the unadjusted benchmark price remained similar to December's levels, but was five per cent lower than last January. The month-over-month stability was due to gains in the City Centre and West districts. Year-over-year price adjustments have been the highest in the North East and East districts, followed by the North and South East districts, which have faced significant competition from the new-home market. 

Apartment Condominium

Apartment-style units continue to struggle with supply. New listings reached 787 units, which is not as high as last year but a significant jump over December and much higher than the 273 sales reported in January, pushing the sales-to-new-listings ratio down to 35 per cent. This drove further gains in inventory, which reached 1,435 units, the highest levels ever reported for January. 

With over five months of supply in January, it is not surprising that prices trended down further. The unadjusted benchmark price was $301,200, nearly one per cent lower than the previous month and eight per cent lower than last January. Prices have been falling across every district, with year-over-year declines ranging from 13 per cent in the North East to six per cent in the City Centre.

REGIONAL MARKET FACTS

Airdrie

While down from last January, sales activity remained relatively strong. With 106 sales and 227 new listings, the sales-to-new-listings ratio dropped to 47 per cent, slightly lower than typical for January. This resulted in some further gains in inventory levels, keeping the months of supply just above three months and in line with long-term trends. The unadjusted benchmark price was $513,900, reporting a modest monthly gain consistent with seasonal trends. However, thanks to pullbacks last year, prices remain five per cent lower than levels reported in January 2025.  

Cochrane

New listings rose to 149 units, the highest level ever reported in January. With only 54 sales, the sales-to-new-listings ratio dropped to 36 per cent, causing inventories to rise and keeping months of supply at five months. After several months of slightly higher months of supply, prices have trended down on a month-over-month basis for three consecutive months. As of January, the unadjusted benchmark price was $550,800, nearly two per cent lower than both December and the start of last year.

Okotoks

Okotoks continues to struggle with lower inventory levels compared to long-term trends, limiting sales activity. January reported 33 sales and 52 new listings, resulting in a sales-to-new-listings ratio of 63 per cent and keeping inventory levels low at 79 units. The months of supply remained just above two months, and prices remained relatively unchanged compared with the previous month. However, thanks to some price adjustments last year, the total residential benchmark price of $599,500 in January was two per cent lower than levels reported last year.

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

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

Courtesy of CREB