Detached sales improve while higher-density homes stay soft
September brought a split market in Calgary. Overall activity held steady, but what you're experiencing as a buyer or seller depends a lot on the type of home.
The big picture
Calgary recorded 1,650 sales in September, essentially level with August (1,656) and about 3.8% below last September. That's a fairly normal seasonal pattern, and detached homes helped keep the month from slipping further.
New listings rose to 3,354, up from August but 11.3% lower than a year ago. Because listings grew faster than sales, the sales-to-new-listings ratio eased to 49%. Inventory finished at 6,486 homes, down 6.3% from last year, and months of supply held at 3.93, just under four months. In general, that's a balanced market.
The benchmark price was $566,700, down 0.8% from last September. Some of the monthly softness is seasonal, but prices are broadly stable compared with August.
Detached: Sales were up from both August and last year, helped by more new listings. With a 52% sales-to-new-listings ratio and about 3.3 months of supply, the market is relatively balanced, though it varies by area. The North West, West and South have under three months of supply, while the North East has nearly six.
Semi-detached: Sales grew year over year, but listings grew faster, so months of supply moved up to 3.67. Prices were basically flat versus last year at $685,200.
Row: Sales eased and inventory is up, pushing supply above four months for the first time this year. Prices are down 5.5% from last year, with the steepest declines in the North East and East.
Apartment: Sales improved from August, but supply sits above five months, and prices are down 8.3% year over year. A big part of the story is the amount of new high-density construction that has come to market over the past few years, giving buyers more choice.
What about the districts?
Total residential benchmark prices by district:
West: $721,200 (+1.7%)
City Centre: $573,100 (+0.2%)
North West: $627,000 (-0.2%)
South: $569,500 (-0.3%)
South East: $553,700 (-1.6%)
North: $523,000 (-3.3%)
East: $390,600 (-4.7%)
North East: $461,200 (-6.1%)
The West and City Centre are the only districts showing year-over-year gains, while the North East, East and North show the biggest pullbacks, partly because of heavier supply and a higher share of row and apartment stock.
What this means for you
If you're buying: You have more choice than you did a year ago, especially in apartments and row homes, where days on market and supply are higher. Homes took an average of 44 days to sell, and they sold for about 97.4% of list price on average, so there's room to negotiate. Detached buyers in the North West, West and South should expect more competition.
If you're selling: Pricing correctly from day one matters more than it did earlier in the year. Detached and semi-detached sellers are in a stronger position, while row and apartment sellers should expect buyers to compare many alternatives and be realistic about pricing and presentation.
Looking ahead
Some price softening is normal as we move through fall, and the underlying picture is steady: a stronger job market and positive, if slower, migration are supporting demand. The key thing to watch is whether the late-year supply increase continues, particularly in semi-detached and row homes.
Thinking about buying or selling? Reach out for a free, no-pressure look at what these numbers mean in your neighbourhood.
Source: CREB® Monthly Statistics Package, City of Calgary, September 2026.
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