Fact Check: Calgary's Housing Market Has Experienced Significant Volatility Over the Years
What We Know
Calgary's housing market has indeed shown significant volatility over the years, as evidenced by various market reports and analyses. According to the CREB® Market Updates, the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB) releases quarterly reports that analyze economic conditions and housing market activities, indicating fluctuations in both sales and prices. For instance, the average home price in Calgary reached an all-time high of $649,268 in May 2025, reflecting a 6.0% increase year-over-year, while the sales volume decreased by 17% compared to the previous year (WOWA).
Moreover, the Calgary Real Estate Board's statistics highlight that the market has seen varying trends across different property types, with some categories experiencing price declines while others have remained stable or increased. The report noted that total residential sales eased by 17% compared to the previous year, indicating a significant shift in market dynamics.
Analysis
The evidence supports the claim of volatility in Calgary's housing market. The fluctuations in average home prices, alongside the significant year-over-year decline in sales, illustrate the market's instability. For example, while detached homes saw a modest price increase of 2.9% year-over-year, semi-detached and townhouse prices experienced declines of 2.4% and 1.5%, respectively (WOWA). This divergence in price trends across property types further emphasizes the market's volatility.
The CREB® reports are credible sources, as they are produced by a recognized authority in Calgary's real estate sector. However, it is essential to consider potential biases in these reports, as they may emphasize positive trends to encourage market participation. Additionally, external factors such as economic conditions and population growth contribute to the observed volatility, with the population in Calgary growing at a rate that outpaces new housing construction (WOWA).
Furthermore, the HonestDoor and Zolo reports corroborate the findings, providing insights into historical price trends and current market conditions. These sources indicate that while Calgary's housing market has experienced appreciation over the long term, it has also faced periods of significant fluctuation, particularly in response to economic changes.
Conclusion
The claim that "Calgary's housing market has experienced significant volatility over the years" is True. The evidence from multiple reliable sources indicates that the market has undergone notable fluctuations in both pricing and sales volume, influenced by various economic factors and shifting buyer preferences. The consistent reporting of these trends by reputable organizations like CREB® reinforces the validity of the claim.
Sources
- CREB® | Market Updates
- Calgary Housing Market Report: Jun. 2nd, 2025 Update - WOWA
- Calgary Real Estate Board - CREB® | CREA Statistics
- Calgary Real Estate: Housing Market July 2025 | HonestDoor
- Calgary Housing Market Report | June 2025 Real Estate Trends & Stats
- Housing trends - The City of Calgary
- Calgary Real Estate Market Pro Stats and Trends
- Calgary Real Estate Market Trends and Price Forecast to 2027 — Mortgage Sandbox