Author: John Braconnier

Looking ahead to the next few years in Canadian real estate, we’re seeing early signs of renewed confidence. Resale activity is picking up, inventories are holding steady, and prices are leveling out—all positive indicators as more buyers find themselves in a stronger financial position, thanks in part to improved affordability and employment trends. Many folks who put their plans on pause are now feeling ready to take the next step, supported by better savings and job security. The outlook for 2026 suggests a slight dip in resales (about 4% to 453,000) and a modest decrease in benchmark prices (around 2% to $794,000), but forecasts show growth returning in 2027 across all provinces—even if the recovery isn’t completely smooth or dramatic. With borrowing costs near their lows and rates expected to hold, there’s reason for cautious optimism—though trade tensions and energy prices are still factors to watch. As your Edmonton realtor, my focus is always on making your buying or selling experience as stress-free as possible, and keeping you informed through every market shift so your goals stay front and center.

Development fees can have a real impact on what it costs to build new homes in Canada, and recent findings from our national housing agency show just how much these fees affect what actually gets built. For example, cutting development fees could make about 14% more residential projects financially possible. In high-demand cities like Toronto and Vancouver, removing these charges could bump up the number of viable projects by around 10%. Toronto, in particular, could reach half its housing supply targets just through these changes. Looking at the numbers, Calgary’s development fees—roughly $4,000 for a one-bedroom high-rise and $9,000 for a detached home—are a fraction of what’s charged in Vancouver, where fees for similar homes range from $20,000 to $33,000. Of course, these fees do help pay for roads, sewers, and city services, so the goal isn’t to get rid of them entirely. Still, lowering fees on family-sized homes could make it easier for new projects to compete, especially in markets where bigger units are priced higher than comparable resale homes. As someone who’s committed to guiding you through every part of your real estate journey, I keep a close eye on these trends so I can help you make informed decisions in our evolving market.

Many folks assume that lower interest rates will make homeownership instantly more affordable, but central bank research paints a more complex picture. While cheaper borrowing does tend to boost housing demand in Canada—often leading to a jump in resales within 18 to 24 months—the supply side takes much longer to catch up. Builders only start to respond to these changes around two years later, as increased prices and easier financing make new projects more attractive. Plus, with strong job markets and easier lending, buyers often feel more confident to make a move. But with supply always lagging behind demand, experts say cutting rates isn’t a magic fix for housing affordability. As someone who puts your needs first, I know how important it is to look beyond headlines and consider all the moving parts when navigating our local market.

I've been keeping a close eye on the Canadian housing market, and things are definitely getting more interesting. We're seeing home sales pick up again, though many buyers are still moving carefully—and overall activity is still a bit quieter than last year. One trend I’m noticing is that new listings are actually dropping, even as sales improve, which is helping bring the market closer to a healthy balance between buyers and sellers. The best news for many of you is that price growth has stayed steady, offering a bit more predictability and helping avoid the sharp corrections some people worried about. Of course, every region tells its own story, so choosing the right area has never been more important. If you're thinking about your next move in Edmonton or beyond, I’m always here to help you navigate these changes with honest advice and local expertise—because your goals come first.

Affordability has now been a major challenge in Canada’s housing market for 10 straight quarters. With mortgage rates expected to hold steady or even increase over the next year, the spotlight is shifting to home prices and income growth as the main factors shaping what buyers and sellers can manage. For many in Edmonton, where I’m focused on making your real estate journey less stressful, this means keeping a close eye on how local prices move and how the job market supports household incomes. Slower population growth is also expected to help keep prices in check, but economists remind us that without consistent moderation in home prices, any improvements in affordability may be limited. It’s important to remember that each market is unique—what’s happening in Vancouver or Toronto isn’t always what we see in Calgary or here in Edmonton. As your local realtor, I’m here to offer honest advice tailored to our city’s ever-changing landscape, always keeping your needs and goals front and center.

This week brought some important updates on the housing front here in Canada. We’ve seen new data on inflation, housing starts, and retail sales, plus ongoing conversations about trade that could impact nearly US$20B of Canadian exports with the possibility of hefty tariffs. For anyone thinking about making a move—buying, selling, or investing—these factors shape what we might expect in our local markets. Notably, a major real estate group has just adjusted its 2026 forecast, now predicting national sales will dip slightly this year rather than grow. As always, I’m following these shifts closely because your real estate journey deserves honest advice and up-to-date insight. My goal is to help you navigate every change so you can make decisions that truly reflect your needs.

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.