A Complete Guide for Home Buyers (2025)

If you're planning to buy a home in Calgary, it’s important to know that the purchase price isn’t the only cost you’ll need to budget for. Alongside your down payment and mortgage, there are closing costs—essential expenses that must be paid when the property officially changes hands. Understanding these costs will help you avoid any last-minute surprises and ensure a smooth transition into your new home.

What Are Closing Costs?

Closing costs are the final fees associated with the purchase of a home, paid on or before the closing date. These expenses vary depending on the property price, location, and type of transaction, but in Calgary, buyers can generally expect closing costs to range between 1.5%…

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Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, negotiating the price of a house is one of the most important — and often nerve-wracking — parts of the home buying process. But with the right strategies, you can secure your dream home without overpaying.

1. Do Your Market Research

Before making an offer, analyze comparable sales (comps), current listings, and how long homes stay on the market in the area. A well-informed buyer is a powerful negotiator.


2. Get Pre-Approved

A pre-approval shows sellers you’re financially ready and serious, making your offer more appealing — even if it's slightly below asking.


3. Understand the Seller’s Motivation

Is the seller in a hurry? Already moved out? Knowing their situation can…

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As affordability challenges continue and more Calgarians turn to renting, the rental market is undergoing big changes. Two main options dominate the landscape — purpose-built rentals and condo rentals. Each has unique advantages and drawbacks, and both are shaping the future of Calgary’s housing market.

Purpose-Built Rentals

Purpose-built rentals are designed from the ground up for tenants and are owned by developers or property companies. They’re professionally managed and often include on-site staff and modern amenities.

Advantages:

  • Tenant stability with less risk of eviction due to a sale.
  • Professional management ensures timely maintenance.
  • Modern buildings often include gyms, coworking areas, and pet-friendly spaces.

…

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Quick take: Even though Alberta uses the Torrens land-titles system (the province guarantees title accuracy), title insurance still protects you from costly risks the government guarantee doesn’t cover — like title fraud, unpaid taxes or liens, survey/encroachment problems, building-permit issues, and closing “gap” risks. Most lenders require a lender’s policy; smart buyers add an owner’s policy for full protection. Sources: BLG, Alberta.ca, RECA, Canada.ca.

What is title insurance (in plain English)?

Title insurance is a one-time premium policy that protects against losses tied to your property’s legal ownership (“title”). There are two kinds:

  • Lender’s policy: Protects the bank’s interest in your mortgage (often required).
  • Owner’s…

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With energy costs rising and eco-friendly living becoming more popular, many Calgary homeowners are asking the same question: is solar power really worth the investment? The answer depends on a mix of financial, environmental, and lifestyle factors — but for many, the benefits are adding up.

Calgary’s Solar Advantage

Calgary is known as one of Canada’s sunniest cities, averaging 333 days of sunshine per year. This makes it an ideal location for solar panels, allowing homeowners to generate significant amounts of electricity year-round.

Financial Benefits of Solar Power

1. Lower Energy Bills

Solar panels reduce reliance on the grid. Even partial adoption can cut monthly energy bills by 20–60%, depending on system size and household usage.

…

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Buying your first home is an exciting milestone—but it can also feel overwhelming if you're not sure where to start. From understanding mortgage options to navigating open houses, there are a lot of moving pieces. But don’t worry—you’re not alone.

Here are some essential first-time home buyer tips to help you move forward with confidence and make smart, informed decisions throughout your home-buying journey.


1. Know Your Budget (And Stick to It)

Before falling in love with that dream kitchen or a backyard made for entertaining, it's important to understand what you can realistically afford. Start by getting pre-approved for a mortgage, which will give you a clear picture of your budget and show sellers you're a serious buyer.

Pro Tip:…

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As summer winds down, Calgary’s housing market remains active, though shifts are becoming more noticeable across property types. August 2025 data reveals trends in sales, inventory, and pricing that highlight where opportunities and challenges lie for both buyers and sellers.

Overall Calgary Market

  • Total Sales: 2,024 transactions
  • New Listings: 3,514
  • Active Listings: 6,704 homes on the market
  • Average Price: $609,070
  • Median Price: $563,150
  • Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio: 57.6%
  • Sales-to-List Price Ratio: 97.98%

This points to conditions that remain balanced but leaning toward sellers, with most homes still selling close to asking price.

Detached Homes

  • Total Sales: 996
  • New Listings: 1,748
  • Active Listings: 3,075
  • …

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As summer winds down and Labour Day weekend approaches, Calgary’s real estate market often shifts gears. While August tends to be quieter, September brings renewed activity as families settle back into routines and buyers and sellers refocus on their goals.

Here’s what Labour Day means for you — whether you’re buying or selling in Calgary this fall.

For Buyers: Time to Act Before Competition Rises

  • Take advantage of early fall inventory. New listings typically increase after Labour Day as sellers aim to capture autumn demand.
  • Get pre-approved now. Interest rates remain a key factor; having financing in place lets you act quickly.
  • Watch for motivated sellers. Homeowners who delayed listing in summer may be more willing to negotiate in…

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For many Calgarians, Labour Day weekend signals the unofficial end of summer. Families enjoy one last trip to the mountains, kids prepare to head back to school, and homeowners turn their attention to fall routines. But for Calgary’s real estate market, Labour Day is more than just a long weekend—it’s a natural turning point that shifts the momentum of buying and selling.

1. The End of the Summer Rush

Traditionally, spring and summer are the busiest seasons in Calgary real estate. Warmer weather, longer days, and school holidays make it easier for families to list homes, attend showings, and move. By the time Labour Day arrives, the peak season is winding down. Many buyers who wanted to settle in before the school year have already purchased,…

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Buying a condo in Calgary can be an exciting step — whether it’s your first home, a downsizing move, or an investment. But before you sign on the dotted line, one of the most important steps you should never skip is reviewing the condo documents.

These documents hold the key to understanding the financial health, rules, and long-term stability of the property you’re about to purchase. Here’s why the condo document review is so critical, and what every buyer should know.

1. Understanding the Financial Health of the Condo Corporation

When you purchase a condo, you’re not just buying your unit — you’re also buying into a community and its shared responsibilities.

  • Budgets & financial statements reveal how well the condo board manages…

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