When you hear real estate experts say Calgary is in a “balanced market”, what exactly does that mean? Whether you’re planning to buy or sell, understanding this term can help you make more confident decisions.
What Is a Balanced Market?
In real estate, the “market” is typically described as:
- Buyer’s Market – when supply (homes for sale) is high and demand (buyers) is low, giving buyers the advantage.
- Seller’s Market – when demand outweighs supply, allowing sellers to set higher prices and often receive multiple offers.
- Balanced Market – the sweet spot in between, when supply and demand are relatively equal.
Key Indicators of a Balanced Market in Calgary
- Months of Supply: A balanced market usually sits between 2.5 to 4 months of housing inventory. Recently, Calgary has been sitting around the 3–3.5 month mark, which points toward balance.
- Pricing Trends: Home prices remain stable—neither rapidly climbing nor sharply declining.
- Sales-to-New-Listings Ratio: Typically between 40%–60% indicates balance. In Calgary, this ratio has settled within that range.
- Days on Market: Homes aren’t selling overnight, but they aren’t lingering for months either—another sign of balance.
What This Means for Buyers
- More options to choose from compared to a tight seller’s market.
- Negotiating power is fair—buyers don’t always face bidding wars, but must still make reasonable offers.
- Time to carefully compare neighbourhoods and property types without feeling rushed.
What This Means for Sellers
- Homes still sell, but pricing strategy matters—overpricing can cause listings to sit.
- Well-presented, competitively priced homes continue to attract serious buyers.
- Marketing and professional guidance can make the difference in how quickly (and profitably) your home sells.
Why It Matters in Calgary Right Now
With Calgary’s inventory levels returning closer to historical averages, the market is shifting away from the extreme seller’s conditions seen in recent years. This balanced environment is healthy—it stabilizes prices, gives buyers breathing room, and creates fairer conditions for everyone.
Ready to Navigate Calgary’s Balanced Market?
Explore Calgary homes for sale or contact Ray Yang for a personalized strategy. Whether you’re buying or selling, understanding how balance affects your neighbourhood can give you the edge you need.