Inside Edmonton

Pabian Realty Presents

Sign up below for new weekly content on the market, the charm, and the people that make Edmonton like no other city in Canada

What’s happening in the market today?

RSS

The 2026 Edmonton First-Time Home Buyer Guide: Every Incentive & Hidden Rebate

The Edmonton real estate market in 2026 has shifted. While interest rates have stabilized, the "math" of buying your first home has become significantly more complex due to new federal tax laws and city-specific land programs. The good news is, there’s more choice than ever before, and price growth is slowing (so far). 

I’m not here to just find you a house; my goal is to ensure you capture every dollar the government and builders owe you - it’s your money after all! Here is the definitive list of every first-time buyer incentive available in Edmonton right now.

I’m a REALTOR®, and this is not financial advice. I’ve included sources throughout, but you’re responsible for conducting your own research :o)

What even is a First Time Home Buyer? To qualify in the eyes of the CRA, you must:

  • Be 18 years old

  • Be under 71 years old 

  • Be a resident of Canada

One of the following also need to be true:

  • You did not live in a qualifying home (or what would be a qualifying home if located in Canada) as your principal place of residence that your spouse or common-law partner owned or jointly owned in this calendar year or in the previous 4 calendar years; OR

  • You do not have a spouse or common-law partner at the time you open the account

You can read up on the qualifications here.

Ok, back to the incentives!

The First Home Savings Account (FHSA)

This is the single most important account for any buyer in 2026. It combines the tax-deductibility of an RRSP with the tax-free withdrawals of a TFSA.

You should know that this isn’t exactly free money. Restrictions include:

The 15-Year "Use It or Lose It" Clock

The moment you open your first FHSA, a 15-year timer starts. You must use the funds for a home purchase by the end of the 15th year (or by December 31 of the year you turn 71, whichever comes first).

  • The Benefit: Contribute up to $8,000 per year (to a $40,000 lifetime max).

  • The Strategy: Your contributions lower your taxable income today (giving you a larger tax refund), and you pay zero tax on any investment growth when you withdraw for your down payment.

  • Source: CRA FHSA Guide

The 30-Day "Possession Window"

Many buyers think they can move in, get settled, and then withdraw their FHSA money to help pay for immediate renovations or furniture. This is a mistake.

  • The Restriction: You cannot make a tax-free withdrawal from your FHSA if you have owned/lived in the home for more than 30 days.

  • The Strategy: You must time your withdrawal to happen before or within 30 days of taking possession. If you miss this window, the CRA will treat any withdrawal as "non-qualifying," and you will be taxed on every dollar you take out.

The Enhanced Home Buyers’ Plan (HBP)

The HBP allows you to "borrow" from your own RRSP interest-free.

  • The 2026 Limit: You can now withdraw up to $60,000 (or $120,000 for a couple) from your RRSP.

  • The Grace Period: For buyers in 2026, you have a 5-year grace period before you have to start paying it back, followed by 15 years to finish the repayment.

  • Source: Canada.ca Home Buyers' Plan

First-Time Home Buyers’ Tax Credit (HBTC)

A non-refundable tax credit of $10,000.

  • The Cash Impact: When you file your taxes at the end of the year, this results in a $1,500 cash-back refund. This is designed to help you recover "closing costs" like legal fees and moving trucks.


2. The New Build vs. Resale Debate

Choosing between a brand-new home in Chappelle or a resale bungalow in Strathcona isn't just about the aesthetics—it’s about the tax implications.

The 2026 GST Rebate: The "Builder Catch"

For New Construction homes priced under $1 million, buyers are eligible for a 100% rebate of the 5% GST (up to $50,000).

  • Crucial Note: Most Edmonton builders include this rebate in their "advertised" price. They will ask you to sign a GST Assignment Form.

  • Why? It lowers the purchase price upfront so your mortgage is smaller.

  • Warning: If the builder claims the rebate, you cannot claim it again on your tax return. Always ask: "Is the price I’m seeing net of the GST rebate?"

  • Source: GST New Housing Rebate Info

Can I Negotiate on a "Spec Home"?

Not only is it possible, I vigorously encourage it! For the uninitiated, a "Spec" home is a new build that is already finished or nearly finished with no buyer yet. Some builders will resist negotiating, since the home (and their cost) is closer to being â€ślocked in”. The good news is, I build relationships with builders for a living and will be able to tell you which ones are more likely to work with you than others.

  • Did you know? In a balanced market, some builders are eager to get spec homes off their books. You can even negotiate Mortgage Rate Buy-Downs (where the builder pays to drop your rate by 1–2% for the first three years) or "unlisted" upgrades like deck completion or basement finishing. Jayman BUILT is one such builder.

  • Incentives vary by location, builder, and might even change on the same property several times a month. It all depends on demand, the builder’s books, heck even when they have their fiscal calendar set. Incentives generally have an inverse relationship with seasonal demand - you can often get crazy incentives to the tune of tens of thousands of dollars in late December that would never be available in July when demand is highest.


3. Edmonton-Specific & Professional Incentives

Edmonton’s "First Place" Program

This one blew my freakin’ MIND! The City of Edmonton teams up with builders (like Rohit and Landmark) to offer townhomes on vacant surplus school sites.

  • The Incentive: You get a 5-year deferral on land costs.

  • The Logic: You only pay for the building for the first 5 years. After year 5, you pay the land cost back. This makes your initial monthly mortgage significantly cheaper.

  • 2026 Eligibility: Household income under $130,000 and net worth under $25,000.

  • Source: City of Edmonton First Place Program


4. Borrowing from Family: The Gifted Down Payment

Many first-time buyers in Edmonton are getting a "boost" from the Bank of Mom and Dad. Here is how to do it without the bank rejecting your mortgage.

  • It Must Be a Gift, Not a Loan: Lenders will not allow you to use a personal loan as a down payment. The money must be a "gift" with no repayment requirement.

  • The Gift Letter: The bank will require a signed document stating:

    1. The relationship between you and the donor (must be immediate family).

    2. The exact dollar amount.

    3. A clear statement that the funds are not repayable.

  • Paper Trail: You must be able to show the money leaving their account and entering yours. Lenders usually require a 90-day history of your funds to ensure no "grey market" loans are being hidden.

5. CMHC Eco Plus Program

If you buy an energy-efficient home (standard for most new Edmonton builds in 2026), you can get up to a 25% refund on your CMHC mortgage insurance premiums.


FAQ: Your Top 2026 Questions

Q: Does Alberta have a Land Transfer Tax?
A: No. This is why Edmonton is so much cheaper to buy in than Toronto or Vancouver. You only pay a small "Land Titles" fee (usually under $1,000).

Q: Can I use 30-year amortization?
A: Yes. As of 2026, 30-year amortizations are available to first-time buyers on all home types (new and resale), provided the down payment is less than 20% (insured mortgage). This lowers your monthly payment.

Q: Can I combine the FHSA and HBP?
A: Yes. A couple could theoretically use $200,000 ($60k x 2 HBP + $40k x 2 FHSA) for a down payment, all tax-free. I’m not an accountant, and this is not financial advise. You’re responsible for doing your own research and making your own decisions.

Take the Stress Out of Your First Home

Knowing which box to check on a builder’s contract can save you $30,000 in GST alone. Don't leave your biggest investment to chance! Call or text Mike Pabian today at 780-232-2064 or you could pay way, way too much.

Mike Pabian is a born-and-raised Edmontonian that is passionate about the city and the people in it. He currently resides in the city’s southwest with his wife Grace, and their pugs Frank and Pickles. 

Read

It’s Time To Sell Your Condo

If you’re new here, I’m Mike Pabian and I believe in taking a data-driven, consultative approach to real estate. It’s paid off so far - in fact, I’m averaging 8 days from listing a property to accepting an offer. That’s pretty rad, given the Edmonton average days on market is over 55 right now.

So buckle up because it’s go-time. You can get on the Pabey-Train or you can be left on the platform holding your bags.

Why? Edmonton is doing something strange - something not seen in our market in the last 40 years. The data is showing us a significant market anomaly that puts Edmonton condo owners in a very strong position despite rising inventory in every segment. What’s up with that?


The 2026 Price Anomaly: Why Logic is Taking a Backseat

In a typical market, real estate follows the law of supply and demand: more listings (supply) usually lead to lower prices. But 2026 has started with a curveball.

According to the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton (RAE), residential inventory in January 2026 surged by nearly 33% compared to the same time last year. Despite this influx of choice for buyers, the average price for an Edmonton condo rose to $225,671—an 11.1% year-over-year increase.

Why are prices rising alongside inventory?

This isn't a fluke; it's the result of a specific set of economic pressures:

  • The Affordability Pivot: With detached homes averaging around $556,752, many buyers have been priced out of the single-family market. This has funneled a massive wave of demand into the more accessible condo and townhouse segments. 

  • In February 2023, the average for a dethatched home was $459 600. That means that in just the last 3 years, the average price has gone up 21.1%. Wages in Edmonton have only increased slightly over the same time frame, meaning you have far less spending power than you did just 3 short years ago.

  • Inbound Migration: Alberta continues to see record-breaking interprovincial migration. These new residents are often looking for immediate, turnkey housing, making condos the primary target.

  • The Investor Re-Entry: Low vacancy rates and rising rents have made Edmonton condos a viable "cash-flow" play again. Investors are competing with first-time buyers, keeping upward pressure on prices even as more units hit the market.


5 Things You Should Do Before Selling Your Townhouse

Even in a strong market, your presentation determines your final walk-away number. With inventory levels rising, you aren't just competing with the house down the street; you're competing with dozens of them. Here is how to ensure your townhouse stands out:

  1. Prepare the "Paperwork" Package: Buyers are more cautious in 2026. Have your condo documents—including the reserve fund study, bylaws, and recent meeting minutes—ready to go before you hit the market. Transparency closes deals faster.

  2. Focus on "High-Traffic" Cleanliness: In townhouses, entryways and stairwells get the most wear. A professional deep clean of these areas, along with windows and carpets, is the bare minimum for a successful listing.

  3. Neutralize with Purpose: A fresh coat of neutral paint is the highest-return investment you can make. It removes the "work" from the buyer's mind and makes the space feel larger and brighter.

  4. Stage for Speed and Value: Don't leave your floor plan to the buyer's imagination. According to the NAR 2025 Profile of Home Staging, 81% of buyers’ agents say staging makes it easier for a buyer to visualize the property as a future home. Furthermore, data from RESA suggests that staged homes spend 73% less time on the market. In a high-inventory environment, being the "staged unit" is often the difference between a quick sale and a price drop.

  5. Audit the "Small Stuff": Squeaky doors, loose cabinet handles, or burnt-out bulbs suggest a lack of maintenance. Addressing these minor repairs prevents buyers from looking for larger, non-existent problems. And for the love of crap, do not mix-and-match your lightbulbs. If I see warm mixed with cold, or fluorescent bulbs that strobe like a 90’s rave, I will personally go to Dollarama to get matching $4 LED bulbs and send you an invoice. Details, people! We’re selling a house, not a soiled mattress on Craigslist!


FAQ: The Edmonton Condo Market in 2026

Q: If inventory is up, shouldn't I wait for it to go back down?

A: Not necessarily. High inventory is currently being met with even higher demand. Waiting could mean competing with the "Spring Rush," where the volume of new listings might finally catch up to the buyer pool.

Q: Why is the condo price surge considered an anomaly?

A: Because it breaks the inverse relationship between supply and price. To see double-digit price growth while inventory is up 30%+ is a rare occurrence that typically only happens during periods of extreme population growth or rapid shifts in affordability.

Q: Is staging worth the cost for a townhouse?

A: Absolutely. NAR data shows that 29% of agents see price increases of 1% to 10% on staged homes. On a $300,000 townhouse, that's a potential $30,000 return on a relatively small investment.

Q: Are all condos surging? Is just owning a condo good enough to see a massive increase in my condo’s value?

A: No! Location, location, location. If your condo is in a desirable neighborhood, is close to amenities and transit, and is well maintained, you’re probably going to benefit from this latest surge. If, on the other hand, your property is not well maintained, or is close to construction, lacking in features, or has high condo fees - you might be out of luck. In short, it depends - call me and we’ll figure it out!


Ready to Capitalize on the Surge?

The 2026 market is offering Edmonton condo owners a unique window of opportunity. Prices are up, demand is high, and while there is more competition on the market, a well-executed strategy will still yield a premium result.

I take an inquisitive and knowledgeable approach to every listing to ensure my clients aren't just "selling," but are maximizing their equity. If you’re curious about what your property is worth in today’s shifting landscape, let’s grab a coffee and look at the numbers.

Ready to get started?

Visit me at PabianRealty.ca, call or text 780-232-2064, or send an email to mike@pabianrealty.ca. You can also stay updated on the latest Edmonton market trends by following me on Instagram @pabianrealty, and on my YouTube channel InsideEdmonton.

Read

The 2026 Definitive Guide to Legal Suites in Edmonton: Everything You Need to Know

In the Edmonton real estate landscape of 2026, the "Legal Suite" is the undisputed heavyweight champion of the market. With the average detached home in Edmonton currently priced at $556,752 (according to REALTORS® Association of Edmonton January 2026 Statistics), many buyers are using "house hacking" to turn a primary residence into a cash-flowing asset.

As we enter this year's balanced market—where inventory is up 32.7% year-over-year—buyers finally have the leverage to demand quality, safety, and 100% legal compliance. At Pabian Realty, we want to ensure your "mortgage helper" doesn't turn into a liability.


1. The Financials: 2026 Construction Costs

If you're looking to add a suite to an existing home, your 2026 budget must reflect the reality of current labor and material inflation. A professional, code-compliant basement suite conversion typically ranges from $70,000 to $120,000.

Project Component2026 Cost EstimateWhy it's Required
Kitchen & Bath Rough-in$12,000 – $18,000New drainage lines, venting, and water supply for a second unit.
Finishing (Cabinets/Tiling)$20,000 – $35,000Durable, rental-grade finishes that satisfy 2026 tenant expectations.
Independent HVAC/Heating$7,500 – $10,500Required by the National Building Code – Alberta Edition.
Egress Windows & Cutting$4,500 – $8,000Emergency exit compliance; involves cutting into concrete foundations.
Electrical Service Upgrade$4,000 – $15,000Moving from 60/100-amp to 200-amp to handle the double load.
Fire/Sound Separation$8,000 – $14,000Type X drywall and resilient channel for fire safety and acoustics.

The Payoff: A legal suite in Edmonton currently fetches between $1,100 and $1,450 per month in rent. Under 2026 lending guidelines, many banks allow you to use up to 80% of this projected income to help you qualify for your mortgage.


2. Electrical Deep Dive: The Load Calculation

In character-rich neighborhoods like Glenora, Bonnie Doon, or Ritchie, many homes were built with 60 or 100-amp service. When you add a second kitchen, a second laundry set, and perhaps a tenant with an EV charger, 100 amps is no longer enough.

Before the City issues a permit, a Master Electrician must perform a Section 8 Load Calculation. If the demand exceeds the service capacity, you must upgrade to 200-amp service.

  • The Overhead Route: Generally costs $4,000–$6,000. Wires come from a pole.

  • The Underground Route: This is the "hidden money pit." If your lines are buried, EPCOR may require trenching across your yard or street. This can skyrocket to $15,000–$25,000+. Check your EPCOR service connection type before signing a waiver.


3. Legal Requirements: The Safety Checklist

A suite is only legal if it holds a City of Edmonton Occupancy Permit. According to the National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition, the following are non-negotiable:

Fire and Life Safety

  • Fire Separation: You must have a smoke-tight barrier (minimum 1/2” Type X drywall) on the ceiling and walls between units.

  • Interconnected Alarms: Smoke and Carbon Monoxide detectors must be hardwired and interconnected. If a fire starts in the basement kitchen, the upstairs alarms must sound instantly.

  • Egress Windows: Every bedroom must have at least one window with an unobstructed opening of 0.35 m² and no dimension less than 380 mm.

Mechanical and Plumbing

  • Independent HVAC: New 2026 suites require independent heating and ventilation. You cannot share air between the main floor and the suite to prevent smoke and odor migration.

  • Water Heating: While sharing a water heater is legal, many landlords opt for a second tank to avoid "cold shower" complaints.

Zoning and Parking

  • Entrance: Must be accessible from the outside via a dedicated door or a common indoor landing.

  • Parking: Edmonton's Zoning Bylaw 20001 generally requires one additional on-site parking space for the suite, often provided in a tandem (one-behind-the-other) layout.


4. Property Management: DIY or Professional?

Managing a tenant who lives under your feet is a lifestyle choice. In 2026, many owners are debating the 8%–12% management fee.

Hiring a Management Company

  • The Pros: Professional screening (essential with the current 2026 tenant laws), 24/7 maintenance dispatch, and acting as a legal buffer. They handle the Residential Tenancies Act (RTA) notices so you don't have to.

  • The Cons: Cost and loss of personal connection. You might not get to hand-pick the person living in your home.

The DIY Route (Self-Management)

  • The Pros: Save $150–$200/month. You have total control over who moves in.

  • The Cons: You are the one knocking on the door if rent is late. You are the one fixing a leaky sink on Sunday afternoon.

When considering whether to hire a property management company, I often ask clients some very direct questions:

1. Worst case scenario, are you comfortable managing the eviction process if things go sideways?
2. Are you available at 3am on a Monday morning if a pipe bursts? Who would you call? Let’s pretend your basement is flooding right now, what’s your plan?
3. Do you have time to show your home to new renters? What if they want to see it at 9am on a Wednesday? 8am on a Sunday?
4. Do you have a process for screening your applicants? Do you have a lawyer? 

These are just some of the issues you need to think about when becoming a landlord. For a full deep dive on this topic, check out this video (it’s one of my first so while I stand behind the information, the production quality is more Razzie than Oscar-worthy). 


5. Resale Value and Property Taxes

Does it pay off? According to Edmonton Basement Development Statistics, a fully legal, permitted suite adds between $50,000 and $100,000 to your home's resale value. Depending on the area and availability of suites, this number can go much, much higher. With our population boom showing no signs of stopping, basement suites are at a premium. For more information on how demographics are driving this demand, check out this recent article.

Property Tax Implications: The City of Edmonton assessment is based on market value as of July 1st of the previous year. Adding a suite will increase your property's assessed value, typically resulting in a $400–$800 annual increase in property taxes. However, the $15,000+ in annual rental income easily covers this. Check the Edmonton Assessment FAQ for more.


🤔 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Are there any grants for building a suite in 2026?

A: Yes! The City's Cornerstones II Grant provides up to $20,000 for construction. Additionally, the CMHC Secondary Suite Loan Program offers up to $80,000 in low-interest funding for homeowners creating new legal units. You can also get a Purchase Plus Improvements mortgage and renovate your new house shortly after you move in. 

Q: What is an "Illegal" suite exactly?

A: It’s a suite that may have a kitchen and bathroom but was never permitted by the City. If a neighbor complains, the City can issue a "Stop Order," and your insurance may deny any fire-related claims because the dwelling was not code-compliant. Worse, if something happens resulting in injury or property damage, you will likely be fully liable for injuries and damage - insurance is unlikely to cover you, especially if they can prove that you had folks living in an illegal suite. It’s dumb, dangerous, and sometimes deadly - and the penalties are severe.

Q: How do I separate utilities?

A: Money! You can install a second electrical meter through EPCOR for roughly $5,000–$7,000. For gas and water, most Edmonton landlords include a "flat fee" in the rent or split the bill 60/40 via the lease agreement.

Adding a secondary suite is risky, and it may not pay off. Many factors, including yard access, lot size, permit requirements, flooring plan, and much, much more can all make this an unaffordable or even risky way to spend some money. It might be best to find a property that has a legal suite. Every situation is unique but don’t worry - I’m backed by Edmonton’s largest residential brokerage. We’re really, really good at this. Reach out any time!


đź“‘ Summary of Cited Sources

  1. Market Data: REALTORS® Association of Edmonton - 2026 Outlook

  2. Building Codes: National Building Code – 2023 Alberta Edition (NBC-AE)

  3. Safety Standards: City of Edmonton Secondary Suite Design Guide

  4. Utilities: EPCOR Residential Service Connection Guide

  5. Grants: Cornerstones II Grant Program - City of Edmonton

  6. Legal Rights: Service Alberta - Residential Tenancies Act Handbook

  7. Taxation: City of Edmonton Property Assessment FAQ


Mike Pabian REALTOR® | REMAX Excellence
Phone: 780-232-2064 | Web: PabianRealty.ca

When Mike isn’t busy helping Edmontonians build wealth through real estate, he’s hanging out with his wife Grace and their pugs, Frank and Pickles. If you want a smooth move, call or text 780-232-2064 today.

Read

January Market Update: A High-Inventory Start to the Year

January is, and likely always will be, the second slowest month for the Edmonton housing market year after year - second only to December. Just check out the Alberta Economic Dashboard graph on MLS total sales for a visualization of the seasonality that drives our market.

The 2026 property market has kicked off with a notable replenishment of supply (houses actively listed for sale). While sales saw a seasonal and year-over-year dip, new listings surged by over 84% compared to December, providing buyers with much-needed choice as we move into the first quarter. More choice is great, right? For buyers. For sellers, it means more competition - you’re not the only game in town anymore. Let’s dig in to the numbers.

At a Glance — Greater Edmonton Area (January 2026)

Sales slowed from December—a typical seasonal trend—but new listings flooded in at nearly double the previous month's rate. What should not be overlooked is the year-over-year trend. With inventory levels rising to 4,901 units and months of inventory sitting at 4.3, the market is shifting toward a more balanced state compared to the tighter (and at times frantic) conditions seen last year. There are literally 34% more houses on the market today than there were this time last year, yet prices remain stable. That’s an anomaly - more supply typically means prices come down. Given the seasonal bump we see in activity once the snow melts, I anticipate that this spring will see the days-on-market average come down significantly, but only if the surge in inventory settles down a bit.

Market activity has stretched across the board, with Row/Townhouses and Condos spending significantly more time on the market compared to this time last year.


The Bigger Picture: 2026 vs 2025 So Far

As we begin the new year, the Greater Edmonton Area is showing a distinct trend of higher inventory and slower sales velocity compared to the start of 2025:

  • More choice, slower pace: New residential listings are up nearly 5% year-over-year, while sales have dropped over 27%.

  • Prices remain resilient: Despite slower sales, the average and median residential prices are both up approximately 3% over last January.

  • Shift to Balance: A jump from 48 to 59 days on market indicates that buyers are taking more time to evaluate the increased options available to them. It also signals that sellers are not pricing their homes correctly in order to reflect the changes in buyer’s urgency. With more choice comes a need for sellers to be much more competitive. Gone are the days where you can list on Friday and be Sold on Sunday. 


What This Means for Buyers

If you were frustrated by the lack of inventory in late 2025, January’s numbers are a breath of fresh air:

  • Inventory is replenishing. With over 2,500 new listings hitting the market in January alone, you are no longer limited to "leftover" inventory from the fall.

  • Increased Negotiating Power. Months of inventory have climbed to 4.3, moving the market into a more balanced environment compared to the seller-favored conditions of last year.

  • Condo Prices are Surging. While other segments are relatively stable, apartment condos saw a massive 11.1% year-over-year price increase. If you’re looking to buy a condo, the "bargain" window may be closing as demand shifts toward more affordable housing options.

Buyer tip: With average days on market now approaching 60 days, don't feel pressured to rush into an offer. Use the extra time to perform thorough due diligence and negotiate on price or conditions.


What This Means for Sellers

The high-inventory start to the year means you have more competition than you might have expected. You’re not just selling your house. You’re selling your house compared to what your neighbors, and others offering a similar product, are also trying to sell. Keep these tips in mind:

  • Pricing is critical. Detached and townhouse prices have seen year-over-year dips. Buyers have more options now, so overpricing your home could lead to a significantly longer stay on the market. Get a free home evaluation from someone that does this as their full time job (like me). I’m confident enough to say that you should shop around. If there’s a price you absolutely can not go below, a good realtor will tell you what you need to do in order to command that price. If it’s unrealistic, not only should they tell you so, they should also build you a plan to get you that price. This isn’t about opinion - it’s about facts, action items, and data - and if the realtor can’t build a plan, hire someone that can.

  • Staging and Presentation matter more than ever. In a balanced market, your home needs to stand out. Professional photography and clear marketing are essential to capture interest early. If your agent isn’t willing to hire a professional photographer, assist with staging advice, arrange renovation quotes and truly market your property, including having conversations with buyers agents, knocking on doors in your community, and breaking down barriers, what are you actually paying them for?

  • The "Apartment Advantage." If you are selling a condo, you are in a strong position relative to other segments, with prices significantly higher than they were a year ago. This has a lot to do with Edmonton’s rapid population growth,. People need a place to live, and ownership is the belle of the ball. Folks that want to start building equity but can’t purchase a single-detached property are flocking to the apartment-style condo market in droves. The aging population and downsizers also makes up a huge proportion of buyers in this segment.

Seller tip: Don't be discouraged by slower sales numbers; they reflect a market returning to a healthy balance. Focus on hitting the "sweet spot" for pricing in your specific neighborhood to ensure you attract serious buyers within the first 7 days. I’m averaging just over a week from listing a home to accepting an offer, so I’m here to tell you that the market average doesn’t have to be your reality. We can move your properly quickly if it’s done right.


FAQ

Is it officially a buyer’s market now?

Not quite. With 4.3 months of inventory, we are in a "balanced" market. A true buyer's market usually requires 6+ months of inventory. However, it is significantly more buyer-friendly than it was a few months ago.

Why are apartment-style condo prices up so much while townhouses are down?

We are likely seeing a shift in affordability. As detached and semi-detached prices remain high, more buyers are looking toward the apartment condo segment, driving up demand and prices there. Senior downsizers and the aging population also contribute as folks recognize the value of not having a large property to maintain.

Are homes still selling above asking price?

Yes, although it is becoming less common. With average days on market up to 59 days, the "bidding war" environment has cooled significantly, and more sales are happening at or slightly below list price. This also depends on the area - single detached homes in Sherwood Park, for example, are still highly sought after, while in areas like Edgemont and Secord that are seeing large townhouse and apartment-style condo projects going live, buyers have more options. Generally, the newer the neighborhood, the less likely you are to see a bidding war situation. It’s also very reliant on the price point. Luxury homes still move very slowly, and that’s not likely to change.


Let’s Make a Plan

Whether you’re looking to buy your first home or sell a detached property, navigating a shifting market requires the right data and a clear strategy.

Call or text 780-232-2064 or email mike@pabianrealty.ca to discuss your 2026 real estate goals.

Sources

  • REALTORS® Association of Edmonton — January 2026 Residential Statistics & News Release.

Read
Data last updated on April 24, 2026 at 03:30 PM (UTC).
Copyright 2026 by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton. All Rights Reserved.
Data is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed accurate by the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton.
The trademarks REALTOR®, REALTORS® and the REALTOR® logo are controlled by The Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA) and identify real estate professionals who are members of CREA. The trademarks MLS®, Multiple Listing Service® and the associated logos are owned by CREA and identify the quality of services provided by real estate professionals who are members of CREA.