If you’ve been trying to become a first-time home buyer in Calgary, you’ve likely felt it: buying a home is getting harder. A lot harder.

A new national survey from Mortgage Professionals Canada confirms what many of us are seeing in real time—affordability is reshaping how Canadians, especially younger buyers, are getting into the market. From family support and rental income to working with mortgage brokers, today’s buyers are piecing together every possible advantage just to make homeownership work.

Here’s what the 2025 State of the Housing Market report means for Alberta buyers—and how you can stack the odds in your favour.

7 in 10 Buyers Needed Financial Help—Mostly From Family

According to the report, 70% of recent home buyers said they couldn’t have purchased without financial help. The most common source? Family.

Down payment assistance from parents, grandparents, or other relatives is no longer  just “nice-to-have,” it’s necessary. In today’s high-cost environment, it’s often the only way first-time buyers can break into the market.

If you’re planning to ask family for help, talk to a mortgage broker early. We can help you understand how to structure that gift or loan properly so it doesn’t cause problems with your mortgage approval.

Mortgage Brokers More Important Than Ever

With borrowing costs still elevated and mortgage rules getting more complex, more Canadians are turning to brokers for guidance—especially first-time buyers.

In fact, Alberta leads the country in broker use, with 37% of buyers here working with a mortgage broker. That’s no surprise to us: buyers across Calgary and other parts of Alberta are navigating tighter budgets, variable rates, and increasingly creative financing strategies.

Whether you’re exploring gift funds, joint ownership, or even rental income, a broker can help you find the right solution—and the right lender—for your situation. According to the survey, 81% of those who’ve worked with a broker say they’d do it again.

Renovations and Rental Income: Part of the Plan

For many first-time buyers, owning a home means more than just making a purchase—it’s about creating a strategy.

Over 70% of homeowners in the survey said they’ve recently renovated or plan to. Some are adding basement suites to earn rental income. Others are updating older homes to increase value or reduce future maintenance costs.

Rental income, in particular, is becoming a key part of the mortgage equation. Lenders can factor in this income to help you qualify for more—if it’s done right.

Confidence (and Protection) Comes With Expertise

The report also found that Canadians who work with brokers feel more confident in their mortgage decisions than those who go straight to a bank. That’s especially important now, with high stakes and narrow margins.

The industry is also pushing for new income verification tools, tied directly to the Canada Revenue Agency, to reduce fraud and improve fairness in the system. While those tools aren’t available just yet, buyers should be prepared for more robust documentation requirements.

Help for Alberta Buyers

Homeownership in Calgary and across Alberta is still possible—but it often requires more support, better planning, and expert advice.

Whether you’re leaning on family, exploring rental income, or trying to figure out how to structure your down payment, a mortgage broker can help you put it all together.

If you’re buying your first home in Alberta, let’s talk. I’ll walk you through your options, answer your questions, and help you build a strategy that makes sense in today’s market.