Is now a good time to buy? With headlines about falling home sales, rising inventory, and shaky economic data, it’s hard to know where you stand—or what move to make next.

I’m a mortgage broker helping first-time buyers across Alberta, and I’ve been watching these numbers closely. Let’s break it down.

Home Sales Are Down, But Inventory Is Up

According to the Calgary Real Estate Board, July home sales fell nearly 12% compared to the same month last year. Only 2,099 homes sold, that’s almost 300 less than July of last year. The big shift? Inventory. Calgary now has over 6,900 homes for sale—the highest levels since before the pandemic, and a 66% surge year-over-year.

Why the slowdown?

• Economic uncertainty (especially around trade tensions and tariffs)
• No recent drops in interest rates
• More competition from new home builds

Prices Are Dropping (In Some Areas)

With more homes on the market and fewer buyers, prices are starting to soften—especially for apartment and row-style homes. The benchmark price in July was $582,900, down 3.9% from a year ago.

That said, not all areas or property types are seeing price drops, and many of the gains made during the pandemic boom remain intact.

Economic Uncertainty Continues

On the national stage, Canada’s GDP declined 0.1% in May, with early data suggesting only a modest rebound in June. Trade frictions with the U.S. and weak global demand are weighing heavily on exports and overall economic growth.

At the same time, labour market data, due later this week, will reveal whether job growth is holding steady. These figures, alongside the Bank of Canada’s interest rate decisions, will shape how mortgage rates behave into the fall.

What It Means for First-Time Buyers in Alberta

• More Choice: With inventory rising, buyers finally have more selection and room to negotiate. That’s a welcome change after years of tight markets and bidding wars.
• Price Flexibility: In some parts of Calgary, sellers are adjusting prices—especially in multi-family and entry-level housing.
• Room for Lower Rates: While the Bank of Canada held steady at 2.75%, many economists expect rate cuts could come later this year as inflation cools and economic growth slows.

Should You Wait or Buy Now?

The answer depends on your financial situation, your goals, and your timeline. If you’ve been pre-approved and are ready to buy, this could be your moment to secure a property without intense competition. But if you’re still saving or unsure about affordability, it may be smart to watch how the fall market unfolds.

Let’s Talk Strategy

Navigating a shifting market is easier with expert help. As a mortgage broker based in Alberta, I can help you:

• Understand your real budget with today’s rates
• Tap into first-time buyer programs
• Get advice on fixed vs. variable rate mortgages
• Lock in a rate before potential increases—or benefit from future drops

Send me a message and we can get started. Let’s make your first home purchase a smart one.