As we move into the spring market here in Alberta, I’m watching each week’s housing data very closely. The numbers coming out could really shape what the next few months look like for buyers and homeowners.
If you’re thinking about buying, selling, or refinancing, this is the kind of information that can help you understand whether you should act now or wait.
Why this week matters for the housing market
After a slower start to 2026, there’s been a lot of uncertainty around where the market is heading. Affordability is still a challenge for many Canadians, and that has kept some buyers on the sidelines.
Now we’re getting fresh data that should give us a clearer picture. This week, we’re looking at two key reports:
- Home sales data from the Canadian Real Estate Association (CREA)
- Housing starts data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
Together, these tell us two very important things: how many people are buying, and how many homes are being built.
What I’m watching in the sales data
February was a softer month across the country, with home sales down both month-over-month and year-over-year. That’s not unusual for winter, but it does set the stage for March to be a key indicator.
Spring is typically when the market picks up. More listings come online, and more buyers start actively shopping. So the big question is simple: are buyers coming back?
There were some signs toward the end of February that activity was starting to pick up. If that momentum carried into March, we could see a more normal spring market.
If not, it may mean buyers are still hesitant because of higher costs, interest rates, or general economic uncertainty.
From what I’m seeing with my own clients, it’s a mix. Some are ready to move forward, while others are taking a wait-and-see approach.
Supply could be the focus this spring
At the same time, supply is just as important as demand.
We’re expecting more listings to hit the market this spring. Some of that is pent-up supply from sellers who waited through the slower winter months. Some of it may also come from homeowners who have been holding off due to uncertainty.
If we get a surge of listings at the same time buyers return, the market could stay fairly balanced.
But if supply rises faster than demand, that could create more negotiating power for buyers. On the flip side, if buyers come back strongly and listings don’t keep up, we could see prices start to climb again.
What new construction is telling us
Housing starts rebounded in February, which sounds like good news. But when you look closer, most of that activity is in purpose-built rentals.
That tells me something important: developers are still cautious about building condos, especially in markets where investor demand has slowed.
We’re also seeing that reflected in building permit data. Multi-unit construction is still moving forward, but overall development plans are being adjusted.
For buyers in Alberta, this affects future supply. If fewer ownership units are built, that can tighten the market down the road.
What this means for Alberta buyers and homeowners
If you’re a buyer, this spring could offer opportunity. There’s a good chance we’ll see more listings, which means more choice and potentially less competition than in a hot market.
But timing still make a difference. If demand picks up quickly, conditions can shift fast.
If you’re a homeowner, this is a market where pricing strategy and timing will be important. It’s not the kind of environment where you can just list and expect multiple offers right away in every case.
And if you’re on the fence, I always recommend having a plan in place before the market fully heats up.
My advice right now
I’ve said it over and over — don’t try to perfectly time the market. Instead, focus on what you can control:
- Know what you can afford
- Get your mortgage plan in place early
- Be ready to act when the right opportunity comes up
The spring market often moves quickly once it gets going. The people who are prepared tend to make better decisions and feel less stressed through the process.
If you want help understanding what these market changes mean for you personally, that’s exactly where I come in. Contact me to get started on building your personal strategy.
