Posted by calgary home viewer on Monday, May 26th, 2025 4:52pm.
So you're relocating to Calgary — or maybe you've been here for a while now, and you’re wondering… what's next? Do you rent or buy a home in Calgary in 2025?
With interest rates doing the tango, new condos springing up across all four quadrants, and rental prices that sometimes feel like downtown Toronto in disguise, it’s a fair question — and one that could shape your financial future.
This in-depth guide will help you unpack the facts, figures, neighborhoods, lifestyle factors, and market trends that are defining Calgary’s real estate market in 2025.
Calgary remains one of the most affordable major cities in Canada — especially when compared to Vancouver or Toronto. But let’s be honest: the bar isn’t very high.
Here’s what buyers and renters are up against in early 2025:
Median house price: ~$570,000 (CREB)
Detached homes in areas like Mahogany or Evanston: $650,000–$900,000+
Condos and townhomes in the Beltline or Mission: $250,000–$450,000
Median rent for a 2-bed apartment in Calgary: ~$2,100/month (and rising)
Mortgage rates in Canada: 5.5%–6% fixed, ~5.3% variable
Vacancy rate: Below 2% in most inner-city neighborhoods
Bottom line: If you plan on staying in Calgary for at least 2–5 years, buying could be the smarter long-term move — but renting still has real value depending on your goals.
Buying is about more than “adulting.” It’s about planting roots and building equity — especially in a city like Calgary, where:
Property values continue to rise after stabilizing post-pandemic
Major investment is flowing into communities like Seton, Livingston, and Legacy
No provincial sales tax means more money stays in your pocket
You build equity, not someone else’s wealth.
Each mortgage payment increases your ownership stake in a real asset.
You're shielded from rent inflation.
Your mortgage payment stays predictable. Rents? Not so much.
You can customize your space.
Want a home gym? Dog run? Neon-pink walls? Go for it — it’s yours.
Homeownership unlocks tax benefits.
First-Time Home Buyer Incentive, low land transfer taxes in Alberta, and capital gains exemption on your principal residence.
It’s a long-term wealth strategy.
Real estate in Calgary has historically proven to be a strong and resilient investment — especially with population growth and economic expansion in full swing.
Buying isn’t for everyone — and in 2025, with stricter mortgage rules and higher down payments, many Calgarians are sticking to rentals (at least for now).
Flexibility and freedom.
Not sure about your job or how long you’ll be in the city? Renting gives you the ability to pivot without penalty.
Lower upfront costs.
Skip the down payment, legal fees, and closing costs — you just need first and last month’s rent.
Maintenance isn’t your problem.
Water heater breaks? Roof starts leaking? That’s your landlord’s issue, not yours.
Access to better locations (sometimes).
A downtown Calgary condo might cost $2,200/month to rent, but buying it could run you $600,000+. Renting gives you access without the mortgage burden.
Let’s run the numbers on a townhouse in Auburn Bay listed at $475,000, with a 10% down payment:
Mortgage: ~$427,500
Monthly payment (5.5%): ~$2,625
Condo fees/taxes/maintenance: ~$500
Total monthly cost: ~$3,100
Monthly rent: ~$2,150
Total monthly cost: ~$2,150
But after 5 years of mortgage payments and market appreciation, you could build over $90,000 in equity. That’s the long game you won’t see with renting.
Sometimes the numbers say one thing, but your life says another. Ask yourself:
Will I be in Calgary for at least 3 years?
Do I want a stable, personalized space?
Is my job remote or stable?
Am I ready for homeownership responsibilities?
Do I want to start building equity now?
Mahogany & Auburn Bay – Lake living, schools, and great resale value
Seton – Calgary’s "urban south" with new builds and walkability
Evanston & Livingston – Family-friendly, budget-conscious options
Silverado & Walden – Affordability and access to the Ring Road
Beltline – Central, trendy, perfect for professionals and students
Mission / Cliff Bungalow – Riverside views, cafes, and city buzz
Sunalta / Kensington – Heritage homes and walkable vibes
Varsity & Brentwood – Ideal for UCalgary students and health workers
Interprovincial migration is booming.
More Ontarians and British Columbians are relocating to Calgary for affordability, jobs, and lifestyle — driving up demand.
Developers can’t keep up.
Suburbs are expanding fast, but inventory still lags behind buyer interest.
Rental demand is at record highs.
Low vacancy means rising rents. Great for investors, not so great for long-term tenants.
Interest rates are expected to dip later in 2025.
Buying now and refinancing later might be a savvy play.
"My best bet is to wait until prices drop."
There’s no crystal ball. Waiting often leads to paying more later in Calgary’s growing market.
"Renting is throwing away money."
Not if you’re investing what you save or using the flexibility wisely.
"I need 20% down to buy."
First-time buyers can qualify with just 5% down — and several federal programs exist to help.
At Calgary Home Viewer, we don’t just help people buy houses — we help people make smart real estate decisions based on their lifestyle, timing, and financial goals.
Whether you're:
A first-time homebuyer
Moving from another province
Renting but planning to buy
Looking for real estate investment opportunities in Calgary
We’re here to walk you through every step of the process — with zero pressure and full strategy.
Neighborhood research
Down payment planning
Mortgage pre-approval
Property searches and showings
Expert negotiation (we’ve saved clients $50K+ off asking)
Seamless closing support
We’ll help you secure a short- or long-term rental while mapping out your path to ownership when the time is right.
Calgary’s real estate market in 2025 remains competitive — but full of opportunity. If you’re thinking long-term, buying a home in Calgary may offer one of the best investments you’ll ever make.
But if your situation calls for flexibility, renting can still be a smart and practical choice in this fast-growing city.
Just don’t stay undecided forever — because the market certainly won’t wait.
Let’s talk strategy. The Calgary Home Viewer team doesn’t just open doors — we open possibilities. Book a free consultation today and get the guidance you need to make your next move with confidence.