The Calgary real estate market wrapped up the 2025 calendar year on a slower note, with a significant decline in residential sales activity recorded for the final month. According to data released by the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB), home sales in the city during December 2025 were down by 14 per cent compared to the same month in the previous year.
A Cooling Trend to End the Year
This double-digit percentage drop marks a clear cooling period for a market that has experienced considerable volatility and high demand in recent years. The December figures provide a key data point for economists and industry analysts assessing the year-end health of one of Canada's major urban housing markets. The report, published by The Canadian Press on January 2, 2026, highlights a shift as the market entered the new year.
Context and Market Implications
While the specific number of units sold and the benchmark prices for December were not detailed in the initial bulletin, a 14 per cent year-over-year decline is a substantial movement. Such a decrease typically reflects a combination of factors potentially including higher borrowing costs, seasonal slowdowns, changing buyer sentiment, or inventory levels. This data follows a year of evolving economic conditions that have impacted real estate across the country.
The performance of the Calgary market is often viewed as a bellwether for economic confidence in Alberta and the energy sector. A sustained drop in sales activity can have ripple effects on related industries, from home inspection and legal services to retail and renovation sectors. Market observers will be keenly awaiting the board's more detailed monthly and annual reports to understand the full picture of price changes, inventory, and the sales-to-new-listings ratio.
Looking Ahead to 2026
This year-end slowdown sets the stage for the 2026 market. The December 2025 results will serve as a baseline from which to measure new-year trends. Potential buyers and sellers in Calgary will be monitoring interest rate announcements and economic indicators closely to gauge whether this decline represents a brief correction or the beginning of a longer-term trend. The coming spring market, traditionally a busier season, will be particularly telling for the direction of Calgary real estate in the new year.
