What Calgary Buyers Are Prioritizing in Today's Balanced Market
After several years where sellers held the upper hand, Calgary’s real estate market has entered a more balanced phase. Buyers now have more choices and more time to weigh their options. According to the Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB), inventory has increased by just over 48%. year-over-year, with the months of housing supply continuing to rise.
For sellers, this shift means that making your home competitive is more essential than ever. As Calgary’s benchmark home prices dropped four percent from August 2024 to 2025, features and presentation are playing a larger role in capturing buyers' attention.
So what exactly are Calgary buyers prioritizing in 2025? Beyond the traditionally high-ranking factors of price and location, lifestyle-driven and future-focused features that reflect Calgary’s unique living environment are generating more interest.
Read on for a concise summary of these recent trends, along with some suggestions for sellers looking to capitalize on them.
Smart Tech That Simplifies Daily Life
Convenience, security, and efficiency are at the top of today’s buyers’ wish lists, and smart home technology delivers on all three.
From smart thermostats and security cameras to water leak sensors, buyers increasingly appreciate technology that makes life easier and safer. While these features are often seen as ‘nice-to-haves’ rather than deal-breakers, showcasing them can still set a home apart, especially as connected appliances and new smart home integrations continue to rise with early adopters.
And numbers suggest it’s not just a fad: the Canadian smart home market is projected to reach $4.18 billion in 2025, growing at nearly 10% annually toward 2030.
While many new Calgary builds already showcase integrated smart systems, sellers of older homes can still gain an edge. Adding a smart thermostat, video doorbell, or smart locks can modernize your property’s appeal in today’s balanced market. However, they should never be prioritized over essential preparations, such as decluttering, proper staging, deep cleaning, and paint touch-ups.
Flexible Living Spaces Buyers Can Adapt
Square footage is important, but today’s buyers also want flexibility. Families are seeking homes that can adapt to evolving needs, whether that means:
- A home office that doubles as a guest bedroom
- A basement that transitions between a playroom and a gym
- A den that can be designed and repurposed depending on needs and use.
In Calgary, where multi-generational living is also on the rise, adaptable layouts are especially attractive. More buyers are prioritizing right-sized homes that can evolve with them, over sheer size alone.
Sellers can benefit by highlighting potential uses for rooms — or even staging them to show versatility. When buyers can picture themselves growing into a space, it increases the likelihood of receiving a competitive offer.
Sustainable and Energy-Efficient Choices
Eco-friendly living has shifted from niche to mainstream. Buyers are increasingly drawn to homes with energy-efficient windows, high-performance HVAC systems, and water-saving fixtures. With utility costs rising, sustainability is about more than environmental impact — it’s also about long-term financial savings.
CMHC’s 2025 Mortgage Consumer Survey found that 61% of buyers identify energy efficiency as a key factor in their purchase decision. With 58% of Canadians paying the maximum they feel they can afford, many are seeking ways to lower their utility bills to offset strained budgets.
Sellers who have invested in upgrades should showcase them by sharing utility bills or highlighting features such as triple-pane windows, tankless water heaters, or solar readiness. Even more minor improvements, such as low-flow faucets, demonstrate a commitment to sustainability and can resonate with buyers.
(Pro tip: the best way to save on energy costs is to monitor utility bills, set monthly reminders to take advantage of fluctuations and changes in fixed versus variable rates)
For sellers with older homes, there’s no need to panic.
Cost-effective upgrades, such as programmable thermostats, added insulation, or updated appliances, can enhance perceived value, though buyers will still pay a premium for homes that are well-maintained and clean. Simple steps like a deep clean or paint touch-ups can go a long way in maximizing value without requiring a significant upfront investment.
The Calgary Perspective
While many buyer priorities are universal, others are uniquely Calgarian. Due to our city’s climate and lifestyle, Calgary buyers consistently place a high value on features such as:
- Mudrooms and storage space for managing long winters
- Oversized garages that accommodate trucks, SUVs, and extra gear
- C-train or bus transit access, especially as the city expands
- Lifestyle and community amenities, such as lake access or proximity to natural spaces
- Lots that offer privacy, back onto green space or provide easy access to it
In Summary
As Calgary’s real estate market stabilizes, buyers are becoming more discerning and seeking homes that offer more than just price and location.
Innovative technology, flexible layouts, and sustainable features are at the forefront, with Calgary-specific details, including storage, garages, and lifestyle amenities, adding even greater appeal.
If you’re planning to sell, now is the time to showcase how your home delivers on these priorities. With the right strategy, you can ensure your property doesn’t just compete — it captures buyers’ attention.
Thinking about selling your home?
Our team can help highlight the features buyers value most in 2025, so your property stands out in today’s balanced Calgary market.
