Which Calgary submarkets have softened most?
- Downtown Beltline studio and 1-bedroom new-build condos.
- University District and Brentwood new-build apartment towers.
- Saddle Ridge, Saviour Hills, and parts of NE Calgary with heavy new supply.
- Larger downtown 2-bedroom units (less severe than studios).
Which Calgary submarkets have held up?
- Inner-city walkable SW (Marda Loop, Mission, Lakeview, Altadore).
- SE master-planned family communities (Mahogany, Auburn Bay, Cranston).
- Established character buildings in inner-city NW (Bridgeland, Hillhurst, Kensington).
- Townhouses in northern growth communities (Evanston, Nolan Hill).
- Surrounding cities with limited new supply (Chestermere, Cochrane).
When will Calgary rents start rising again?
Base case is a bottom in mid-to-late 2026 with gradual recovery of 1 to 2 percent nominal annual rent growth in 2027, accelerating thereafter as new supply pipeline tightens. Bullish case requires stronger interprovincial migration or an energy-sector capex cycle. Bearish case requires continued supply over-shoot or national recession. Watch CMHC quarterly absorption rate data and days-on-market trends for the leading indicators.
What should Calgary landlords do in 2026?
Price at market (not 2023 peaks), invest in property quality (in-suite laundry, updated kitchens, pet-friendly), lock in 13 to 14 month leases to push renewals into the strong May to August window, and hold or take modest 2 to 3 percent renewal increases on strong tenants rather than pushing aggressive increases that trigger turnover.