Central Alberta Market Stats 

Central Alberta residential MLS sales in February were up 7.8% compared to January and down 5.3% compared to February 2024. The number of active listings on the market on Mar 1 was slightly higher than a month ago but down almost 10% compared to a year ago. Lower sales in February compared to last February can likely be attributed to ongoing severe inventory shortages – buyers can’t buy when there aren’t homes available for purchase. We also have a sense that impending US tariffs are causing anxiety for some buyers, uncertain about the impact on their jobs and the cost of living.

On Thursday, March 6, President Trump removed the 25% tariff on products from Mexico and Canada that are covered by the Canada-U.S.-Mexico free trade agreement until April 2. It’s unclear which Canadian products will still be affected by tariffs, but a White House official said about 62% of goods from Canada may still face tariffs. The measures also reduced the tariff on potash from 25% to 10%. The Canadian federal government has imposed reciprocal 25% tariffs on imports from the US.

The positives for Alberta: According to ATB Financial, Alberta energy shipments to other markets including Asia are surging with the expansion of the Trans Mountain pipeline, investment in the petrochemical industry is at a record high, post covid tourism is roaring back especially with a weak Canadian dollar and negative attitudes toward US destinations, new home construction remains strong, investment intentions for food manufacturing are near record highs, tech data centers are under construction with mega projects proposed. The future is still bright