The Edmonton real estate market didn’t just cool in 2025—it split. As we move through 2026, buyers and homeowners are navigating what is best described as a two-speed market, where detached homes and condominiums are behaving very differently.
Understanding this divide is critical for anyone considering buying, selling, or holding property in Edmonton.
Detached homes: resilient and in demand
Detached homes finished 2025 up roughly 5% year-over-year, even as overall market activity normalized. This resilience is not accidental. Demand for single-family homes continues to be supported by three core factors:
First, family-driven demand remains strong. Interprovincial buyers arriving from British Columbia and Ontario are overwhelmingly seeking ownership, space, and long-term stability. For these buyers, Edmonton’s detached homes—often priced below $600,000—represent exceptional value compared to their previous markets.
Second, supply remains constrained. Many homeowners are reluctant to sell and give up historically low mortgage rates, limiting the number of quality detached listings coming to market. This has helped maintain price stability, particularly in established neighbourhoods and newer family-oriented communities.
Third, ground-oriented housing offers certainty. In an environment of higher interest rates and rising ownership costs, buyers are prioritizing properties that hold long-term utility and broad appeal. Detached homes meet that test better than any other housing type in Edmonton.
Condos: adjusting to a new reality
By contrast, the Edmonton condo market declined approximately 5% year-over-year in 2025, and conditions remain challenging heading into 2026.
Higher interest rates have significantly reduced the appeal of leveraged condo investing. Monthly cash flow has tightened, financing costs have risen, and resale demand from investors has dropped. At the same time, Edmonton has seen a surge in purpose-built rental developments, offering tenants newer buildings, professional management, and modern amenities—often at competitive rents.
This has placed pressure on older apartment condos, especially those with higher condo fees, dated interiors, or weaker locations. As rental vacancy rates rise, resale demand for investor-grade condos has softened further.
What this means for buyers and owners
For buyers, condos may present selective value opportunities in 2026—but careful due diligence is essential. Not all condos are created equal. Location, building quality, reserve fund health, and rental competitiveness matter more than price alone.
For owners of older condo units, 2026 may be a year to reassess long-term strategy. Holding may still make sense for some, but others may choose to exit, rebalance equity, or pivot toward more resilient asset classes.
Detached homes, however, continue to stand out as Edmonton’s most stable and resilient housing asset. While price growth is expected to moderate, demand fundamentals remain solid—making this segment the anchor of the local market.
Read the next article in our 9-part series here.
Connect with Ryan and the Real Living team for a personalized consultation. Our data-driven approach can provide clarity on your buy, hold or sell strategy for 2026 and beyond.