Calgary Regional Housing Market Statistics: February 2013

Total residential sales for the month of February 2013 totaled 1,711 units, a one per cent decline over the previous year. Accounting for the leap year in 2012, activity in the single family market resembles last year's activity. However, even with one less day in the February 2013 figures, condominium sales have made significant gains increasing by 13 per cent relative to February 2012.

While housing markets in Central Canada have "shown signs of fatigue over the past six months," a new report from TD Economics said the Calgary market is experiencing "positive momentum".

Detailing the vast differences in major markets coast to coast, the TD report singled out Calgary as "the lone shining star in Western Canada's real estate market".

According to Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation's (CMHC) first quarter 2013 Housing Market Outlook, Prairie Highlights, housing starts are expected to moderate this year before seeing increases in 2014.

Starts in the Prairie provinces (Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba) are projected to hit 47,200 this year before increasing to 47, 800 in 2014. Residential construction in the prairie region increased from 38,818 to 50,606 between 2011 and 2012, a 30 per cent increase.

While affordable and luxury may not be the most closely connected words when it comes to purchasing a new home, the news that Calgary once again ranked as one of the most affordable markets in the country still has plenty of positive ramifications for high-end homebuyers and sellers.

Evidenced by the near-record pace at which properties over $1 million were snapped up in January, the news that Calgary homes – luxury and otherwise – offer good value shouldn't come as a surprise.

Having spent the last eight years in a multitude of roles at Calgary's Spruce It Up Garden Centre, born and raised Calgarian Joanne Dafoe knows what it takes to get things growing in this city. Since graduating with a major in Horticulture and Landscape Design, Dafoe has served as landscape co-ordinator, green goods buyer and even store manager.

In addition to running her new consultation company, Dafoe also guest hosts on the Let's Talk Gardening Radio Show on QR77. CREB®Now caught up with Dafoe before her appearance at this year's Calgary Home + Garden Show to talk a bit about what makes gardening great.

A RealNet Canada Inc. report says Calgary's 2012 commercial market saw an 80 per cent increase in investment compared to 2011.

Throughout 2012, the city saw 445 transactions over $1 million for a total of $4.84 billion.

Founded in Vancouver in 2008 by Doug Burgoyne, FrogBox's Calgary franchise has been providing eco-friendly moving services for the last year.

"We've been open for the last year and every month we continue to grow," said Sylvia Cieslik FrogBox Calgary's sales and marketing manager.