Aggregate sales in the communities surrounding Calgary grew by nearly 12 per cent in 2013 for a total of 4,400 units. Unlike trends in the city, the level of new listings in surrounding areas fell by one per cent in 2013 compared to the previous year. Rising sales activity, combined with a decline in new listings, helped reduce somewhat elevated supply levels and supported some price growth.

Areas surrounding the city have not only benefited from the strong economic fundamentals in the region, but have attracted many consumers looking for more affordable product with existing amenities in place.

Assessment notices have been mailed to about half a million property and business owners, signalling the start of the customer review period.

The 2014 property assessment roll has a total value of $276 billion, and the business assessment roll sees a total value of $3.15 billion.

Typical single residential properties are being assessed at $430,000 compared to $410,000 in 2013 and the typical residential condominium is assessed at $260,000, compared to $250,000 in 2013.

We don't often have to think about personal safety. It's one of the many luxuries that we enjoy thanks to our high standard of living and the ongoing focus on safety by innovative programs like the lobbybox system at CREB®.

The overarching goal of the lobbybox program is REALTOR® safety. The priority is to have centralized lockbox deployments in more apartment-style condo buildings every year. CREB® is making steady progress on this priority.

December's 8 per cent year-over-year increase in sales volume in the city of Calgary capped a year that saw an 11 per cent growth in sales volume for the entire 12 months.

City residential sales totaled 1,172 units in December, bringing total sold units for 2013 to 23,489. Prices for the year were up by 8.6 per cent over 2012.