Calgary's new-home construction market has been challenged this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Year-to-date, up until the end of August, there were 5,400 total housing starts in the Calgary census metropolitan region compared with 6,400 for the same period in 2019.

Homebuilders across the city have adopted new health and safety protocols for potential homebuyers when they are searching for a home. They've also upped their game when it comes to their digital presence.

Total residential sales in August were relatively stable compared to last year with year-over-year gains in the detached and row sectors.

Year-to-date residential sales in the city remain just above last year's levels due to improvements in the attached sector so far this year.

However, November sales activity eased over last year's levels, mostly due to pullbacks in the apartment sector.

Sales activity in October improved by nearly 10 per cent compared to last year, driven mostly by improvements for apartment and attached product.

If you equate moving to the other end of the city with relocating to Mars, you're not alone. For many homebuyers, where they grew up or first settled down in Calgary can influence where they look when it comes time to move.

Net migration figures point to housing market bounce back

It's been a challenging year for Calgary's resale housing market, which is still feeling the effects of two recession years in 2015 and 2016.

While the economy has rebounded, it has been at a slow pace, and this has been evident in the real estate industry. As of the end of June, year-to-date MLS® System sales in the resale market totalled 8,553 units, down 17.1 per cent in the city compared with the same period a year ago.

Inventory increases and sales drop in September, but overall sales for the year remain higher than last year

Strong gains in the first half of 2017 have put Calgary year-to-date sales at seven per cent above last years' levels and 11 per cent below long-term averages, but challenges remain with easing sales and rising new listings.

Inventories rose across all property types to 6,861 units, while both apartment- and attached-style properties saw the highest inventory on record for the month of September.

CREB® forecasts a process of recovery for the remainder of 2017

The first-half of 2017 marked a shift in Alberta's economy from recession to recovery, with conditions supporting stability rather than expansion.

"Economic challenges continue to exist, as high unemployment rates, weak migration levels and more stringent lending conditions are weighing on the housing market," said CREB® chief economist Ann-Marie Lurie.

"This will continue to cause some adjustments in the housing market for the remainder of this year. However, this is not expected to offset earlier gains supporting general stability in 2017."

How economic indicators actually drive the housing market

What do unemployment, migration and oil prices have in common? Apart from being touchy subjects at a party, they all influence the Calgary housing market to some extent. Understanding how and why that happens could provide an advantage when planning a home sale or purchase.

"In many cases the impact is indirect," said Ann-Marie Lurie, chief economist for CREB®.

One part of that impact relates to demand.

Market sees modest inventory gains, but overall prices inch up 

Sales exhibited stable growth through the first half of the year in the Calgary housing market, but the number of transactions slowed slightly in July compared to last year.

Citywide sales totaled 1,637 units, six per cent below July 2016 levels. Year-to-date sales activity totaled 11,957 units, nine per cent above last year.

"Sales growth exceeded expectations so far this year. Clients were re-entering the market after delaying decisions until there were some signs of economic improvement," said CREB® president David P. Brown.