Most people in Calgary have no idea what’s about to happen for Downsizers in 2026 in this market. So let me break it down for you. Here’s what I’m expecting to see this year.

And this one’s kind of big.

Apartment condos and row homes have already adjusted. That matters because apartment prices are down roughly 7% year over year, and row homes are down about 5%, based on recent Calgary Real Estate Board data. At the same time, inventory has climbed into what I’d clearly call buyer-friendly territory.

For Downsizers, that translates into more choice.

It also means more negotiating power and less pressure to rush on the buy side. And this is where the decision-making starts to shift. We’ve moved out of a seller-controlled environment, especially in the attached market. Months of supply for apartment condos is now just over 4.5 months, which quietly pushes that segment over the line into balanced-to-buyer conditions.

What that really means is this:
Downsizers can plan better.
They can sell smarter.
And they can buy without panic.

That’s a big change from the last few years.

Most people won’t be ready for this shift. But the ones who are will have the biggest advantage.

Here’s the other piece many homeowners aren’t factoring in yet.

Larger detached homes are taking longer to sell, even in neighbourhoods where homes used to move very quickly. The data shows that inventory is rising faster in the detached market, particularly outside the inner city and core communities. Buyers now have more choice, and that puts pressure back on sellers to be prepared.

Best foot forward matters again.

Pricing strategy matters again.
Presentation matters again.
And timing matters again.

For Downsizers who understand how these two segments are moving differently, 2026 isn’t something to fear — it’s something to use strategically.