The landscape of Calgary's real estate in 2024 reveals a bustling market that extends beyond the traditional buy-and-sell narrative. Particularly noteworthy is the role of Apartment Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs) in molding the housing scene, alongside a notable rise in property sales and values early in the year. This paints a comprehensive picture of the city's thriving real estate environment.
Remarkable Growth in Sales and Property Values
Kicking off with remarkable vigor, Calgary's real estate market mirrors the vigorous activity of the previous year. A nearly 38% increase in January sales across apartments, row houses, and single-family homes marks a significant start. This surge in transactions pairs with substantial hikes in property values, notably with row houses and apartments at the forefront with up to 20% and 19% increases in benchmark prices, shining a light on a market in full swing.
Rental Sector Strengthens Amid REITs’ Revenue Uplift
In this vibrant sales backdrop, Calgary’s own Boardwalk Real Estate Investment Trust, along with its peers nationwide, reports a spike in revenues in a notably tight rental market. Boardwalk’s growth, exemplified by a 13% increase in same-property net operating income, is fueled by Alberta's population swell, boosting occupancy rates and negating the need for rental incentives.
This pattern mirrors the wider industry, where the top Canadian apartment REITs enjoyed income boosts thanks to migration, inflation, and the high cost of borrowing, underscoring a trend that’s reshaping the rental market landscape.
The Double-Edged Sword of New Developments
Despite the optimistic financial outlook and the influx of investment, new apartment projects proceed with caution. Sam Kolias of Boardwalk points to the economic hurdles and extended timelines that dampen the enthusiasm for new builds, spotlighting instead the strategic focus on enhancing current holdings.
Nonetheless, the industry recognizes the imperative to contribute to the national affordable housing pool, advocating for supportive policies that could ease the path to expanding and improving the rental housing stock.
calgary real estate 2024 Market Navigation: A Spectrum of Prospects
The current climate spells a bounty for sellers, leveraging the high demand to their advantage. Conversely, buyers face a spirited market, though the promise of investing in a burgeoning city like Calgary holds long-term appeal. Renters are met with a constricted market, a direct reflection of the surging demand against a backdrop of REIT-driven revenue growth.
With a robust kickoff, Calgary's 2024 real estate market, buoyed by strategic shifts in the rental sector, showcases a sector bristling with energy and opportunity. For those looking to engage with this market, be it through buying, selling, or renting, staying abreast of market trends and seeking expert advice are crucial steps in navigating the multifaceted challenges and opportunities of Calgary’s dynamic real estate scene.
