Wondering where Calgary’s commercial real estate market is headed in 2025? Whether you’re an investor, a business owner, or simply keeping an eye on market trends, knowing what lies ahead can give you a valuable edge. In this blog, I’ll take you through the most crucial updates on Calgary’s commercial real estate trends, covering office spaces, retail properties, and industrial spaces.

By the time you’re done reading, you’ll have an expert-level understanding of the opportunities, shifts, and insights that matter most — straight from the ground in Calgary.

Why Calgary? Understanding the City’s Unique Commercial DNA

Before we zoom into the sectors, it’s important to understand why Calgary remains a solid ground for commercial property investment.

As someone who’s worked in real estate here for over a decade, I’ve seen Calgary evolve from an oil-and-gas-dependent economy into a much more diversified and resilient one. From tech startups and logistics companies to co-working spaces and premium retail, Calgary is transforming fast.

Calgary offers:

• No provincial sales tax

• Affordable lease rates compared to other Canadian cities

• Strong transportation infrastructure

• A business-friendly government

• A growing population with entrepreneurial spirit
  

All of this sets the stage for Calgary commercial real estate trends in 2025 to be worth paying close attention to.

Office Spaces in Calgary: Rebound, Redesign, and Remote Work Balance

The Dip That Sparked a Redesign

Office spaces in Calgary took a hit during the pandemic, with vacancy rates soaring to over 30% in the downtown core. But here’s where it gets interesting — companies didn’t just abandon office culture; they redefined it.

Now, in 2025, we’re seeing:

• Increased demand for flexible, hybrid-friendly office layouts

• Focus on wellness-centric office designs with better ventilation, green spaces, and breakout areas

• A shift from mega offices to decentralized office hubs closer to residential areas

What This Means for Investors and Tenants

• Suburban office properties are seeing more leasing activity

• Downtown vacancies are declining slowly but steadily

• Tech and financial sectors are driving demand for modernized Class A spaces
  

If you’re considering commercial real estate in Calgary, watch for older buildings being retrofitted into smart, adaptive workspaces. These will be highly attractive for tenants looking for modernity without sky-high rents.

Retail Real Estate in Calgary: Community, Experience, and Localism

The Return of Brick-and-Mortar — But Smarter

The big-box exodus might have made headlines, but what went under the radar is the rise of community-focused retail. Calgary’s growing neighborhoods are fueling demand for hyper-local shopping experiences.

In 2025, the Calgary retail real estate market is driven by:

• Mixed-use developments with retail on the ground floor and residential above

• Local and artisan brands seeking physical presence in niche neighborhoods

• Experiential retail — think tasting rooms, lifestyle cafes, and interactive brand showrooms

Hot Zones to Watch

Some of Calgary’s emerging retail hotspots include:

• East Village – attracting boutique retail and lifestyle brands

• Marda Loop – known for its walkability and trendy vibe

• Seton and Mahogany – high-density communities demanding local amenities
  

Key Takeaways for Retail Property Investors

• Strip malls are being reinvented into lifestyle plazas

• Lease structures now often include percentage-of-sales agreements

• Tenants are increasingly drawn to energy-efficient, digitally connected spaces
  

Retail isn’t dying; it’s evolving. And commercial property investment in Calgary that focuses on community-centric experiences will thrive in 2025 and beyond.

Industrial Real Estate in Calgary: The Strongest Performer of 2025

Calgary’s Logistics Advantage

Calgary industrial real estate trends are arguably the most bullish among all sectors in 2025. Why? Because Calgary is a logistics and warehousing haven — strategically located with major highways, rail lines, and proximity to the U.S. border.

What’s Fueling the Demand?

• E-commerce growth, especially for Western Canada distribution

• Increased cold storage and food processing facilities

• Growth in light manufacturing and tech-automated warehousing
  

Vacancy rates in industrial zones like Balzac, Shepard Industrial, and Foothills Industrial are at all-time lows.

What Tenants Are Looking For

• 24/7 access

• High clear heights (32’+)

• Smart loading docks and optimized racking space

• Energy-efficient HVAC and lighting systems
  

If you’re searching for the next big play in Calgary commercial real estate trends 2025, industrial assets should be high on your radar.

Where Are the Best Investment Opportunities in Calgary for 2025?

Based on current Calgary commercial property market 2025 insights, here are my top picks for where investors should look:

Office

• Southwest Calgary (suburban campuses, co-working potential)

• Downtown West End (revitalization underway)

Retail

• Beltline (trendy, walkable, millennial-driven)

• Legacy and Cranston (underserved, high traffic)

Industrial

• Airdrie and Balzac (major warehousing developments)

• Foothills Industrial Park (continues to be a logistics hub)

Real Talk From Jai: The Human Side of Investing in Calgary

As a real estate professional who calls Calgary home, I know firsthand that numbers only tell half the story. What makes this city special is its resilience and entrepreneurial spirit.

I’ve helped everyone from immigrant entrepreneurs launching their first store to major logistics firms secure their warehousing base here. And what they all had in common was a belief in Calgary’s future — a belief that’s now being validated by these 2025 trends.

Whether you’re a seasoned investor or just beginning to explore commercial property investment in Calgary, there’s a place for you here. And if you ever need help navigating that journey, I’m here to guide you — every step of the way.

Calgary Commercial Real Estate Trends 2025 at a Glance

Key Takeaways:

• Office spaces are bouncing back with hybrid-friendly designs

• Retail properties are thriving in community-centric, walkable areas

• Industrial real estate is Calgary’s strongest commercial performer in 2025

• Suburban and niche neighborhoods offer untapped potential

• Now is the time to align your investment with Calgary’s growing, diverse economy

Let’s Talk About Your Next Move

Still have questions about Calgary commercial real estate trends 2025? Want to know which property type suits your portfolio or business goals?

Let’s connect. I’m Jai Chaudhary, and helping people make smart, meaningful property decisions is what I do best. Whether you’re buying your first commercial space or expanding your investment portfolio, I’d love to hear your story and help shape your next chapter.