If you’ve been asking yourself whether the Calgary Housing Strategy—fondly known as “Home Is Here”—has lived up to its promises, you’re not alone. With rising costs, changing demographics, and housing shortages making headlines, every Calgarian has felt the impact in one way or another.

In this blog post, I’ll take you through where the plan stands in 2025, what’s working, what needs tweaking, and—most importantly—what it means for homebuyers, renters, and investors like you. You’ll walk away with not only insider insights from the Calgary real estate market, but also practical guidance on what your next move could look like in this fast-evolving landscape.

Let’s dive in, shall we?

What Is the ‘Home Is Here’ Calgary Housing Strategy All About?

Launched by the City of Calgary in 2023, Home Is Here set out with a clear goal: to make housing more affordable, accessible, and sustainable for everyone. Whether you’re a student renting a basement suite in Brentwood, a young family seeking a townhouse in Mahogany, or an investor eyeing homes for sale in Calgary, the strategy was designed with you in mind.

Key Pillars of the Strategy:

• Increasing Housing Supply

• Improving Housing Affordability

• Prioritizing Equity and Inclusion

• Strengthening Partnerships with Private Developers

• Supporting Vulnerable Populations

Sounds pretty ambitious, right? Well, now that we’re halfway through 2025, it’s time to ask…

How Much Progress Have We Actually Made?

Here’s where things get interesting—and a little complicated (but don’t worry, I’ll break it down like a good neighbour explaining hockey to a first-timer).

1. Boost in Housing Supply

One of the boldest promises made was to add 3,000 new non-market homes by 2026. As of Q2 2025, the city has already hit 1,850 units, which includes a mix of:

• Affordable rental apartments

• Non-profit-run housing

• Rent-to-own models

• Modular housing in underutilized land parcels

More options, more flexibility, and fewer bidding wars.

And guess what? This also eases pressure off the MLS listings for homes for sale in Calgary, keeping resale values stable while increasing choices for buyers.

2. Affordability Is (Kinda) Improving

Now here’s the tea: affordability is a moving target—especially when you’re dealing with inflation, rising interest rates, and global economic ripple effects.

But the city’s implementation of density-friendly zoning reforms and incentives for multi-unit dwellings has made it more attractive for developers to build cost-effective housing.

You’ve probably seen a spike in duplexes, triplexes, and secondary suites in neighbourhoods like Mount Pleasant, Rosscarrock, and Dover.

This has led to:

• Lower average rent hikes compared to other Canadian cities

• More starter homes under $450,000

• Increased inventory for first-time buyers

So, while we’re not out of the woods, we’re definitely on a decent hiking trail.

3. Calgary Is Embracing Innovation in Housing

The ‘Home Is Here’ initiative isn’t just about throwing up more buildings. It’s also about rethinking how we live, and Calgary’s taking the lead.

Examples That Deserve Applause:

• Laneway Housing: These compact homes—often built in backyards—are giving families multigenerational living options.

• Shipping Container Housing: Yep, that’s right. What used to carry cargo is now carrying people—sustainably.

• Smart Home Integration: Many of the new builds in Calgary are coming pre-wired for energy efficiency and digital living.

Challenges That Still Need Tackling (Let’s Be Real)

Now, I wouldn’t be Jai if I didn’t keep it 100% with you. While progress is being made, a few speed bumps remain on the road to housing paradise.

Zoning Red Tape Still Slows Things Down

Despite recent reforms, bureaucratic delays and community pushback are still hurdles. NIMBY-ism (Not In My Back Yard) is alive and well in some corners of the city.

Long Wait Times for Non-Market Housing

Even with more units coming online, waitlists for affordable housing are still long—especially for seniors and single-parent families.

Data Gaps

Tracking outcomes consistently has been a bit of a mess. Developers and the city often use different metrics, leading to conflicting progress reports.

What This Means for Buyers, Renters & Investors in Calgary

Alright, let’s get into what you came here for—how this affects your real estate game.

For Homebuyers:

Now’s the time to explore up-and-coming communities. Some promising areas include:

• Highland Park – perfect for infill development

• Bowness – mix of old charm and new projects

• Seton – a hub for young professionals

You’ll find more townhomes and duplexes in these areas, many eligible for first-time buyer incentives.

For Renters:

Rents are still rising, but slower than before. Consider negotiating longer leases or exploring newly built basement suites, which often come with private entrances and modern amenities.

For Real Estate Investors:

The city’s drive to allow upzoning in established communities is a goldmine opportunity.

Think:

• Buying bungalows and converting into 4-plexes

• Adding legal basement suites

• Investing in modular home developments

Calgary Isn’t Perfect—But We’re Paving the Way

I’ve been working in Calgary real estate for over a decade now, and I’ve seen the city go through booms, busts, and everything in between. But I’ve got to say—2025 feels like a turning point.

We’re not trying to be Toronto or Vancouver (bless their hearts and skyrocketing prices). We’re Calgary—resilient, welcoming, and quietly innovative.

The “Home Is Here” housing strategy is still a work in progress. But the progress is real. And if you’re thinking of jumping into the market—or upgrading your lifestyle—this might just be your moment.

Quick Tips to Navigate the 2025 Calgary Housing Landscape

Here’s your cheat sheet if you’re short on time:

• First-time buyer? Look into incentive-backed duplexes in Seton or Skyview Ranch.

• Investor? Secondary suites and modular housing developments are heating up.

• Upsizing? Now’s the time to snag inventory in infill zones before prices climb again.

• Downsizing or retiring? New senior-friendly condos in Beltline and Kensington offer walkability and access to healthcare.

• Renting? Lock in multi-year leases in new developments with smart amenities.

If you’re ready to explore homes for sale in Calgary and navigate investment strategies, reach out. 

You bring the dream, I’ll bring the keys!