Why Economic Uncertainty Isn’t Slowing Down Alberta’s Housing Market
A Tough Year for Renewals Across Canada
Across the country, millions of homeowners are renewing their mortgages in 2025—many for the first time since locking in record-low rates during the pandemic. And the reality? Those ultra-low rates are gone.
For many, this means going from a 1.5% rate to something closer to 4.5%—a jump that can mean hundreds of dollars more per month.
It’s no wonder consumer confidence has hit a multi-year low. According to Canadian Mortgage Trends, anxiety around inflation, debt loads, and economic slowdown is rising across the board.
Economist David Rosenberg recently warned via CTV News that “Canada is already showing recessionary patterns,” while CBC reported that global trade tensions and tariffs are threatening major economies.
But there’s one market that’s going in the opposite direction—and that’s Alberta.
Alberta Is Defying the Trend
While much of the country is feeling economic pressure, Alberta continues to show strength—not just in housing, but in employment, migration, and market confidence.
Recent data from WOWA shows that home prices in Alberta are rising in every major market:
This isn’t just a blip—it’s the result of a growing economy, a young population, steady job growth, and ongoing demand from out-of-province buyers looking for affordability and opportunity.
Why Higher Rates Aren’t Slowing Alberta Down
Yes, mortgage rates are higher than they were in 2021—but they're not extreme by historical standards. Many Albertans and new buyers from other provinces are still finding it possible to qualify, purchase, and grow equity—especially with average prices still well below those in Ontario or BC.
The difference is Alberta’s cost of living. Buyers here have more room in their budget, and in many cases, they’re using equity from more expensive markets to buy outright or reduce financing needs.
Even better? There’s still room for growth. Alberta isn’t topping out like other provinces—instead, it's gaining value steadily, giving investors and homeowners long-term upside.
And if rates fall later this year—as many analysts are expecting—today’s buyers could find themselves in a prime position to refinance and lower monthly payments.
Who’s Moving and Why
At Merge Mortgage Group, we’re seeing clients from all walks of life take advantage of Alberta’s stability and affordability:
Homeowners in BC or Ontario who are selling and relocating
Young professionals and families moving for work opportunities
Retirees looking for a more affordable lifestyle
Investors buying rentals in high-demand markets like Red Deer and Grande Prairie
Parents helping adult children purchase in Alberta’s growing cities
And then there’s the other big motivator: mortgage renewals. We’re working with many clients who are up for renewal and considering whether it’s smarter to stay put, refinance, or make a change—sometimes even moving provinces to reduce financial pressure.
In Alberta, that move is more than possible. It’s strategic.
How Merge Helps Buyers Thrive in 2025
We’re not just mortgage brokers—we’re relocation and investment specialists who know the Alberta market inside and out. Our team supports:
Relocations to Alberta from other provinces and countries
Custom home builds and construction financing
Rental property mortgages in Alberta’s growing secondary markets
Debt consolidation plans during mortgage renewals
Family purchase arrangements with gifted down payments or co-ownership
We’ll work with you to compare products from multiple lenders, explore amortization strategies, and create a plan that works now—and into the future.
