Executive Summary
The Greater Edmonton Area (GEA) real estate market is off to a high-inventory start in 2026, marking a significant shift in market dynamics. With 1,151 sales in January and 2,518 new listings, inventory levels have surged 32.7% year-over-year, creating a more competitive environment for sellers and unprecedented leverage for buyers.
As Darlene Reid, 2026 Board Chair of the REALTORS® Association of Edmonton, noted: "A wave of new inventory has hit the market for 2026, and with inventory levels already pretty healthy at the end of last year, it marks a transition to a more competitive year for sellers. Buyers looking to make a move in 2026 should consider getting on the property ladder now, if possible. There's plenty of choice, less rush (with homes averaging 59 days on market) and they're likely to get a better negotiation on price than if they wait until the market picks up in spring."
Key Market Metrics
Sales Activity:
- January 2026: 1,151 sales
- Month-over-Month: ↓12.5%
- Year-over-Year: ↓27.6%
New Listings:
- January 2026: 2,518 new listings
- Month-over-Month: ↑84.2%
- Year-over-Year: ↑4.7%
Inventory:
- Total Inventory: 4,901 units
- Month-over-Month: ↑8.5%
- Year-over-Year: ↑32.7%
- Months of Inventory: 4.3 months
Pricing:
- Average Selling Price: $448,761
- Month-over-Month: ↓1.4%
- Year-over-Year: ↑2.5%
- MLS® HPI Benchmark: $415,000 (↓0.1% M/M, ↓1.0% Y/Y)
Market Timing:
- Average Days on Market: 59 days
Property Type Breakdown
Detached Homes
- Average Price: $556,752 (↓1.7% M/M, ↓0.6% Y/Y)
- Sales: ↓16.3% M/M, ↓23.1% Y/Y
- New Listings: ↑84.2% M/M, ↑5.1% Y/Y
Detached homes continue to be the most expensive property type in Edmonton. The month-over-month price decline of 1.7% reflects the influx of new inventory, while year-over-year prices remain relatively stable, suggesting the market is finding equilibrium.
Semi-Detached Properties
- Average Price: $422,964 (↑0.2% M/M, ↑0.7% Y/Y)
- Sales: ↑1.4% M/M, ↓27.5% Y/Y
- New Listings: ↑83.9% M/M, ↑13.6% Y/Y
Semi-detached properties show resilience with slight month-over-month price appreciation. The year-over-year sales decline of 27.5% indicates a significant slowdown compared to January 2025, but the strong month-over-month sales increase suggests momentum building into February.
Row/Townhouse Properties
- Average Price: $296,227 (↓0.3% M/M, ↓5.1% Y/Y)
- Sales: ↓13.6% M/M, ↓29.5% Y/Y
- New Listings: ↑71.2% M/M, ↑7.6% Y/Y
Row and townhouse properties represent an affordable entry point for first-time buyers. With prices down 5.1% year-over-year and 71.2% more listings added month-over-month, this segment offers excellent value and selection.
Apartment Condominiums
- Average Price: $225,671 (↑16.5% M/M, ↑11.1% Y/Y)
- Sales: ↓6.0% M/M, ↓38.7% Y/Y
- New Listings: ↑77.9% M/M, ↓4.0% Y/Y
Apartment condominiums show the strongest price appreciation month-over-month at 16.5%, with year-over-year gains of 11.1%. Despite lower sales activity, the significant price growth suggests strong underlying demand and limited supply relative to detached homes.
What This Means for Different Buyer Types
For First-Time Buyers: January 2026 presents an ideal window. With 59 days average on market and 32.7% more inventory than last year, you have time to make informed decisions without pressure. Prices remain stable with modest year-over-year gains, and negotiation leverage is in your favor. Consider acting sooner rather than later—spring typically brings increased competition.
For Upgraders and Downsizers: The balanced inventory gives you flexibility. Whether you're looking to move up to a larger detached home or downsize to a condo, the market has options across all price points. The lower sales activity compared to last year means less competition from other buyers in your segment.
For Investors: Multi-family and condo segments show strong year-over-year appreciation (11.1% and 16.5% respectively), suggesting underlying demand fundamentals remain solid. With 4.3 months of inventory, you have time to analyze deals thoroughly before committing. The rental market remains tight with only 3% vacancy, supporting strong cash flow potential.
Market Outlook
The transition from a seller's market to a buyer's market is complete. The 32.7% year-over-year inventory increase combined with a 27.6% decline in sales activity signals a clear shift in dynamics. However, this doesn't mean prices will collapse—the year-over-year price appreciation of 2.5% demonstrates continued underlying demand.
Key Takeaways:
- Inventory is abundant – Buyers have unprecedented choice
- Prices are stable – No dramatic swings in either direction
- Timing favors buyers – Negotiate from a position of strength
- Spring will be busier – Act now if you're serious about moving
- Fundamentals remain solid – Immigration and population growth continue to support long-term demand
Next Steps
If you're considering a real estate move in 2026, now is the time to explore your options. Whether buying, selling, or investing, the data shows opportunity for those who act strategically.
Ready to make your move? Contact Rojek Realty for a personalized market analysis tailored to your property type, timeline, and goals. With 15+ years of local expertise and deep knowledge of Edmonton's residential market, we'll help you navigate this dynamic landscape with confidence.
Data Source: REALTORS® Association of Edmonton, January 2026 Residential Statistics
