The federal government's ban on foreign homebuyers is currently scheduled to expire on January 1, 2027. While Ottawa could still introduce new legislation before then, many Canadians are already asking an important question:

What happens to the Calgary real estate market if international buyers can once again purchase homes in Canada?

If the ban expires as planned, Calgary could become one of the country's most attractive destinations for international buyers and investors. Compared to Toronto and Vancouver, Calgary continues to offer affordable home prices, a growing economy, strong population growth, and excellent long-term investment potential.

Whether you're planning on buying a home in Calgary, selling your property, or investing in Alberta real estate, understanding this policy change could help you stay ahead of the market.

What Is Canada's Foreign Buyer Ban?

The Prohibition on the Purchase of Residential Property by Non-Canadians Act came into effect in 2023 as part of the federal government's effort to improve housing affordability for Canadians.

The legislation was later extended through the end of 2026.

If no further extension or replacement legislation is introduced, eligible non-Canadians may once again be able to purchase residential real estate beginning January 1, 2027.

That doesn't necessarily mean home prices will suddenly spike overnight—but it does mean demand for Canadian real estate could increase.

Why Calgary Could Benefit More Than Other Canadian Cities

When people think about Canadian real estate, Toronto and Vancouver usually come to mind first.

However, Calgary has quietly become one of Canada's strongest housing markets.

Today, Calgary offers:

• More affordable homes than Toronto or Vancouver

• Strong population growth driven by interprovincial migration

• A diverse and expanding economy

• Lower unemployment than many major cities

• No provincial foreign buyer tax

• Excellent long-term investment potential

For international investors looking for value, Calgary checks many of the boxes.

How Could Foreign Buyers Affect Calgary Home Prices?

Real estate prices are driven by one simple principle:

When demand increases faster than housing supply, prices usually rise.

If international buyers return while housing inventory remains limited, Calgary could experience:

• Increased competition for Calgary homes for sale

• Higher demand for detached homes, condos, and investment properties

• More activity in new construction and pre-construction developments

• Increased interest in luxury homes

• Continued upward pressure on Calgary home prices

That said, foreign buyers are only one factor.

The biggest drivers of Calgary real estate prices will continue to be:

• Interest rates

• Population growth

• Employment

• Housing supply

• Consumer confidence

Foreign buyers would likely add to existing demand rather than become the primary driver of the market.

What Does This Mean for Calgary Home Buyers?

For first-time buyers and families looking to move up, increased competition could make entering the market more challenging.

If prices continue rising, buyers may need:

• Larger down payments

• Higher mortgage qualifications

• Faster decision-making

• Stronger negotiation strategies

Waiting for "the perfect time" could become more expensive if demand continues to grow.

What Does This Mean for Calgary Home Sellers?

Homeowners could benefit from stronger market conditions.

Additional demand often creates:

• More buyer interest

• Increased showings

• Multiple-offer situations

• Stronger negotiating power

• Potentially higher sale prices

For sellers considering listing over the next few years, understanding market trends before they happen can make a significant difference.

What Does This Mean for Real Estate Investors?

Investors should pay close attention.

Calgary continues to offer:

• Competitive purchase prices

• Strong rental demand

• Positive population growth

• New infrastructure investment

• Long-term appreciation potential

If foreign buyers return, investor competition may increase—particularly for well-located condos, rental properties, and new developments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can foreigners buy property in Calgary in 2027?

If the federal foreign buyer ban expires as scheduled, eligible non-Canadians may once again be able to purchase residential real estate in Canada beginning January 1, 2027, unless new legislation is introduced before then.

Will Calgary home prices increase?

No one can predict prices with certainty.

However, additional buyer demand generally puts upward pressure on prices when housing supply is limited. Interest rates, housing inventory, and population growth will likely remain the biggest factors influencing Calgary's housing market.

Is Calgary still a good place to invest?

Many economists and investors consider Calgary one of Canada's strongest long-term real estate markets because of its affordability, economic growth, and continued population gains.

My Perspective

I've watched Calgary's market evolve through changing interest rates, migration trends, and shifts in buyer demand.

One thing remains consistent:

People move to opportunity.

Calgary continues to attract families, professionals, entrepreneurs, and investors because it offers something increasingly rare in Canada—affordability combined with economic opportunity.

Whether the foreign buyer ban expires or not, I believe Calgary is well positioned for long-term growth.

The key isn't trying to predict every policy announcement.

The key is understanding how those policies fit into the bigger picture so you can make informed real estate decisions.

Thinking About Buying or Selling in Calgary?

Whether you're purchasing your first home, upgrading, downsizing, or investing, having the right strategy matters.

At Buildt.re, my goal is to help you understand the market—not just react to it.

If you'd like a personalized market analysis, home valuation, or guidance on buying or selling in Calgary, I'd be happy to help.

Let's build your real estate strategy together.