The Bank of Canada held its overnight rate at 2.25%, marking the second straight pause to start 2026. Stability continues to be the theme.
What this means for Alberta real estate
• Stable rates support balanced market conditions
• Forecasts point to ~1.5% home price growth this year
• Think steady and predictable — not extreme swings
Important reminder:
The Bank of Canada doesn’t set mortgage rates. Fixed rates follow bond markets, and variable rates are influenced by the policy rate along with lender pricing and risk.
FOR BUYERS
• Predictability = confidence — with steady borrowing costs, planning your purchase becomes clearer.
• Mortgage rates aren’t expected to shift dramatically right now, so budgeting and qualifying remain more stable.
• If you’ve been waiting for clarity on rates before jumping in — this helps remove one big variable.
FOR SELLERS
• Buyers feel more comfortable making decisions when rates are predictable, which can support continued market activity.
• With a steady rate environment, sellers don’t face a sudden jump in borrowing costs that could delay buyer decisions.
• This stable backdrop can help listings stay competitive and attract qualified offers.
FOR THE MARKET
• Stable interest rate conditions often mean balanced market conditions, not extreme swings.
• Economists and forecasts see housing continuing to grow modestly this year — many models, including ones watching Alberta trends, point to around ~1.5% price growth in 2026, reflecting measured demand and steady cost of borrowing.
• This doesn’t mean explosive price increases, but rather a sustainable and predictable year for both buyers and sellers.
Predictability helps with planning whether you’re buying, selling, or refinancing. If you want to chat about what this means for your goals, let’s connect
Rene Simpson | Realtor®
Legacy Real Estate Services
Renesimpson.realtor@gmail.com
renesimpsonrealty.ca
