Calgary Surrounding Communities Home Prices & Market Update

October 1, 2026 Market Update

Based on September 2026 CREB® Regional Housing Statistics

By Dean Martin, REALTOR® | Real Broker

If you're thinking about buying or selling a home in Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks or Chestermere, the latest real estate numbers tell four very different stories.

Buyers are becoming more cautious, new construction is creating additional competition, and some communities have considerably more homes available than others.

Here's the big picture: Okotoks remains the tightest of these four markets, with just over two months of supply. Airdrie is experiencing softer sales and prices, while Cochrane and Chestermere have more than five months of supply, giving buyers greater selection.

That doesn't necessarily mean prices are falling everywhere. In fact, benchmark prices in Cochrane, Okotoks and Chestermere are all relatively close to where they were a year ago.

Let's look at the numbers and, more importantly, what they mean if you're planning a move.

Calgary Surrounding Communities — October 1, 2026 Snapshot

Here are the September 2026 statistics for the four communities I work with most often outside Calgary.

Source: CREB® September 2026 Regional Monthly Statistics Package. Benchmark prices reflect typical residential properties, not average sale prices.

The number I'd pay particular attention to is months of supply. It tells us approximately how long it would take to sell the current inventory at the month's sales pace, assuming no additional listings.

Okotoks has just 2.18 months of supply, while Chestermere has 5.73 months. That's a substantial difference in available housing.

For comparison, Calgary itself had 3.93 months of supply in September. You can read more in my Calgary Real Estate Market Update.

Airdrie: Buyers Have More Choice as Prices Soften

Airdrie's housing market continued to slow in September, and we're seeing the impact across all property types.

There were 115 residential sales, down approximately 12% compared with September 2025. Year-to-date sales are now about 13% lower than last year.

One of the main challenges for resale sellers is competition from new construction, along with available properties in Calgary and other surrounding communities.

Although both new listings and inventory declined compared with August, the slowdown in sales was greater. That pushed months of supply up to 4.17.

Airdrie September Market Statistics

The benchmark price was $505,800, approximately 3.8% lower than last September.

Prices have eased across every property type, with the largest declines occurring in higher-density homes such as townhouses and apartments.

For families looking for a detached home, Airdrie remains worth considering. Its detached benchmark price was $591,900 in September, compared with $739,400 in Calgary.

Of course, that doesn't mean every home in Airdrie costs less than a comparable home in Calgary. Property size, age, location and neighbourhood all make a difference.

Browse Airdrie Homes for Sale →

Cochrane: Sales Remain Stronger Than Last Year, but Inventory Is Rising

Cochrane continues to be an interesting market.

Despite sales slowing compared with August, September sales were still nearly 10% higher than a year ago. On a year-to-date basis, sales have increased by approximately 6%.

However, we're also seeing more properties coming onto the market, particularly newly constructed homes.

According to CREB®, new homes have accounted for nearly 30% of Cochrane's total listings so far this year.

With 163 new listings and 68 sales in September, the sales-to-new-listings ratio dropped to approximately 42%, its lowest monthly level since January.

That increase in available homes pushed inventory to 353 properties and months of supply to 5.19.

Cochrane September Market Statistics

Despite the increase in supply, prices have held up relatively well.

Cochrane's residential benchmark price reached $575,400 in September, up from August and just 0.4% below September 2025.

The detached home benchmark was $657,600, approximately 2.5% lower than last year.

What stands out is the difference between sales activity and inventory. More buyers are purchasing homes than a year ago, but even more properties are being added to the market.

For families looking at Cochrane, its smaller-town atmosphere, pathways, mountain views and access to the Rockies continue to be important lifestyle considerations.

Browse Cochrane Homes for Sale →

Okotoks: The Tightest Housing Market of the Four Communities

Okotoks continues to stand apart from the other major communities surrounding Calgary.

With just 2.18 months of supply, Okotoks has the tightest market of the four communities we're looking at.

There were 56 sales in September, approximately 10% more than a year earlier.

New listings increased to 74, bringing the sales-to-new-listings ratio down to approximately 76%.

That's lower than the ratios above 80% reported during the previous two months, but still considerably higher than Airdrie, Cochrane and Chestermere.

Okotoks September Market Statistics

The residential benchmark price was $606,800, essentially unchanged from September 2025.

Year-to-date prices are approximately 1% lower than last year, partly reflecting competition from new construction and nearby markets earlier in the year.

The detached home benchmark was $680,900, just 0.4% below September 2025.

One thing I'd caution buyers about is assuming that because prices have softened in some surrounding communities, the same negotiating strategy will work in Okotoks.

With limited inventory, well-priced homes can still attract considerable interest.

Browse Okotoks Homes for Sale →

Chestermere: More Inventory Creates Opportunities for Buyers

Chestermere continues to experience considerable competition from newly constructed homes, along with available properties in Calgary and other surrounding communities.

Sales improved compared with August, with 51 homes selling in September.

However, with 135 new listings, the sales-to-new-listings ratio remained low at approximately 38%.

Inventory declined from August to 292 properties, bringing months of supply back below six months.

That's an improvement from August's 8.72 months of supply, but it still represents considerably more selection than buyers have in Okotoks or Airdrie.

Chestermere September Market Statistics

Interestingly, despite the higher level of inventory, Chestermere's benchmark price has remained relatively stable compared with last year.

The September benchmark was $690,200, down slightly from August but just 0.2% below September 2025.

The detached benchmark was $753,000, approximately 2% lower than last year.

This is a good reminder that increased inventory doesn't automatically result in significant price declines.

However, it does mean sellers face more competition and buyers generally have more options.

Browse Chestermere Homes for Sale →

Why Are the Surrounding Communities Performing So Differently?

One of the biggest influences on Calgary's surrounding housing markets is the amount of new construction.

During Calgary's recent period of strong population growth, builders responded by increasing housing supply across the region.

Now, many resale properties are competing with newly constructed homes, particularly in communities with significant development activity.

That competition can affect demand, pricing and the time it takes to sell a home.

But the impact isn't the same everywhere.

In Okotoks, inventory remains relatively tight. In Cochrane and Chestermere, buyers have considerably more choice.

That's why I believe looking at individual communities is much more useful than simply asking whether the overall Calgary real estate market is going up or down.

Dean's Take: Buyers Are Becoming More Selective

Which Surrounding Community Is Right for Your Family?

If you're considering moving outside Calgary, price is only one part of the decision.

Here's how I'd suggest thinking about each community.

Airdrie: Worth considering if affordability and housing selection are priorities, and you're comfortable with a commute north of Calgary.

Cochrane: An attractive option for families who enjoy mountain access, pathways, outdoor recreation and a smaller-town lifestyle west of Calgary.

Okotoks: A good fit for families looking for a well-established community south of Calgary, although housing selection remains relatively limited.

Chestermere: Particularly interesting for buyers who enjoy lake-oriented living and want more choice in the current housing market.

You may also find my Calgary House Prices and Market Update helpful if you're comparing these communities with Calgary itself.

What This Means if You're Buying Outside Calgary

For buyers, one of the biggest advantages in today's market is having more choices in certain communities.

However, I wouldn't approach every purchase the same way.

In Chestermere and Cochrane, higher inventory levels may provide more flexibility when negotiating.

In Airdrie, softer prices and increased competition may create opportunities, particularly for buyers considering attached homes.

In Okotoks, where inventory remains relatively limited, desirable and properly priced homes may still attract strong interest.

The important thing is understanding the local market before deciding what to offer.

If you're looking for a home, you can start by exploring the current listings in Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, and Chestermere.

What This Means if You're Selling in a Surrounding Community

If you're planning to sell your home, understanding your competition is more important than ever.

Here are three things I'd focus on:

1. Price according to today's market. Don't rely entirely on what a similar property sold for last year. Look at current competing listings and recent comparable sales.
2. Understand new construction competition. Buyers may be comparing your home with newly built properties offering different features, finishes or incentives.
3. Make your home stand out. Professional photography, strong marketing and proper presentation can make a meaningful difference when buyers have more choices.

If you're wondering what your home could sell for in today's market, you can request a Calgary and area home evaluation here.

Frequently Asked Questions About Calgary's Surrounding Communities

Are home prices falling in Airdrie?

Yes. Airdrie's residential benchmark price was $505,800 in September 2026, approximately 3.8% below September 2025. The largest declines have occurred in higher-density housing.

Is Cochrane a buyer's market in October 2026?

Based on September statistics, Cochrane had 5.19 months of supply, indicating increased buyer choice and more competition among sellers. Conditions can still vary considerably by neighbourhood and property type.

Are Okotoks house prices going up?

Okotoks' overall residential benchmark price was $606,800 in September 2026, essentially unchanged from a year earlier. Prices are approximately 1% lower on a year-to-date basis.

Is Chestermere a buyer's market?

Chestermere had 5.73 months of supply in September 2026, providing buyers with considerably more selection than in Okotoks or Airdrie. Buyers may have greater negotiating flexibility, depending on the property.

Which community has the lowest home prices near Calgary?

Among the four communities covered here, Airdrie had the lowest overall residential benchmark price in September 2026 at $505,800.

Which surrounding community has the tightest real estate market?

Okotoks had the lowest months of supply among Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks and Chestermere in September 2026, at 2.18 months.

Should I buy in Calgary or one of the surrounding communities?

That depends on your budget, commute, housing needs and preferred lifestyle. Each community offers different property options and market conditions. Comparing the total cost and lifestyle of each location is a good starting point.

Ready to Make a Move in Calgary or the Surrounding Communities?

I've been helping families buy and sell homes in Calgary and the surrounding communities for more than 35 years.

Whether you're considering Airdrie, Cochrane, Okotoks, Chestermere or Calgary itself, my goal is to help you understand your options and make a decision that's right for your family.

If you're thinking about buying, selling or relocating, I'd be happy to have a conversation about your plans.

Give me a call, send me a text or email me. Let's talk about what today's market means for you.

Also Read: Calgary House Prices | What the Market Is Doing Right Now

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Market Data Source: Calgary Real Estate Board (CREB®), September 2026 Regional Monthly Statistics Package. This October 1, 2026 market update uses September 2026 statistics. Benchmark prices represent typical residential properties and should not be confused with average sale prices. Real estate conditions vary by property type, neighbourhood and price range.