Author: Tony Estephan

  • What Alberta’s new zoning changes mean for Edmonton

    What Alberta’s new zoning changes mean for Edmonton

    Big news for Edmonton homeowners and buyers: Alberta has just required Edmonton to roll back its 2024 zoning changes. That means we’re returning to pre-2024 rules for housing types, density, building heights, and parking. The province is responding to concerns about high-density development, and the city now has three months to update its bylaws. Calgary’s zoning isn’t affected by this change.

    Having spent over two decades guiding clients through Edmonton’s evolving neighborhoods, I know how zoning impacts day-to-day decisions—whether you’re a first-time buyer, a growing family, or an investor weighing your next move. These shifts can affect not just what gets built, but where and how communities feel. If you’ve been considering your options in Edmonton, this update is worth keeping an eye on as the landscape adjusts.

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  • Restrictive Covenants in Alberta: What Property Owners and Developers Need to Know

    Restrictive Covenants in Alberta: What Property Owners and Developers Need to Know

    Over my 23 years guiding clients through Edmonton’s real estate landscape, one topic that often surprises both homeowners and investors is restrictive covenants—especially here in Alberta. These legal conditions are tied to the land itself, not just the current owner, and they can shape what you can (and can’t) do with your property for years to come. Whether you’re buying your first home, expanding your investment portfolio, or simply planning your next move, it’s essential to review the property title, check that your plans line up with current zoning, and, when in doubt, consult a legal expert. These steps help ensure your next real estate chapter starts off on solid ground.

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  • Happy Halloween

    Halloween falls on October 31 because the ancient Gaelic festival of Samhain, considered the earliest known root of Halloween, occurred on this day.
    In the eighth century, Pope Gregory III designated November 1 as a time to praise all saints.
    Soon, All Saints' Day incorporated some traditions of Samhain and the evening before was known as All Hallows Eve, and later Halloween.
    Over time, Halloween evolved into a day of activities like trick-or-treating, carving jack-o-lanterns, festive gatherings, donning costumes and eating treats.
    Today’s the day to eat candies and sweets to your heart’s content! Happy Halloween!

  • Edmonton Housing Market Remains Stable in September

    Edmonton Housing Market Remains Stable in September

    September brought a noticeable slowdown in the Greater Edmonton Area housing market. Home sales dipped 8.8% from August and 10.3% compared to last year. Meanwhile, the benchmark price edged down by 0.9% to $423,100. More new listings—up 7.2%—have bumped up inventory, giving buyers a bit more breathing room. Most property types felt the hit with declines in both sales and prices. After two decades working with Edmonton families, I know these numbers can spark questions or even a bit of worry. If you’re navigating your next move—whether buying, selling, or investing—having someone who knows the local landscape (and isn’t afraid to give it to you straight) can make all the difference.

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  • Edmonton Down Payment Saving Time

    I’ve spent more than two decades walking Edmonton buyers through every twist and turn of the homeownership journey, and one thing I hear all the time is: "How long does it really take to save for a down payment here?" Let’s cut through the noise. For a median-earning couple in Edmonton, setting aside about 10% of their gross income each year could mean reaching that 20% down payment—roughly $84,000 on a $420,000 home—in around seven years. That’s $12,500 a year, every year, with steady discipline. Sure, this snapshot doesn’t factor in future price changes, income bumps, or life’s curveballs, but compared to many pricier cities across Canada, Edmonton stands out for those hoping to get in the market sooner. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the numbers, know this: with the right plan and a bit of local insight, the path to your new home might be shorter than you think.

  • Edmonton Buyers Gain More Options

    Seeing more choices pop up for Edmonton buyers is always good news, especially for families and investors keeping a close eye on the market’s ups and downs. In late Q3 2026, the aggregate home price in Edmonton hit $479,500—up less than 1% from last year, but down just under 1% from the previous quarter as things cooled off a bit. Detached homes reached a median of $529,600 with similar mild yearly growth, and condos climbed to $207,700 after a modest increase as well.

    After a strong start to Q3, the pace eased off, thanks in part to slower in-migration, regional flooding, and buyers feeling less urgency. For folks searching for a home, this meant more inventory, more breathing room, and the chance to really compare options—something I always encourage my clients to do. Balanced conditions like these tend to bring out the best deals, especially when you know how to spot them.

    Looking forward, forecasts suggest we might see prices rise about 2% year-over-year in early Q4 2026, and steadier sales heading into the first half of 2027. As always, I’m keeping a close watch on the numbers and the neighbourhoods, so you can move forward with real information and less guesswork—just the way Edmonton families deserve.

  • Edmonton Prices Rise 3.3% as Market Balances

    Edmonton’s real estate market has seen some interesting shifts this year. The average residential sale price is up 3.3% year-over-year, now sitting around $475,000. At the same time, the total number of sales has eased by about 12%, dropping to roughly 15,200, while listings have crept up 3% to 26,200. That’s translated into more choice for buyers and a slightly longer wait for sellers, with average market time stretching from 33 to 39 days.

    Detached homes are still leading the charge—if you’re looking for a single-family home under $650,000, you’re not alone. Those remain in high demand. Luxury sales have also stood out, while condos continue to favour buyers. For anyone feeling uncertain, you’re not the only one: economic uncertainty has some first-time buyers holding back, even as tax rebates and builder incentives give others a nudge towards new construction.

    Looking ahead, forecasts suggest average sale prices could be about 2% higher in 2026 than in 2025, but with sales numbers projected to dip by about 10%. If you’re navigating these changes—whether buying, selling, or just weighing your options—it helps to have someone who knows Edmonton inside and out, and who’s committed to real talk and real results. That’s been my approach for over 20 years, and it’s more important than ever as our market balances out.

  • Edmonton Homebuyers Benefit from Increased Housing Options

    Edmonton Homebuyers Benefit from Increased Housing Options

    September brought a noticeable shift to Edmonton’s real estate scene—home sales dipped 8.8% from August and are down 10.3% compared to last year. At the same time, more listings hit the market, offering buyers a wider selection. Average prices now sit at $466,080, a slight decrease from last month, but still 2.9% higher than this time last year. For families weighing their options or investors watching local trends, knowing how to navigate a higher inventory market is key. With over two decades spent helping Edmonton clients adapt to these ups and downs, I believe real solutions start with honest advice and a clear view of what’s happening in our city. Whether you’re buying, selling, or just curious about your next move, understanding these shifts can help you make decisions with confidence.

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  • ‘Bumpy and even’: RBC Economics releases latest housing market outlook

    ‘Bumpy and even’: RBC Economics releases latest housing market outlook

    RBC Economics just released their latest outlook on Canada’s housing market, and it’s clear we’re in for a ride that’s anything but smooth. While Ontario, Vancouver, and Montreal are seeing softer prices and fewer home resales, Calgary seems to be holding steady. Toronto’s recovery has hit a pause, and Vancouver is dealing with a lot more listings than usual. As someone who’s spent more than 20 years helping Edmonton families navigate real estate ups and downs, I know every market tells its own story. Here in Edmonton, I keep a close eye on these trends so my clients can make confident moves—no spin, just the facts and real solutions. The path to recovery across Canada will be uneven, but with the right approach and some local know-how, we can always find opportunities that fit your goals.

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  • Acadia Real Estate Statistics Update

    Here’s a quick breakdown of what’s happening in Acadia real estate, for anyone keeping an eye on local price trends or considering their next move. As of late Q3 2026, the median asking price sits at $315,000, with the median sale closing at $310,500—giving us a pretty clear read on where deals are actually landing. Over the past year, those numbers rose higher, with the median ask at $576,200 and median sold price at $568,600. Late Q3 brought 15 homes on the market, just up from 14 the month before, and 186 listings posted in the last 12 months.

    Sales activity cooled off a bit recently: 7 homes sold in late Q3, compared to 12 in the previous month. Interestingly, this time last year, there were no sales or listings at all in Acadia—so we’re in new territory. The top sale over the past year hit $845,100, though it’s worth noting the sales data isn’t fully complete.

    Having spent decades guiding families and investors through Edmonton’s changing markets, I know how data like this can help you spot genuine opportunities—or avoid overpaying. If you need help making sense of what these numbers mean for your next step, I’m always here for a straight answer and a steady hand.