Even surfacing page views can inflate interest with casual scrolling, duplicate visits, and bots, adding more noise than signal. Many platforms surface that metric because it’s easy to collect, but almost no platform distills it into something a buyer can actually use to gauge real intent.

When it’s time to act, most buyers still rely on hearsay (“multiple offers”) or agent-only dashboards, none of which give you as a buyer a clean read on the likely competition for a home.

Introducing HouseSigma competition-level estimates

HouseSigma has earned its reputation by giving buyers the facts they need to make a decision on their home purchases (such as the full listing history and true property days on market, see Business in Vancouver article, Western Investor article).

Now we’re extending that approach with a tool that estimates buyer competition for each property, shown directly on eligible Ontario listings under “Buyers who have likely toured this home.”

This tool displays two concise figures: the AI-estimated number of people who toured the home in the last 7 days and the number of tours since listed. This data translates noisy page views into a practical signal about real-world interest, so buyers can gauge the competition and plan their next step.

Why these insights matter to buyers

Real estate has long asked buyers to make big decisions in a fog. We’ve seen how skepticism creeps in when buyers have to rely solely on what listing agents say about interest and offers. Our goal is to replace ambiguity with useful, interpretable signals so that you as a buyer can act with more confidence, not more pressure. That’s why we’re putting this information in front of buyers, not tucked away in a dashboard for industry pros.

Why “page views” aren’t enough

Page views are everywhere online, including real estate. They’re easy to measure and they help with discovery but they blur window-shoppers with serious buyers.

In our own data, we’ve seen that our “popularity index” on listings – which compares that listing’s page-view popularity with other similar listings – tells buyers something directionally, but it’s not the right yardstick for real competition for that property. Popularity can occur on a listing for many reasons (such as a social media post or news article highlighting the listing for a specific reason) and doesn’t mean a lot of people are interested in actually buying it.

Internally, we found this kind of relative popularity showed a weak correlation with actual scheduled viewings – which is exactly the gap we set out to close. And it isn’t just the case for HouseSigma: other listings websites reveal a similarly weak correlation, as shown in this screenshot in which a supposedly popular listing has many viewing times available.

So we reframed the question buyers are really asking:

“I’m interested in this property, how many other serious buyers am I up against right now?”

To answer that, we anchored on tours. Attending a tour is a strong, high-intent signal on the path to making an offer, far more telling than a quick scroll. In our problem exploration, we documented tours as the clearest signal for “serious interest” compared to softer signals like listing visits: noise.

What buyers see on HouseSigma

On most active sale listings in Ontario, after scrolling down to the “Comparables” section, buyers will now see a small module labeled “Buyers who have likely toured this home.” It surfaces two numbers:

• In the last 7 days: Number of buyers who have likely toured this property in the last 7 days
• Since listed: Number of buyers who have likely toured this property since it was listed

These aren’t raw counts of website clicks. They’re AI estimates of likely tours, expressed as easy-to-scan chips right on the listing page. Our Machine Learning models combine momentum in listing attention, overall buyer traffic, and the property’s profile among other signals to estimate how many people likely toured. The estimates are calibrated on unseen data to avoid overfitting to any one listing. But why do we show two timeframes? Because they answer two different questions buyers might have:

• Last 7 days: “How hot is this home right now?”
• Since listed: “How much serious interest has built up over the entire on-market period?”

Together, these help buyers calibrate urgency (book a showing sooner vs. later), and they can frame buyers’ offer approach (should we compete assertively or look for negotiation room?).

What it is and what it isn’t

• It’s about real-world intent. We focus on tours because they’re a meaningful step between casual browsing and writing an offer.
• It’s an estimate, not a claim of registered offers. We’re not declaring exact numbers of people who toured the home, or how many offers exist or what they’ll be. We’re simply giving buyers a signal on serious buyer activity so they can plan their next move.
• It’s transparent about scope. We’re starting with Ontario sale listings where HouseSigma is a dominant player in the market. The AI estimate needs to work in an area where there is a high market share of users.

How to interpret the information

Now that you know what you’ll see on HouseSigma’s buyer competition tool, how do you interpret the data to inform your homebuying strategy?

Here are a few scenarios:

• High number of tours in the last 7 days, modest numbers since listed: That can hint at fresh momentum, such as a price reduction or new attention from external sources. Ask your agent about this, and check the listing for price changes.
• Low in the last 7 days, low since listed: Not every quiet listing is a problem; sometimes it’s an opportunity.
• Low in the last 7 days, medium-high since listed: This is a listing that likely had momentum to start with, but has tailed off without a sale. You may be able to capitalize on this.
• High both ways: If you are interested in buying this property, you should expect company.

Last but not least, context matters. Markets swing between hot and cool cycles, buyers don’t distribute evenly across similar homes, and the offer landscape can change quickly. The count is a strong input, but it is far from the entire picture.

A quick note on the data

• Freshness: We update our estimates every day based on the data we collect on HouseSigma. We’ve designed the experience with sensible fallbacks and freshness expectations, and we monitor the integration closely. If data that we can be reasonably confident in isn’t available, we avoid misleading buyers with partial or stale numbers, and the tool will not show on that listing. The point is to help buyers decide, not to distract or misinform them.
• Estimates vs exact: These numbers are estimates, based on user data from HouseSigma and AI models trained on our proprietary data (i.e. home tours booked through HouseSigma) and infer the count of tours booked on any listing every day. That being said, buyers have many opportunities at their disposal to tour a home, and we’re aware that we can’t capture all of that signal.

Try it for yourself

Buying a home is one of the highest-stakes decisions most of us make. As a buyer, you deserve clarity when it comes to competition. With likely tour counts on eligible Ontario listings, you now have a useful step toward that clarity. Fewer question marks, better timing, smarter strategy.

Give it a spin the next time you’re browsing Ontario listings on HouseSigma. And if you’ve got thoughts, we’re listening; this feature came directly from buyer feedback and field research, and we plan to keep tuning it based on what helps buyers most.

The post From clicks to footsteps: New HouseSigma tool gauges buyer competition on listings appeared first on HouseSigma.

Unlock Edmonton’s real estate potential with HouseSigma

As a valued HouseSigma user in Alberta, you may already have a taste of the power of our comprehensive real estate data in Calgary and other cities. Now, we are excited to extend that same level of insight to Edmonton, currently one of Canada’s most affordable real estate markets.

Whether you are considering expanding your investment portfolio or looking for a new home within Alberta, Edmonton offers a wealth of opportunities, and HouseSigma is here to help you navigate the Edmonton real estate market.

HouseSigma first to offer two years of Edmonton sold data directly from Edmonton’s real estate board

With our new addition of Edmonton sold data* directly from REALTORS® Association of Edmonton (RAE), HouseSigma provides unparalleled insights into the Edmonton real estate market. Our data allows you to make informed decisions with confidence. But that’s not all – HouseSigma offers a suite of analytics tools to enhance your real estate experience:

• Detailed Listings: Explore comprehensive property listings with all the information you need to make an informed decision.
• Market Trends: Stay up-to-date with the latest trends and movements in the Edmonton real estate market.
• Machine Learning powered tools: HouseSigma uses Machine Learning to equip you with valuable real estate information, such as estimated value, recommended listings, and sold comparables

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to access the most detailed and comprehensive real estate data in Edmonton. Check out the latest Edmonton listings on HouseSigma today and explore the wealth of information at your fingertips!

Also, we would love to hear from you about your experience in using HouseSigma! Click the button below to tell us your feedback.

*Note: Edmonton sold data is currently available only on the Desktop and Mobile Web versions of HouseSigma. Due to compliance with RAE regulations, this data is current not accessible through our Android and iOS apps.

The post Explore Edmonton with HouseSigma: Now featuring sold data from Edmonton real estate board appeared first on HouseSigma.

Introduction

Located in picturesque southern Alberta, Calgary lies at the confluence of the Bow and Elbow rivers in the foothills of the Canadian Rockies on the western edge of the Great Plains. The city is distinctly different from the Prairie Provinces’ other urban centers, thanks to this spectacular setting. 

This modern city owes its beginnings to the founding of a North-West Mounted Police (later Royal Canadian Mounted Police) post in 1875. The small settlement became the heart of a cattle ranching area, but the discovery of natural gas and crude oil changed everything. Calgary is now a modern city offering a good quality of life, plentiful job opportunities, and a lively culture. 

With so much to offer, it’s not surprising that people from other parts of Canada, the US, and other countries are happy to make Calgary their new home. This guide will help you prepare to make the move to Calgary yourself.

Index

1. Why do people move to Calgary?
2. How much money is needed to move to Calgary?
3. How much money is needed to live comfortably in Calgary?
4. Calgary’s best neighborhoods
5. The robust job market makes Calgary extremely attractive
6. Education a major drawcard for moving to Calgary
7. Pleasant, distinctive climate and weather add to the appeal
8. Immigration requirements
9. An excellent option for settling down
10. About Polly’s data

Why do people move to Calgary?

People move to Calgary for a variety of reasons. According to data collected by Polly from 205,919 people for 12 months to May 12, 2024, it answers the question of why people move to the city. The graph below is what Polly found. 

20.8% of the sentiments expressed online confirmed that people moved to Calgary for job opportunities, while 20.7% said that affordability was a major factor in moving to the city. 19.8% named cultural events as a major reason. The city is home to several theater companies, a symphony orchestra, ballet, and opera companies. 

13.9% suggested that outdoor activities are what attracted them to this part of Canada. Calgary has a thriving culture of sports, with teams such as the Calgary Flames (National Hockey League), Calgary Roughnecks (National Lacrosse League), and Calgary Stampeders (Canadian Football League). While these sports teams receive tremendous support from locals and visitors, international attention is mostly directed to the Calgary Stampede, a 10-day festival celebrating the Old West. The event features a parade, rodeo events, live music, and other entertainment and activities and attracts more than 1 million visitors each year. Many locals and visitors also enjoy winter sports, thanks to the Rocky Mountains ski areas being a little more than an hour’s drive from the city.

13.8% of those surveyed by Polly moved to Calgary for its diverse community. 5.6% of online sentiments indicate that quality of life was a major factor in their moving, while 4.5% said that they moved to the city for education. The city boasts numerous educational institutions, such as the University of Calgary, Mount Royal University’s main campus, and SAID Polytechnic, as well as many state and private schools. Only 0.9% said they moved to Calgary for the city’s scenic beauty. It seems that despite the uncommon beauty of the city, the scenery cannot surpass job opportunities, affordability, and other essential livability factors as a primary motivation for newcomers.

How much money is needed to move to Calgary?

The cost of moving to Calgary varies from person to person, depending on a variety of factors. Some of the biggest costs you will need to cover include the cost of moving your belongings from your current home to your new home in Calgary. This cost depends on your choice of moving company as well as on the distance between your current home and Calgary.

Hiring Movers: Next, you’ll need to pay movers to help offload your belongings and move them into your apartment or house. Plus, you should give them a tip when the job’s complete. According to Moving Waldo, you can look at hiring two movers to move your belongings into a one- to two-bedroom apartment. This would require around three hours of labor and cost approximately CA$150. Tips for the two movers bring the total amount to CA$500.

Rental Costs: Whether you plan on renting long-term or until you buy an apartment or house, you need to cover the deposit, which is usually a month’s rent, as well as your first month’s rent. According to Numbeo, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is CA$2,010.60. With a deposit, the amount is CA$4,021.20. Outside the city center, the average rent on a one-bedroom deposit is CA$1,632.50. With a deposit, the amount you’ll need to cover is CA$3265.00.

Example Summary of Initial Costs:

Moving Company Fees: Variable

Hiring Movers: $150 – $500

First Month’s Rent + Deposit (City Center): $4,021.20

First Month’s Rent + Deposit (Outside City Center): $3,265.00

Once you have moved in, you will need to think about additional costs, such as groceries, internet, and transport. You can find out more about that below.

How much money is needed to live comfortably in Calgary?

Before looking at how much money you need to live comfortably in Calgary, it’s important to note that the city is relatively expensive. Calgary ranks 63^rd on Numbeo’s list of the 424 most expensive cities by cost of living. It should also be said that the amount you need depends on the type of lifestyle you want to live and the associated expenses.

A single person would need between $3,500 and $5,000 monthly after tax to cover housing and utilities, transportation, food, and entertainment/lifestyle expenses. A family of four would need between $6,000 and $7,000, if not more. Let’s take a closer look.

Housing costs in Calgary can vary significantly depending on the size and location of the accommodation. We’ll touch on Calgary’s various neighborhoods later, but for now, it suffices to say that the cost of housing in the city center is higher than outside of the center. For example, the average monthly cost of renting a one-bedroom apartment in the city center is CA$2,010.60, while a one-bedroom apartment outside the center is CA$1,632.50. The average monthly rental on a three-bedroom apartment in the city center is CA$3,097.80, while the average monthly rental on an apartment of the same size outside the city center is $2,520.37. The average price per square foot to buy a city center apartment is CA$373.15, and the average price per square foot to buy an apartment outside the city center is CA$375.72.

The average monthly cost for basic utilities (including electricity, cooling, heating, water, and garbage) for a 915 sq ft apartment is CA$296.51. Monthly internet (60 Mbps or more, unlimited data, cable/ADSL) costs approximately CA$92.24. Purchasing home appliances is an additional expense you might need to consider, although these are once-off costs. To give you an idea, a microwave oven from a popular brand such as LG, Panasonic, or Bosch costs approximately CA$327, while a 40” flat screen TV costs approximately CA$460.

Your monthly food costs can also vary considerably, depending on your choices. You might spend much more money on food if you eat out regularly than you would if you prepare most of your meals at home. 

For example, the average cost of a meal for one in an inexpensive restaurant in Calgary is CA$27.50, while the average cost of a three-course meal for two people in a mid-range restaurant is $100.00. In contrast, a McDonalds McMeal (or equivalent combo meal) has an average cost of $14.38. The average cost of a regular cappuccino is CA$5.24, while that of a 12 oz small bottle of Coca-Cola or Pepsi is CA$2.91. The average price of a 12 oz small bottle of water is CA$2.43. A 1-pint draft of domestic beer costs approximately CA$7.50.

The cost of groceries in Calgary is generally affordable. For example, the average price of a gallon of regular milk is CA$9.61, of a 1lb loaf of white bread is CA$3.06, and of 12 regular eggs is CA$5.41. 1lb of regular cheese has an average price of CA$8.80, while 1lb of chicken fillets costs approximately CA$8.14. 1lb each of apples, oranges, tomatoes, potatoes, and onions costs CA$2.67, CA$2.37, CA$2.55, CA$1.61, and CA$1.41, respectively. The average price of a mid-range bottle of wine is $19.50.

The cost of clothing in Calgary is comparable to other large cities. A summer dress from a high street store such as H&M or Zara costs approximately CA$66, while a pair of jeans from Levi’s or a similar popular brand costs approximately CA$75. A pair of men’s leather formal shoes costs approximately CA$139, while a pair of sports shoes from Adidas, Nike, or another popular brand costs approximately CA$106.

There is a wide variance in personal care expenses in this Canadian city. The average prices of basic toiletries are reasonable. For example, a tube of toothpaste costs approximately CA$3.09, and a roll-on deodorant costs approximately CA$6.00. On average, a 15-minute visit to a private doctor costs CA$79. A six-day course of cold medication costs approximately CA$11.00, while a 12-dose course of antibiotics has an average cost of CA$20.00.

Your monthly transport costs depend on whether you already have your own car, purchase a car and use it, use your own vehicle and public transport, use public transport exclusively, or use a combination of public transport and other methods, such as a bicycle. A one-way ticket on local transport costs CA$3.70, while a monthly pass costs CA$115.00. A Volkswagen Golf 1.4 90 KW Trendline (or equivalent new car) costs CA$33,978.00, while a Toyota Corolla Sedan 1.6l 97kW Comfort (or equivalent new car) costs CA$28,992.90. One gallon of gasoline costs CA$5.48.

Entertainment and lifestyle costs can also vary considerably. The average monthly fee for one adult at a fitness club is CA$75.09, while a single movie ticket costs approximately CA$18.00. Two tickets for the best seats available at the theater cost approximately CA$182. 

Calgary’s best neighborhoods

One of the big decisions you will be faced with when moving to Calgary is which neighborhood to move to. The city is divided into four quadrants, each of which is comprised of several different neighborhoods. They include Southwest, Northwest, Northeast, and Southeast. Each of the quadrants has a distinct character. The city’s four quadrants are indicated in street addresses, which end in SW, NW, NE, or SE.

Southwest (SW) Quadrant
In the Southwest (SW) quadrant, the most well-recognized, sought-after neighborhoods include Bankview, Killarney, and Mount Royal. This quarter also includes popular downtown accommodation locations, such as the Beltline. Further out from downtown, you’ll find neighborhoods such as Acadia, Chinook Park, Haysboro, and Sundance.

The rent and house prices in this quadrant are some of the highest in the city, as the Southwest is widely thought of as one of the best places to live in Calgary. You can enjoy relatively easy access to the C-Train Blue Line for an easier commute downtown from the quadrant’s northern part. Head to 17^th Avenue for a vibrant mix of bars, shops, and restaurants. 

Northwest (NW) Quadrant
The Northwestern quadrant’s neighborhoods considered to be in prime locations include Arbour Lake, Bowness, Edgemont, Hamptons, and Kensington and Crescent Heights. Arbour Lake, Bowness, Edgemont, and Hamptons are ideal if you plan to head to the Rockies regularly, while Kensington and Crescent Heights are popular among newcomers and younger residents who love the eclectic mix of arts and crafts shops, bistros, boutiques, cafes, and pubs.

This quadrant is better served by the C-Train than the Southwest quadrant. The Red Line offers easy access to downtown for residents in Kensington, neighborhoods near the University of Calgary, and other suburbs. If you are looking for a countryside feel in the city, make your way to the quadrant’s Nose Hill Park.

Northeast (NE) Quadrant
Calgary’s Northeast quadrant is home to Calgary Airport as well as various commercial areas. While some neighborhoods in this quadrant are popular among new immigrants and young couples due to lower rents and house prices, neighbourhoods in the Northeast are generally not considered to be the city’s best. Some neighborhoods east of Deerfoot Trail, unfortunately, face gang problems and higher crime rates than many of the city’s other areas. One of the quadrant’s nicer areas is Bridgeland, which is closer to downtown Calgary. If you enjoy shopping for bargains, head to the quadrant’s Crossiron Mills and Sunridge Mall complexes.

Southeast (SE) Quadrant
The Southeast quadrant is best known for being Calgary’s main industrial hub, although you can find a few neighborhoods worth looking at if you want lower rent or house prices. The most popular neighborhoods in the quadrant include McKenzie Lake and Midnapore, although the lack of public transport in this quadrant means you might struggle to get around if you don’t have your own car.

The Inglewood neighborhood, located closer to downtown Calgary, is being revitalized and boasts numerous antique stores, unique shops, and breweries. Popular with younger residents, the area is great to visit on weekends. Inglewood is also within easy distance of the Scotiabank Saddledome.

The robust job market makes Calgary extremely attractive 

Calgary’s diverse economy means the city boasts a robust job market offering opportunities across a diversity of industries. After natural gas was discovered at nearby Turner Valley in 1914, Calgary experienced a new growth wave thanks to the fledgling petroleum industry. This growth was spurred on by the opening of Alberta’s first refinery in 1923. A second refinery opened after crude oil was discovered in 1936. The city saw even greater economic expansion after the discovery of the Leduc fields near Edmonton in 1947. 

A little less than 100 years later, Calgary is a modern city whose historic roots are still evident. As the petroleum industry’s corporate center, it has attracted various other industries and services, such as aerospace, banking, creative industries, digital media, energy and environment, entertainment, finance, insurance, life sciences, logistics, petroleum supply, technology, and transportation, as well as a manufacturing industry encompassing electronics, machinery, food and beverage, and wood processing. 

Industry Diversity and Major Employers

In addition to being home to 118 of Canada’s largest corporate headquarters, Calgary is also at the center of the country’s oil and gas industry and has an excellent film industry. Calgary is known for having one of the country’s highest rates of self-employment, and there are more millionaires per capita in the city than anywhere else in Canada.

This Alberta city has a growing reputation as a tech hub and has attracted big names such as Amazon, Google, and IBM. Spending by industry in Alberta was forecast at $18.4 billion in 2022, and this is on the rise. An estimated CA$7.5 billion will be spent on big data, blockchain, cloud, and other digital transformation technologies in the coming years. This spending is expected to take place, especially within aerospace, agribusiness, creative industries, energy and environment, finance, interactive digital media, life sciences, transportation and logistics, and technology industries, leading to even more opportunities.  

Some of Calgary’s biggest employers include:

• Imperial Oil Limited
• Shaw Communication
• Suncor Energy
• Canadian Pacific Railway
• Calgary West Central Primary Care Network
• University of Calgary
• Enbridge Inc.
• Western Financial Group Inc.
• Calgary Police Service
• The Workers’ Compensation Board.

Education a major drawcard for moving to Calgary

Calgary’s education system has an excellent reputation for offering diverse options, ranging from childcare and kindergarten to grade 12, post-secondary, and continuing education. This makes Calgary an attractive destination for families and individuals seeking quality education.

Public School System

The public school system is divided into three groups: elementary (kindergarten to grade six), junior high school (grades seven through nine), and high school (grades 10 through 12). Children can attend public school for free. 

The Calgary Board of Education and the Calgary Catholic School District systems each have a wide network of good kindergarten to grade 12 (K-12) schools. The city is also home to more than 80 private schools offering unique programs and higher tuition fees. The Alberta Ministry of Education inspects private schools that offer credits toward the Alberta High School Diploma.

Private Schools

Calgary is home to more than 80 private schools, each offering unique programs and often higher tuition fees. These schools provide specialized education, from rigorous academic curricula to programs focusing on arts, athletics, or religious studies. The Alberta Ministry of Education inspects private schools to ensure they meet the standards required for credits toward the Alberta High School Diploma.

Post-Secondary Education

More than 90,000 students are enrolled in Calgary’s post-secondary educational institutions, which collaborate with arts, business, non-profit, progressional services, and technology communities to prepare students for the city’s changing economy. Calgary boasts one of the highest post-graduate levels of all of Canada’s major cities.

Pleasant, distinctive climate and weather add to the appeal

Calgary is 3,556 feet above sea level and sits on the prairies, so the climate is dry and has low humidity levels. With an average of 333 days of sunshine yearly, this is Canada’s sunniest major city. Unsurprisingly, summer is often warm and dry, with temperatures reaching 86°F (30°C) or higher. That said, nights in the city are almost always cool. Frost can occur in any month of the year.

The city has four distinct seasons. Winter tends to be less harsh than in other parts of the country, although temperatures still stay below 14°F (-10°C) for a few weeks of the year. Thankfully, Calgary’s proximity to the Rockies means you can take advantage of many great ski resorts. Winter also brings the Chinook. This warm wind from the Pacific Ocean can raise temperatures by 15 degrees within a few hours.

May is known for being windy, while June’s rainfall is often higher than average. The warmest months are July and August, although you can still enjoy warm conditions in September and October. 

Immigration requirements

If you are thinking about immigrating to Calgary, there are a few different programs or pathways you can take. The federal department responsible for processing temporary residence, permanent residence, and citizenship applications is the Department of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

If you are a skilled worker, you can consider the express entry option. This option includes three different immigration programs and is designed for skilled immigrants who want to settle permanently in Canada. In Alberta, the option is known as the Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP).

If you are a business owner or entrepreneur, you can also consider immigrating to Calgary, Canada. The option to consider in this case is the Start-Up Visa Program, provided you have a letter of support from a designated organization, a qualifying business, meet the language requirements, and bring enough money with you to settle. 

If you are a skilled refugee, you can look at immigrating to Calgary through the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP). This option can help you immigrate through existing programs. However, before applying for the EMPP, you will need to apply through the AAIP. 

The AAIP includes eight immigration streams. These include:

• Alberta Opportunity Stream for skilled workers.
• Alberta Express Entry Stream for candidates with Express Entry profiles.
• Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway for tech workers.
• Rural Renewal Stream for candidates with job offers in a rural Alberta community.
• Alberta Farm Stream for those who want to operate a farming business.
• Graduate Entrepreneur Immigration Stream for international graduates in Alberta who want to start a business.
• Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream for foreign-educated international graduates who want to start a business in Canada.
• Rural Entrepreneur Stream for candidates who want to start a business in a rural Alberta community.

An excellent option for settling down 

Calgary is a city where modern convenience, technological advancement, vibrant cultures, eclectic art and culture, and breathtaking natural beauty meet. Offering excellent schools, a robust job market, and a wide range of accommodation options, this Alberta city could be the ideal place to choose as your new home.

About the Data

The data was sourced from Polly, who created independent samples of 205,919 people living in Calgary from online platforms like X, Reddit, and TikTok. The data was collected over 12 months, ending on 12 months to 12th May 2024. All the responses were collected and analyzed to produce outcomes within a 90% confidence interval and with a 5% margin of error. The engagement estimated how many people in the location were participating. 

Demographics were determined using many features, including people’s names, locations, and self-disclosed descriptions. Privacy was preserved using k-anonymity and differential privacy. Results are based on what people describe online — questions are not posed to the people in the sample.

The post Moving to Calgary Guide: What newcomers need to know appeared first on HouseSigma.

Offering an excellent quality of life, mild climate, stunning views, an abundance of outdoor attractions, a low crime rate, and a robust economy, Vancouver is one of the most liveable cities in the world. The city’s real estate market reflects this, with a growing demand for properties in the Greater Vancouver area. 

Index

1. Investment Opportunities Are Most Sought-After
2. Those Earning $80,000 to $120,000 Most Interested In Real Estate
3. Over 65s Express Highest Interest In The Property Market
4. Canadian Women More Interested in Real Estate Than Men
5. Real Estate Engagement In Canada Paints A Clear Picture Of The Market 
6. Methodology – About Polly’s Data

At the end of 2023, the real estate market had achieved a balance between buyers and sellers, but in early 2024, this balance started to shift back in favor of sellers. The supply of listed properties was not able to keep up with the demand despite the average sale price increasing by 4.2%(source: blog.remax.ca) between 2022 and 2023 and the Bank of Canada expressing an unwillingness to lower its policy rate due to ongoing inflation.

With Vancouver being such an appealing place to live and the market being relatively competitive, it’s not surprising that real estate is a major talking point online. To find out what Canadians are saying about the property market, we reviewed data from Polly over 12 months, up to April 12th, 2024. The data surveyed 2,085,917 Canadians’ engagement in various real estate-related topics online across platforms like TikTok, Reddit, and X. Let’s take a closer look at what these voices are saying.

Investment Opportunities A Top Talking Point

The attributes that Canadians are most in the real estate market cover several categories, from investment opportunities to low interest rates. According to Polly, the graph below illustrates the interest in the various real estate market attributes in Vancouver.

With the British Columbia Real Estate Association (BCREA) forecasting that home sales will increase by more than 9% in 2024 and a further 12% in 2025, it’s no surprise that the greatest engagement levels (17.09%) relate to investment properties. Purchasing real estate in Vancouver will certainly be a good investment if these forecasts prove correct. However, it’s interesting to note that the engagement levels for an attractive rental market were far lower (3.86%) as many investors would likely rent their properties out.  

Coming in just 1.39% behind investment opportunities, livability (15.70%) is clearly an important market attribute. Vancouver is the most expensive place to live in Canada, with the monthly costs for a family of four averaging $5208.07, excluding rent or mortgage. As inflation continues to rise, these costs are becoming increasingly challenging for many, and the livability of the area is a major concern.

With the property market favoring sellers, high demand is also attracting a lot of engagement, at 15.33%, while low vacancy rates score 5.16% engagement levels. While the two market attributes may correlate, demand clearly is a more pertinent concern.

14.35% engagement was recorded for infrastructure, as this is always a factor when considering a property purchase. However, local infrastructure is well maintained, with 60% of the core public infrastructure built and maintained by local municipalities. A strong economy attracted 8.15% of engagement, while population growth was a minor consideration, at 1.16%. 

The market attributes that garnered the least engagement were a stable housing market at 1.12% and low interest rates, which didn’t register at all with 0.00% input recorded. Considering the Bank of Canada has held its key interest rate at 5% since July 12, 2023, low interest rates simply appear not to be on anyone’s radar. 

Those Earning $80,000 to $120,000 Most Interested In Real Estate

Polly’s data reveals that those earning a mid-to-high-level income were most actively engaged in real estate conversations online. The chart below highlights the earning brackets and their overall engagement levels.

In March 2024, the average home price in Greater Vancouver was $1,318,687. This was an annual increase of 4.1% and a monthly increase of 3.3%. For those looking to purchase a home in this area, earnings are a major consideration as they impact mortgage eligibility and repayments. Looking at which earning categories are most talkative about real estate, Polly found that those topping the chart at 18.92% were earning an annual income of $80,000 to $120,000. Considering the average salary for a full-time worker is $63,013 annually, this puts those in this engagement category in the mid-to-high earnings bracket. 

In contrast, those earning $40,000 to $80,000 had the second lowest engagement rate at 2.10%, topped only by those in the $5000,000 to $1,000,000 category, which Polly recorded 0.00% interest for.

Those earning under $40,000 annually had engagement levels of 5.69%, while those in the $120,000 to $200,000 bracket followed close behind with 5.08%. Exactly one per cent less, at 4.08%, were earners in the $200,000 to $500,000 category. 

13.79% of people surveyed did not disclose their income.

Over 65s Express Highest Interest In The Property Market

Included in Polly’s data was an analysis of the various age groups talking about the property market. In the graph below, it’s evident which demographics have the most to say online. 

According to Newswire, the number of elderly households in Canada is on the rise, and this will have a major impact on the property market. Whether retiring and downsizing, buying and selling, or moving into the rental market, this age group is extremely active, and having the highest engagement levels (30.85%) confirms this. Following this group are those in the 55-64 years old category at 28.21%, likely for similar reasons as they consider their golden years.

Those aged 45-54 have 20.96% engagement levels as they likely have higher incomes and more stability, followed by those in the 35-44 age bracket with 9.43% engagement.  

The lowest engagement comes from those in the 25-34 age group (4.44%) and the second lowest from those aged under 25, at 6.11%. This is interesting as the youngest ages tend to have less buying power, while those in their mid-20s and 30s are usually more settled and financially stable. Studies also show that the typical first-time home buyer is 33 years old, making this an even more intriguing result.

Canadian Women More Interested in Real Estate Than Men

Polly’s data indicates different rates of engagement by gender, with the graph below clearly showing women in the lead. 

In 2019, 61% of first-time and repeat home buyers in Canada were female. Fast forward to 2023, and single women now make up the second-largest group of buyers, topped only by married couples. In contrast, single men only make up 10% of the buyer’s market. 

Polly’s data shows that women have a higher engagement rate than men, at 59.28%, which correlates with this trend. Men come in at 40.72%, highlighting an engagement gap of nearly  20%. For now, women are taking the lead not just in the conversation around real estate online but also in property purchases in Canada. 

Real Estate Engagement In Canada Paints A Clear Picture Of The Market 

Polly’s data clearly shows what real estate topics Canadians are interested in online and the engagement levels of different demographics. From investment properties being the most talked about to those in their senior years engaging in the highest number of real-estate-related conversations, the numbers highlight current trends and behaviors.

As Vancouver remains an attractive city to live in, there’s no doubt that these conversations will continue, and the market will influence the topics and demographics that engage in conversations online.  

About the Data

 The data was sourced from Polly, who created independent samples of 2,085,917 people from X, Reddit, and TikTok in Canada over a year, up until 12 April 2024. Responses were collected and analyzed to produce outcomes within a 90% confidence interval and 5% margin of error. Engagement estimated how many people in the location were participating. 

Demographics were determined using many features, including name, location and self-disclosed description. Privacy was preserved using k-anonymity and differential privacy. Results are based on what people describe online — questions were not posed to the people in the sample.

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Hampton Park is a new townhome community coming to Mount Hope by developers DiCenzo Homes

Project Details:

Location: White Church Road E and Upper James Street, Mount Hope
Developer: DiCenzo Homes
Property Type: Condominium
Number of Homes: 51
Approximate Square Footage Range: 1430 sq. ft.
Starting Price: $699,000
Deposit Structure: $5000 with offer, 5% less $5,000 due upon expiry of conditional period, 2.5% due in 60 days and the remaining 2.5% due in another 60 days
Maintenance Fees: $69.91 per month
Maintenance Fees Cover: Common areas such as roadway and landscaped area
Tentative Occupancy Date: Fall 2024

Project Descriptions:|
The perfect blend of country living and city life. The serenity of winding trails, local farmers markets and golf courses as close to home as the buzz of trendy restaurants, coffee shops, and stores. Hampton Park Townes is situated in Hamilton’s Mount Hope neighbourhood, where home and harmony meet for you and your family. Lose yourself in the call of the wild or respond to the call of the downtown core. It’s the best of both worlds and you get to choose. Who says you can’t have it all?
(From the Official Brochure)

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Willow is a new townhome community coming to London, Ontario by Wastell Homes.

Project Details:
Location: 310 Callaway Rd, London
Developer: Wastell Homes
Property Type: Row/Townhouse
Number of Stories: 3
Number of Homes: 53
Approximate Square Footage Range: 2084 sq. ft.
Starting Price: $749,900
Deposit: 10% of the purchase price
Maintenance Fees: $190 per month
Tentative Occupancy Date: March 2024

Project Descriptions:
Wastell Homes warmly welcomes you to Willow, a captivating new community nestled by the sprawling nature trails of The Medway Valley and bordered by the grounds of the gorgeous Sunningdale Golf Course. Charming exteriors harmonize with open-concept interiors, showcasing quality craftsmanship throughout. This idyllic collection comprises 3-bedroom, double-car-garage townhomes, each offering over 2000 sq.ft (with 1785-1800 finished sq.ft.) of stylish and functional living space. Willow’s modern farmhouse-inspired design blurs the boundaries between inside and outdoors, celebrating the site’s inherent connection to the natural environment that perfectly surrounds it.

Project Renderings:

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Granton Estates is a Freehold and Vancant Land Condo Community coming to Granton by Rand Developments

Project Details:

Location: Town of Granton – Fallen Drive
Developer: Rand Developments
Property Type: Freehold – Vacant Land Condo
Number of Stories: 2 Story Homes
Number of Homes: 25
Approximate Square Footage Range: 2080sq.ft. – 2446 sq.ft.
Starting Price: $749,000
Deposit Structure: 10% of purchase price upon signing
Maintenance Fees: $180 per month
Maintenance Fees Cover: Snow removal of private road, maintenance of common elements
Tentative Occupancy Date: Summer/Fall 2024

Project Descriptions:|
Introducing Granton Estates by Rand Developments, your ultimate destination for luxurious country living. Nestled just north of London, this exquisite Vacant Land Condo enclave comprises 25 high-end, two-story, detached homes. Ranging from 2,080 to 2,446 square feet, these residences feature spacious 40 ft. 2-car garages and 50 ft 3-car garages for your convenience.

AS you step inside, you’ll be greeted by an impressive 18 ft high foyer, which opens up to the upper level, offering a sense of grandeur. The interiors are adorned with premium finishes, blending contemporary elegance seamlessly. Granton Estates homes come equipped with lavish upgrades, including custom glass showers in the master ensuite, high-quality flooring, and quartz countertops in both the kitchen and all washrooms.

Outside you’ll find expansive backyards that overlook lush green spaces, provided a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Granton Estates offers the perfect blend of tranquility and convenience, ensuring you halve easy access to all the amenities you need.

With a variety of twenty-five distinctive luxury home designs to choose from, you can effortlessly find the dream home you’ve always envisioned while enjoying the charm of luxurious country living.
(From the Official Developer Sales Team)

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Stationside Condos is a new preconstruction condo community by Neatt Communities near Main and Ontario in Milton.

Project Details:

Location: 135 Nipissing Rd, Milton
Developer: Neatt Communities
Property Type: Condominium
Number of Stories: 19 and 23 (6 Storey Podium)
Number of Suites: 613
Approximate Square Footage Range: 447 to 853 sq. ft.
Amenities: Lobby, Fitness Studio, Party Room, Outdoor Terrace, BBQ Station, Dining & Lounge Areas, Bocce Ball Court
Starting Price: $484,490
Deposit Structure: $5,000 on signing, Balance to 5% in 30 days, 5% in 365 days, 2.5% in 545 days, 2.5% in 720 days, 5% on Occupancy
Maintenance Fees: $0.60
Tentative Occupancy Date: June 2027

Project Descriptions:

Welcome to Stationside, the next stop in your new chapter. This two tower building signals the newly emerging core of downtown Milton. With the future Milton GO expansion just steps away, Stationside is a conduit of accessibility, empowering you to get where you need to be and explore the opportunities that await you. It effortlessly celebrates quaint local culture, while welcoming a modern flair to its landscape, set to inspire future growth and expansion. Stationside is your ticket to discover what’s possible for you.
You’ve arrived at your destination.
(From the Official Brochure)

Project Renderings:

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BLVD.Q Is a new preconstuction condo by Mattamy Homes coming to the Queensway and Islington in Etobicoke.

Project Details:

Location: 935 The Queensway
Developer: Mattamy Homes
Property Type: Condominium
Number of Stories: 11
Number of Suites: 210
Approximate Square Footage Range: 413 sq. ft. to 1,212 sq. ft.
Amenities: Lobby with Concierge and automated parcel lockers, pet spa, co-working space, fitness area, terrace, entertainment space with kitchen, event space, media room, terrace with BBQs
Starting Price: $519,900
Deposit Structure: $10,000 on signing, Balance to 5% in 30 days, 2.5% in 180 days, 2.5% in 360 days, 5% on Occupancy
Maintenance Fees: $0.62/sq. ft. for suites over 835 sq. ft. $0.66/sq. ft. for suites 835 sq. ft. or less
Tentative Occupancy Date: Oct 2026

Project Descriptions:

Your Story Starts Here.
Introducing BLVD.Q, Mattamy’s newest mid-rise condominium community, coming to 935 The Queensway. BLVD.Q’s 11 storeys are a future icon of The Queensway, giving views towards the lake and above South Etobicoke in the night sky. Stylish interiors, useful amenities, and welcoming spaces that invite you to explore, gather, and connect. This is picture perfect living.    

(From the Official Website)

Project Renderings:

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Black Oak Towns is a condominium and POTL (Parcel Of Tied Land) community coming to Cambridge, Ontario.

Project Details:
Location: 101 Queensbrook Crescent, Cambridge
Developer: Freure Homes
Property Type: Condominium and POTL (Parcel Of Tied Land)
Number of Home: 12 Freehold properties and 152 POTL Townhomes
Approximate Square Footage Range: 1,480 sq. ft. to 1,975 sq. ft.
Starting Price: $764,900
Deposit Structure: 5% on signing, $25,000 in 10 days, monthly payments for the remainder of the 10%
Maintenance Fees: $112 per month
Tentative Occupancy Date: Now to 2027

Project Description:

The Freehold & POTL Towns in Black Oaks offer a modern and stylish living space. Located in the desirable West Galt neighbourhood, these townhomes offer convenience and accessibility to a variety of amenities. With a mix of freehold and POTL (common elements fee) options, there is a home to suit every lifestyle and budget. The spacious and open-concept floor plans provide plenty of room for living, entertaining, and relaxation. The contemporary design and high-end finishes provide a luxurious feel to the living space. The community is family-friendly with nearby parks, schools, and community centres. With easy access to major highways, commuting to work or exploring the surrounding area is a breeze.. Contact us today to learn more about these beautiful townhomes and book a viewing at our new Model Homes today!
(From the official developer’s website)

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